By Blake EllsWhen the volleyball season began, Libby Grace Gann was tasked with a tall order. She was the only senior on a team with a new coach and just one junior to complement her experience.Former coach Haven O’Quinn left Mountain Brook High for Birmingham-Southern College after leading the squad to three straight state championships. Just before the season … [Read more...]
Patriots’ Daniels Found Niche as Ball-Hawking Cornerback
By Rubin E. GrantAs a little kid, C.D. Daniels used to watch football on television.His favorite player was college and professional football running back Reggie Bush.“I wanted to be like Reggie Bush,” Daniels said.Well, Daniels, who goes by C.D. instead of his given name, CarDamien, didn’t become a flashy, all-purpose ball carrier like Bush. Instead, he found … [Read more...]
Old Tricks: Briarwood’s Yancey Said Smart Players Made a Good Year Better
By Blake Ells Fred Yancey has been coaching football for almost 50 years; his first team was in 1969, right after college. Being named Over the Mountain Journal Coach of the Year is certainly not the first time the Briarwood Christian legend has been recognized for his leadership, but the accolades never get old. “It means that we’ve had a great season,” said Yancey. “As … [Read more...]
Tough Start Doesn’t Diminish Powers’ Optimism For Homewood Girls Basketball
By Rubin E. GrantWhen Jazmine Powers accepted the Homewood girls basketball head coaching job last spring, it also meant she accepted the 2017-18 schedule that already was in place.“I couldn’t do anything about it,” Powers said.On a scale of one to 10, the opening three games rated a 20.The reigning Class 6A champion Patriots faced 2017 Class 7A champion Hoover … [Read more...]
Stone Sparkles: Homewood Wins Sixth Consecutive Cross-Country Crown
By Rubin E. Grant As Homewood junior Will Stone was speeding to his second consecutive Class 6A boys cross-country state championship, he was just as concerned about how his teammates were doing. “What I love about running cross-country is the camaraderie because it’s not just you, but also your teammates who you work with day in and day out,” Stone said. “The individual … [Read more...]