By Lee Davis
Count on it.
There will be at least two schools competing in the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s State Finals next week.
It’s guaranteed. And there could be a lot more.
In Class 7A boys, defending state champion Hoover was to meet Oak Mountain in the Northwest Regional finals on Tuesday, assuring that either the Bucs or Eagles would make it to the big dance at the BJCC’s Legacy Arena. Hoover reached the regional finals with a 55-52 win over James Clemens. Oak Mountain’s 43-40 upset of Sparkman put it in the bracket opposite Hoover.
The area is also assured of a spot in the Class 6A girls Final Four, as Homewood was to meet John Carroll Catholic in the Central Regional finals on Wednesday. The Lady Patriots made it to the regional final with a 62-38 rout of Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa. The Lady Cavs punched their ticket with a 69-48 win over Selma.
Spain Park boys also have a shot at the Class 7A state finals, meeting Gadsden City in the Northeast Regional finals on Tuesday. The Jags reached the championship game with an 89-51 domination of Grissom of Huntsville.
Defending Class 7A boys runner-up Mountain Brook saw its season end with a 56-54 loss to Gadsden City in the regional’s first game.
In girls Class 7A, Hoover will face Hazel Green in the Northwest Regionals, with the winner continuing on to Legacy Arena. The Lady Bucs earned their way to the regional championship game with a 42-18 victory over Bob Jones.
Mountain Brook’s Lady Spartans were eliminated by Buckhorn 55-44 in the first game of the Northeast Regionals.
In Class 6A boys, Homewood was to face Bessemer City in the Central Regional finals on Wednesday. The Patriots defeated Northridge 58-51 to earn a spot in the region finals.
