By Rubin E. GrantBrock Bradley is only a high school junior, but the Spain Park quarterback approaches football with the mindset of someone much older.At least, that’s how Spain Park head football coach Tim Vakakes characterizes Bradley.“Nothing Brock does surprises me,” Vakakes said. “He has the ultimate drive to be the best. He’s a professional in a high school … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantWhen it comes to player of the year honors, defensive players usually have to take a backseat to offensive players.But that wasn’t the case this year. Hoover senior libero Sydney Durban moved to the front seat.Durban was voted the 2024 OTM Volleyball Player of the Year in balloting of Over the Mountain coaches.“I’m super grateful because usually … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantFor Homewood senior Emma Brooke Levering, the state cross-country meet was twice as nice.Levering won her second consecutive Class 6A title in convincing fashion, clocking 17:46.94 on the 5K Oakville Indian Mounds Park course last Saturday in the 69th AHSAA Cross Country Championships.Levering’s time was the fastest of the day among girls in every … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantFive Over the Mountain high school football teams opened the AHSAA state playoffs last week, and all five are still alive.Hoover, Vestavia Hills and Mountain Brook posted convincing first-round victories, while Homewood and Spain Park rallied from third-quarter deficits to advance.Meanwhile, five OTM flag football teams also opened the playoffs, but … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantEmma Brooke Levering figures to eat her share of bagels and peanut butter and listen to a wide variety of music this week and next.It’s part of the Homewood senior’s routine as she gets ready to run cross-country races.“I get up, get ready immediately and then eat a bagel with peanut butter the morning of a race and I ask one of my teammates to … [Read more...]