Montgomery Academy Cruises Past Glencoe in Class 3A Boys Semifinal
BIRMINGHAM, AL – The Montgomery Academy Eagles (33-2) surged into the AHSAA Class 3A State Championship game after an impressive 84-49 victory over Glencoe in the semifinal matchup on Tuesday at Birmingham’s Legacy Arena.
Head Coach Jeremy Arant’s Eagles jumped out to a double-digit lead in the first quarter and never looked back. Boasting a starting lineup with four players standing 6-foot-4 or taller, Montgomery Academy dominated the boards, outrebounding Glencoe 45-17, and turned 19 offensive boards into multiple second-chance scoring opportunities.
“Rebounding is critical. If you can’t win the boards, it’s going to be a tough game,” Glencoe coach Ryan Chambless said. “Unfortunately, today wasn’t our best showing.”
A Historic Championship Opportunity
Montgomery Academy will face Mars Hill Bible (24-8) in Friday’s 3A title game. Mars Hill earned their spot by knocking off Houston Academy 63-51 in the other semifinal on Tuesday. This marks only the second time in Montgomery Academy history the boys’ team has advanced to the championship game; their prior appearance ended with a loss to Sumter County in 2004.
“We didn’t come this far just to fall short,” Montgomery Academy’s standout Skyler Stovall said. “We need to stick to our game—play hard, stay unselfish, and get the job done.”
Key Contributors for Montgomery Academy
Montgomery Academy’s potent offense was on full display, led by Braden Gordon with 17 points and six rebounds. Stovall also tallied 17 points, along with four rebounds and four assists. Jarrett Friendly added to the strong performance with 16 points and six rebounds, while Brewer Welch recorded a team-high seven assists. DJ Vinson anchored the team’s rebounding effort, grabbing nine boards, and Mason Ellis contributed six points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Cade Segars chipped in with 11 points.
For Glencoe, Garret Morgan scored a game-high 20 points while Wade Segrest added 18 for the Yellow Jackets (25-8). This year’s run to the semifinals made history, as they became the first boys’ team from Etowah County to reach the state tournament since 2005.
“We’re proud of making it to this stage,” said Glencoe’s Morgan. “It’s a big accomplishment for our team.”
Dominating Defense Propels Eagles To Title Game
Defense continues to be a defining factor for Montgomery Academy’s success this season. The Eagles not only built a strong lead to start the contest but also sustained their momentum throughout the game, steadily widening the gap.
“Our emphasis has been on commitment to defense and working together as a unit,” Arant explained. “That intensity and teamwork have been the difference for us this season. At times, it feels like we’ve got six or seven guys on the court.”
Montgomery Academy now takes aim at their first-ever Class 3A basketball title, determined to cap an already stellar season a blue map back to the Capital City.
FEATURED IMAGE: Montgomery Academy’s Skyler Stovall (22) lays in two of his 17 points in the Class 3A boys’ semifinals at Legacy Arena Tuesday. (AHSAA PHOTO | David Holtsford)
