HANCEVILLE, AL --The 7A Northwest Regional semi-finals brought some excitement to Wallace State-Hanceville Thursday, as both games featured talented teams, big scoring runs, and miraculous comebacks. With Final Four implications on the line, the first day of Alabama's state playoffs presented some drama.

SPARKMAN DOWNS TUSCALOOSA COUNTY

Despite some impressive defense early from Cletrell Pope and company, Sparkman was able to roll past Tuscaloosa County by a score of 62-43 to open the boy's division up.

The Senators used a couple of big runs to help solidify their win throughout the game, including a big run to open up the fourth quarter. Senior guard Rashawn Green paced Sparkman with 17 points and nine rebounds to lead Sparkman. Thomas Melbert had 12 points.

An available shooting guard, Green showcased his shooting stroke and scoring ability. At 6-foot-3, he is a capable shooter and solid athlete. Alabama A&M head coach Willie Hayes and an assistant were in attendance to evaluate him, as well as Snead State and Faulkner University. Martin Methodist and Shorter University are also interested.

Any Division II, NAIA, or JUCO schools needing a solid shooter needs to give Green a look.

His stat-line is a little misleading, but Murray State signee Cletrell Pope had a nice showing with 10 points and eight rebounds. The 6-foot-9 power forward defended the rim and made things difficult for the Sparkman guards to get anything easy, especially in the first quarter. It's going to be fun to watch him grow once he gets to Murray State.

HOOVER CLAWS BACK TO DOWN HAZEL GREEN

Hoover recovered from shooting an abysmal nine-percent from the field in the first half to come back and defeat a talented Hazel Green team 63-55. Despite being 2 of 22 from the field in the opening half, the Buccaneers only trailed by a score of 29-18.

Sophomore guard Bradley Belt came out very well for Hazel Green, as he hit a couple of three-pointers and a lay-in at the rim. He finished with 12 points.

Future Mercer guard Ethan Stair showed his versatility the entire game, as he battled with Hoover's size at the rim, as well as playing on the perimeter.

The game changed in Hoover's favor in the third quarter when senior guard Austin Cherry went on a run of his own to spark a big run for the Buccaneers. When Cherry gets hot, he's hard to stop and he proved that on Thursday. He finished with 16 points, and Texas Pan-American signee Dylan Smith also chipped in 16.

Hoover and Sparkman will play Tuesday at Wallace State for a berth in the 7A Final Four.

BUZZER BEATER STEALS THE SHOW

Even though there was a handful of college athletes to take the floor Thursday, an unlikely hero made the most noise of the day during the girl's regional semi-final. Hazel Green's Maia Hill hit this game-winning 3 to give the Trojans a victory over Thompson.

Got our first buzzer beater of regional play. Hazel Green's girls advances on this shot: http://t.co/EW8dzjUl68

— Garrett Tucker (@GTuckerHoops) February 12, 2015