Oak Mountain Basketball Wins State and Makes History

High school basketball season wraps up as state playoffs took place these past few weeks. Winning a championship game is a big deal, but for Oak Mountain it was more than that. Winning the state title meant making history. The Oak Mountain Eagles won the 7A state basketball championship game for the first time in school history. The Eagles took on Enterprise for the state title and won 41-37.

Evan Smith, current junior on the team from Oak Mountain, explained how coach Love encouraged the whole team throughout the season. “Coach Love preached to us all season the saying, Doesn’t Matter Get Better (DMGB). In everything we do no matter what happens we have to get better to accomplish the things that we want to accomplish”.

Senior, Noah Young, was a key component to the team. Young was awarded player of the game several times. He reiterated what Evan said about the coaching through the season.

“Coach Love and Coach McMahon constantly preached to us that in everything that we do, win or loss, It, doesn’t matter, get better”. Young explains how “Nothing we accomplished was given to us. It was earned. Although it took us to hit rock bottom, I can’t be thankful enough for the way we responded in order to succeed.”

Former player, Logan Sheaffer, explains his excitement by saying, “I couldn’t be happier for Coach Love and the staff at Oak Mountain. For them to win it is a true testament to all of the hard work and determination the program has shown over the years. The win in the state championship not only accomplished something that has never been done at our school, but it also accomplished in uniting the students, faculty, alumni, and the community as one.” Coach Love obviously has had a positive impact on not only his current players but past players as well. Below is a photo of Coach Love and Sheaffer after the big win. 

The team this year had what it took to win due to their constant perseverance. Success like this doesn’t just happen overnight.

Gabe Haynes, former player and host of No Hat Podcast adds to Sheaffer’s statement. “I think this year's team's passion for the game is a large part of what made them so successful. A lot of the core group of guys have been playing together since they were kids and it shows out there on the floor.” Gabe continues, “When you take a group of young men who are as dedicated as they are, and mix that in with talent and good coaching from top to bottom the potential is as high as they want it to be”.

The bond this team has definitely helped them succeed this season. Congratulations to the Oak Mountain Eagles! 

The scores of the other classifications are listed below:

6A Mountain Brook vs Spanish Fort 56-43

5A Lee vs Ramsey 47-29

4A Anniston vs Booker T. Washington 54-52

3A Fyfee vs Montgomery Catholic 49-43

2A Midfield vs Lanett 58-54

1A Autaugaville vs Belgreen 38-34

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