Hillcrest-Evergreen Secures AHSAA Class 3A State Title with 52-28 Win Over Midfield
Birmingham, AL – Junior standout, Trey Simpson, delivered a stellar triple-double performance, catapulting Hillcrest-Evergreen to a 52-28 victory over the Midfield Patriots. This triumph in Friday’s AHSAA Class 3A State Championship game at the BJCC’s Legacy Arena marked a historical win for the Jaguars – their first since 2006.
Amassing an impressive 24 points, 23 rebounds, and a career pinnacle of 15 blocked shots, Simpson’s prowess was undeniable as the Jaguars, under the guidance of coach Tereance Pinkney, closed their season with a 28-3 record. “This is probably the best I’ve ever played. I was just out there hooping,” stated an elated Simpson post-game, having also secured nine offensive rebounds, the highest in the tournament to date.
Midfield’s coach, Courtney Jones, was quick to acknowledge Simpson’s impact, suggesting top-level college coaches should urgently express interest. Midfield struggled offensively, managing a mere 9-of-49 field goals, visibly stifled by Simpson’s authoritative presence as Hillcrest effectively neutralized the Patriots beyond the arc and in the paint.
Hear from Coach Tereance Pinkney from @HHS_Evergreen following his teams victory in the 3A State Championship Game pic.twitter.com/oA6RFLlKPU
— AHSAA (@AHSAAUpdates) March 1, 2024
The Jaguars’ charge was spearheaded by Simpson’s five first quarter blocks, contributing to a 12-5 lead. Although Midfield narrowed the gap to 23-20 by halftime, they were subsequently outmaneuvered, particularly in the second half where they scored just eight points. Simpson concluded the contest with an 11-for-20 field goal count while adding nine offensive rebounds and three steals.
Supporting the victorious Jaguars were Jermonte Stallworth with 10 points, six rebounds, and four assists, and JT Barlow with seven points and nine rebounds. Midfield found solace in Aaron Adams-Martin who led the Patriots on the scoreboard with nine.
The 2024 AHSAA State Finals will continue its athletic showcase with Class 4A’s championship faceoffs, followed by the remaining classes concluding the tourney on Saturday. All championship games are being broadcast live over the Alabama Public Television Network and streamed on the NFHS Network.
Click here to check out schedules and scores from the 2024 AHSAA State Basketball Finals.
The ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM for Class 3A Boys included championship game MVP, Trey Simpson from Hillcrest-Evergreen; his teammate Jermonte Stallworth; Dujuan McKinney and Aaron Adams-Martin from Midfield; along with Jaxon Colvin from Geraldine and Johnathan Finch from Sumter Central..
