By Blake EllsHamp Sisson was a three-year starter at quarterback for the Mountain Brook Spartans.The program he leaves behind is much better than the one he took over then, and that was his class’ priority when they began this season.“Last year’s seniors did an incredible job of being leaders for us, and we wanted to continue that legacy,” said Sisson. “We wanted to … [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...]
Turkey Trounce: Spartans Beat Top Georgia Teams at Holiday Basketball Tournament
By Blake EllsThe Mountain Brook Spartans proved in March that they were the best basketball team in Alabama, and over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, they gave evidence they were arguably the best team in Georgia, too. Bucky McMillan’s team returned from the Holiday Hoopsgiving Tournament in Atlanta with a 79-62 win over last season’s Georgia AAAAAA runner-up Norcross … [Read more...]
Mountain Brook Advances in State Playoffs Despite Injuries
By Blake EllsSenior quarterback Hamp Sisson led Mountain Brook to a 23-22 victory over Bob Jones in the first round of the AHSAA state playoffs, the Spartans’ first playoff victory since 2012. Harold Joiner and AJ Gates sat with injuries, leaving Sisson as the offensive leader. But Sisson had help. “I felt like the offensive line took control of the line of scrimmage,” … [Read more...]
Mountain Brook Boys Win State Cross-Country Title; Vestavia’s Sweeney Takes Top Individual Slot
By Blake EllsThe Mountain Brook boys cross-country team won its 14th state championship on Nov. 11 at Oakville.The Spartans had four finishers in the top 17, including Charlie Slaughter at second and Hunter Harwell at eighth. Joseph Pitard and Gram Denning finished 16th and 17th, respectively. Sophomore Eric Alexander place 41st.Vestavia Hills senior James Sweeney … [Read more...]