Jacoby Hill propels Central-Phenix City to 7A state title game
Coming into Alabama’s state basketball tournament, a lot of people weren’t familiar with Central-Phenix City’s basketball program. Nestled right on the Alabama-Georgia state line, the majority of high school basketball fans don’t see them because of location alone.
After Thursday’s semi-final win over Spain Park, it’s safe to say the rest of the state is officially on notice.
“I think the last time we were here was 2006,” Red Devil head coach Charles Burkett told the media following their 61-58 win. “Central-Phenix City won 33 games in a row and lost in the state final. We’ve done every single thing imaginable except bring home that trophy.”
Sophomore guard Jacoby Hill made quite the first impression to casual basketball fans. He led the way for Central with 32 points, eight rebounds and three assists, effectively propelling the Red Devils to the 7A state championship game on Saturday evening.
The 6-foot-4 guard excelled with the ball in his hands as he showcased his creativity off the dribble and knack for scoring the basketball. He mixed things up and operated as a capable three-level scorer for the Red Devils.
“I see it every day,” Burkett said of Hill’s performance. “You guys might not know who Jacoby is, but everyone knows, and I’ve grown to expect that. He is just a kid that hates to lose. We hate to lose.”
Hill is no stranger to HoopSeen.com. He was a top performer at last year’s Bama Jam with Tri-City Elite, then followed things up with some strong performances with his high school team during the June live period event in Hoover. During those showings, Hill proved to be one of the top players in Alabama’s 2025 class.
In fact, Saturday’s 7A state championship game will feature some of — if not the best — sophomores Alabama has to offer.
Hoover boasts Salim London and Dewayne Brown while Central-Phenix City will counter with Hill and three other varsity starters.
The matchup also offers an intriguing storyline for Burkett, as he will matchup against his former school. He manned the sidelines at Hoover for 14 seasons and won a state championship in 2015. Buccaneers head coach Scott Ware was his assistant for several years.
“I think they still have the same DNA, so hey, let’s go.”
