By Rubin E. Grant When Mountain Brook took the basketball court at Hoover last Thursday, the Spartans had one big advantage, namely senior forward Trendon Watford. Watford at 6-foot-9 created a matchup nightmare for the Bucs, whose tallest starter was 6-4 senior forward C.J. Melton. The Bucs tried everything they could to contain Watford, at times double- and triple-teaming … [Read more...]
Homewood’s McBride Credits His Players for Soccer Coaching Award
By Rubin E. Grant Homewood boys soccer coach Sean McBride wasn’t about to take sole credit for being named the 2018 Spring South Region High School Coach of the Year by the United Soccer Coaches. In fact, he pointed to his players. “The award is recognition to all players, past and present, for bringing five state titles to Homewood High School and the city,” McBride … [Read more...]
Savvy Ellington Thriving on Basketball Court for Hoover
By Rubin E. Grant Hoover senior Ahman Ellington laughed at the notion that a point guard is a passer first and a shooter second. That’s because Ellington does more shooting than playmaking in the Bucs’ half-court offense. “It’s just the system and the coaches believing in me and allowing me to play freely, and me believing in myself,” Ellington said. “My teammates are … [Read more...]
‘Shining Time’ : John Baumgartner Relished His Professional Baseball Career
By Rubin E. Grant John Baumgartner walked into the home team clubhouse at historic Rickwood Field on a late November morning and immediately looked at a picture hanging above some lockers. The picture showed former Birmingham Barons legend Walt Dropo swinging a bat. Dropo and Baumgartner were teammates with the Detroit Tigers in 1953, but it wasn’t Dropo at the plate that … [Read more...]
‘Graceful’ Carr Heads All-OTMJ Volleyball Team
By Rubin E. Grant Grace Carr doesn’t mind being compared to her older sister, Sara. In fact, she rather enjoys it. “I like having her as an older sister,” Grace Carr said. “She’s a good role model. She set an example of working hard, coming in and committing yourself and having a passion for your sport.” As an outside hitter, Sara Carr led Mountain Brook to consecutive … [Read more...]