By Blake Ells Mountain Brook alumnus Bucky McMillan changed the culture at his alma mater. Under his tutelage, the Spartans have now won four state basketball championships in the past six seasons. It continued with a 73-49 victory over McGill-Toolen in this season’s title game. The win capped a 33-4 season for the Spartans, and the game was never close. By the end of … [Read more...]
Players of the Year, Holt and Barker Led Spain Park’s Winning Season
By Blake Ells This season, the Over the Mountain Journal’s girls Player of the Year is shared by the foundation and future of what may be the state’s next basketball dynasty. Spain Park senior guard Claire Holt and Spain Park sophomore forward Sarah Ashlee Barker led the Jaguars to coach Mike Chase’s first state championship, just one year after falling in the championship … [Read more...]
Spartans Four on the Floor
By Blake Ells Mountain Brook won its fourth boys basketball state championship in six years Saturday in a dominating 73-49 victory over Mobile’s McGill-Toolen. The Spartans were led by junior Trendon Watford’s 26 points, 12 rebounds, five blocked shots, three assists and one steal. Senior Sean Elmore complemented that with 20 points, sparked by 6-of-10 from beyond the arc, … [Read more...]
History-making Finish for Jags
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...]
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...]