#SpartanInvitational 9th-Grade Champions Hoover Bucs

The host Spartans found themselves in a familiar showdown, facing off against Hoover in the championship game of the 9th-grade division. These two programs have battled at every level—9th grade, JV, and Varsity—building a rivalry rich in competitive history. With both teams coming off impressive semifinal wins, this matchup promised to be another classic.   A Slow Start with High Stakes   The opening quarter saw both teams feeling each other out, possibly battling nerves in their season finale and championship moment. Offenses struggled to find a rhythm, leading to a low-scoring first period. By the end of the quarter, Mountain Brook held a narrow 7-6 lead.   Leaders Take Charge in the Second Quarter   As the second quarter unfolded, both teams turned to their key players—leaders who had carried them throughout the season.   Mountain Brook leaned on Griffin Brown (5'11/PG/'28), one of the most dynamic scorers of the entire tournament. A lethal long-range shooter with tight handles and really shot-creation ability, Brown put the Spartans' offense on his shoulders, scoring eight points in the quarter and leading all scorers with 12 at the half.   Hoover countered with their interior force, Joshua Isaiah Brooks (6'5/PF|C/'28), who was dominant on both ends of the floor. His length and physicality disrupted Mountain Brook's inside attempts, while his rebounding presence was overwhelming. Though official rebound stats weren't recorded, Brooks likely had double digits by halftime. Offensively, he added five points in the quarter and finished with seven in the half, leading the Bucs.   At the break, Mountain Brook held a slim 20-18 advantage.   Hoover's Third-Quarter Surge   Hoover came out firing in the third quarter, knocking down early three-pointers and seizing momentum. [player_tooltip player_id='2748514' first='Dexter' last='Jones'] (6'0/G|F/'28) came alive, attacking off the dribble and proving nearly impossible to contain. He showcased his ability to create his own shot, getting to the rim with ease and knocking down a three-pointer. His eight-point quarter was instrumental in shifting the game's tempo.   Despite Hoover's offensive surge, Mountain Brook continued to rely on Griffin Brown, who responded with another 10-point quarter. However, with little offensive support from the rest of the lineup, the Spartans saw their lead vanish. By the end of the third, Hoover had flipped the script, taking a 40-34 lead into the final period.   A Nail-Biting Finish   The fourth quarter saw both teams make strong pushes. Mountain Brook found much-needed scoring from James Nolen Jackson (6'2/CG/'28), a versatile combo guard. Known as a pass-first playmaker, Jackson stepped up with a clutch three-pointer and showed flashes of his ability to create off the dribble. His contributions fueled a late Spartan rally.   However, Hoover had an answer. Cooper Allums (6'0/SG/'28) played a critical role down the stretch. A downhill attacker with range, Allums added four key points—seemingly minor on the stat sheet but crucial in maintaining Hoover's edge. His late-game production helped the Bucs withstand Mountain Brook's final push.   In a championship clash that lived up to the rivalry's legacy, Hoover secured a thrilling 51-49 victory, capping off their season in dramatic fashion.

The host Spartans found themselves in a familiar showdown, facing off against Hoover in the championship game of the 9th-grade division. These two programs have battled at every level—9th grade, JV, and Varsity—building a rivalry rich in competitive history. With both teams coming off impressive semifinal wins, this matchup promised to be another classic.