By Solomon Crenshaw Jr.Garrett Morris, an original member of the Saturday Night Live cast, had a recurring bit in which he portrayed Chico Escuela, a fictitious former all-star baseball player from the Dominican Republic.Chico’s signature phrase was, “Baseball been berry, berry good to me.”The same could be said of Mountain Brook High School football and the … [Read more...]

By Solomon Crenshaw Jr.Lulu Bateh made two unreturnable serves during Mountain Brook’s championship match with Saraland on Nov. 1 in Bill Harris Arena at the Birmingham CrossPlex.But it’s the second one that will live in Mountain Brook lore.When Saraland couldn’t return Bateh’s delivery, Mountain Brook claimed its seventh state volleyball championship since 2014. … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantDr. Darin White is a firm believer in sports analytics, both on and off the field.It’s why White launched Samford’s sports marketing and analytics program in 2012 and added the first-of-its-kind Center for Sports Analytics in 2017.White is executive director of the program, which is considered among the best in the nation by leading sports industry … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantToward the end of the regular season, Spain Park lost five consecutive volleyball matches against stiff in-state competition, including the top-ranked teams in Class 6A (Mountain Brook) and 7A (Bob Jones).The streak caused some doubt about the Jaguars’ postseason chances, with a quick exit in the forecast.The Jags have proven those doubts were … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantDelicia McCray just wanted to help her son Corey come out of his shell four years ago when she would get on the mat and wrestle with him at the Hoover Skull and Crossbones Youth Wrestling Club.“He was extremely shy and a little timid,” McCray said. “I’m a mom who is very involved in sports but not just in the bleachers. I was watching him at practice … [Read more...]