By Blake Ells Spain Park won its first girls basketball state championship March 3 in dominating fashion – a 56-26 victory over McGill-Toolen Catholic from Mobile. McGill-Toolen made just nine field goals against a team that had been preparing for that moment. The Jaguars were led by senior Claire Holt, who had 20 points, five rebounds and four steals. She knocked down three … [Read more...]
Repeat Performance: Buc’s Dewitt Closes Career With Another State Wrestling Title
By Rubin E. GrantWhen D’Angelo Dewitt began wrestling in the seventh grade at Bumpus Middle School, it was a way to channel some of his aggression.“I got into my fair share of fights,” he said, “so when I saw the wrestling team at Bumpus, I thought that was something I could do.”Little did he know that was the beginning of his journey to becoming a two-time state … [Read more...]
Barker Bama Bound: But Says He’s Not Following His Father’s Path
By Blake EllsOn Feb. 7, senior athletes from across the country made their college choices known by signing their Letters of Intent on National Signing Day.Former Spain Park quarterback Braxton Barker accepted an offer to join the Alabama Crimson Tide as a preferred walk-on, a decision that seemed predestined. His father, Jay, led the Tide to a national championship in … [Read more...]
AHSAA State Indoor Track Championships: Kyle Smith Helps Bucs Sweep State Indoor Championships
By Rubin E. Grant On the eve of the 49th AHSAA Indoor State Championships at the Birmingham CrossPlex, Hoover junior Kyle Smith spent part of the evening praying and, as he put it, “getting my mind focused.” Smith’s time in prayer and meditation was well spent. He won his specialty event, the Class 7A triple jump, Saturday with a leap of 45-07 feet, easily outdistancing his … [Read more...]
AHSAA State Indoor Track Championships: Griffin Comes Up Big Again for Homewood In Class 6A Competition
By Rubin E. Grant The bigger the meet, the better Homewood senior Jasmine Griffin performs. “She’s competitive,” Homewood track and field coach Tom Esslinger said. “She has a killer instinct. When she steps to the line, she’s going to put everything in it, especially in big meets.” Griffin was at her competitive best last weekend in the 49th AHSAA State Indoor Championships … [Read more...]