By Rubin E. GrantThe first thing John David Smelser did three years ago when he learned about the Vestavia Hills girls basketball coaching job opening was to watch video of the Lady Rebels.He didn’t know anything about the players on the team.But after watching the video and seeing then-freshman Emma Smith play, Smelser immediately applied for the job.“I loved … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantThe Mountain Brook boys, Oak Mountain boys and Hoover girls basketball teams took to the court early this week in regional finals with hopes of returning to the state tournament next week at Birmingham's Legacy Arena to defend their 2021 state championships.The Spartans' boys (29-4) played the Huffman Vikings (27-5) Monday afternoon in the Class 6A … [Read more...]

Spain Park had to take down a familiar foe to claim its third boys state bowling championship. The Jaguars went head-to-head with crosstown rival Hoover in the finals and prevailed in a thrilling match to claim the Class 6A/7A title in the Alabama High School Athletic Association 2022 State Bowling Championships Jan. 28 at the Alley Bowling Center in … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantHoover track coach Chris Schmidt was both excited and relieved after the 2022 Alabama High School Athletic Association State Indoor Track Championships last weekend at the Birmingham CrossPlex.The Bucs boys and girls team swept the Class 7A state championships but in completely different ways.The Hoover girls dominated, taking an early lead and … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantVestavia Hills senior Crawford West has been named the 2021-22 Gatorade Alabama Girls Cross Country Player of the Year.It’s the second consecutive year West has received the honor, but this time it’s particularly sweet.“I would definitely say it is more special this year since it is my final year,” West said. “It's always special to win on your last … [Read more...]