DC's Alabama State Finals Recap
The 2021-2022 season for Alabama basketball has finally ended, and what an incredible season it was. This weekend was capped off with some fantastic state championship games.
One team fought down to the last second for a chance to win back-to-back titles, and another team made their Cinderella story into a reality.
Plainview Holds off a scorching Jaborri McGhee.
Plainview 77, Winfield 60.
Plainview entered the state title game with tons of momentum that carried over from an impressive regular season.
They are known for their high-pressure defense but understood that containing the duo of Winfield’s Jaborri McGhee, who dropped 38 points & grabbed 11 rebounds, and Logan Feltman, who put up 20 points & pulled down 11 rebounds as well.
Instead of switching up the game plan, Plainview stuck with the strategy that helped them all season, applying top-notch intensity on defense and scoring quick and easy baskets.
Plainview did precisely that, putting up big shots and finding a way to eliminate other members of Winfield’s team from making any plays. They controlled the game’s pace, and by the time Winfield wanted to make a run, it was too little too late.
Plainview was lights out from beyond the arch, shooting an astonishing 50% from the three. Once again, Cole Millican led the way with 22 points & four steals.
Luke Smith & Dylan Haymon also played great, with Smith dropping 18 points & Haymon adding 16 points, putting on a fantastic showing.
Jacksonville dominates in State Championship.
Jacksonville 85, Escambia County 49
With Jacksonville’s talent level, it was no surprise that this game was such a landslide victory. They gave out with such intensity, and Escambia had no answer of how to handle this offensive juggernaut.
One of the biggest takeaways from this matchup was the 25 points off 2nd chance shots that Jacksonville was able to get as well as scoring off turnovers.
Top ’23 forward Cade Phillips unleashed in the first half with 12 points, setting the stage of how dominant Jacksonville would be for the entire game. He would finish with 19 points & pulled down nine rebounds.
John Broom finished with 21 points & nine rebounds in just 19 minutes, definitely showing just how elite his game can be in such little time. Caden Johnson added 16 points and did a little of everything on the floor.
Sheldon Williams led the way for Escambia with 14 points & four blocks.
Lee-Huntsville escapes Ramsay.
Lee 69, Ramsay 68
Last season, Lee and Ramsay faced off, and it was pretty much a cakewalk for Lee as they captured the 5A championship. So, the anticipation for them to play each other again was at an all-time high.
Ramsay got off to a hot start putting Lee on their toes with their quick buckets in the transition and solid half-court defense. ’23 guard Kerrington Keil was locked in from the beginning and dropped 16 points heading into the half.
Unfortunately, Keil was dismissed from the game after receiving his 2nd technical before the half end, leaving Lee with the opportunity to run away with the title yet again.
What looked like an end to Ramsay’s run slowly turned into a chance to win as OB Reese, and PJ Davis stepped up big time.
This game would come down to the last possession, and with only ten seconds left in the game, it would all come down to Lee.
Lee’s Deavious Woods, who finished as this year’s MVP, slashed his way to the basket for the winning lay-up that gave Lee the lead down the stretch. Woods finished with 22 points, seven rebounds, and four steals was the leading factor for Lee capturing yet another state championship.
Dexter Smith Jr. stepped up for Lee as well by adding 20 points, and Jacari Lane chipped in with 12 points.
Cullman Makes History.
Cullman 57, Huffman 50
One of the most highly intense games from this Saturday was between Cullman and Huffman High. Cullman did what no one expected and made it to the dance, and Huffman looked to add another map to their growing dynasty.
Both teams traded baskets pretty the entire first half. Still, the momentum would slowly shift when Huffman’s leading scoring Christopher Blount who finished with 21, would go down momentarily with a leg injury.
Despite Blount making a comeback in the 2nd half, the energy and hustle that Cullman played with already had the game decided. This game would be won in the third quarter when Cullman outscored Huffman 14-9 as the most significant gap in the game.
Tucker Cagle led the way for Cullman with 12 points, and Tucker Apel chipped with 11 points capping off one of the best seasons in Cullman history.
Enterprise Gets the Job Done.
Enterprise 66, James Clemens 64
After getting to the finals last season and coming up short against Oak Mountain, Enterprise was determined to not leave empty-handed this time.
This game included ten ties and seven lead changes, making one believe that the winner would come down to which team had the ball last.
While James Clemens capitalized with 26 points off turnovers, Enterprise utilized their bench very well by adding 20 points keeping this game as tight as possible.
Despite James Clemens having multiple players in double figures such as Jordan Frazier and Pierce Roper who both led with 15 points, Enterprise found a way to get the win.
Kenneth Mitchel Jr. led the way with 14 points & five rebounds, but it would be the game-winning basket from Trevon Kemmerlin to seal the victory. He finished with 11 points along with Quentin Hayes.
