By Lee DavisThere were plenty of reasons why Hoover’s Dylan Smith should not have been playing in the state Class 7A basketball championship game on Feb. 28.The first reason is that Smith, a senior, is a transfer from Mobile’s McGill-Toolen High School. If there’s no transfer, he is never at Hoover in the first place.Secondly, despite their No. 5 rating and strong … [Read more...]
Patriot Youth and Intensity Led Way to Championship
By Lee DavisThe Homewood Patriots girls’ basketball team put together a season for the books in 2014-15.The team finished 30-4, spent most of the year at the top of the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 6A rankings and then claimed its first-ever state championship.Much can and should be written about the Patriots and their amazing championship run, but … [Read more...]
Family Jewels
Brittley Humphrey Carries Family Tradition WellBy Lee DavisBrittley Humphrey comes from an athletic family. Her father, Bobby, was an All-American running back at the University of Alabama in the 1980s. Her brother, Marlon, presently plays football for the Crimson Tide.But the spark that made Brittley Humphrey a champion had comparatively little to do with family … [Read more...]
Super Bowl Stripes
By Lee DavisRonnie Baynes has seen the Super Bowl from the best spot in the stadium.And that doesn’t mean a luxury box.Baynes – a former Auburn University football player and Mountain Brook baseball coach – was an NFL official from 1987-2000. During that period, he worked many preseason and regular season games, numerous playoffs and, as a reward for his good work, … [Read more...]
Double Volley
By Lee DavisAny way you look at it, 2014 was a special year for Over the Mountain volleyball.For the first time ever, area schools swept state championships in the top classifications. Mountain Brook claimed the title in the brand-new Class 7A, and John Carroll Catholic took the blue trophy in Class 6A.Additionally, Hoover was a strong runner-up to the Lady Spartans … [Read more...]