Pinson Valley Advances to Class 6A Boys State Finals with Emotional Win Over McGill-Toolen Catholic

Indians pull away in fourth quarter for 56-37 victory 

BIRMINGHAM, AL – The Pinson Valley Indians secured a heartfelt victory on Wednesday, defeating McGill-Toolen Catholic 56-37 in the Class 6A state semifinals at the BJCC’s Legacy Arena. This win propels the Indians (22-8) into the state title game, where they’ll vie for their second state hoops title in school history. 

The matchup carried extra weight for the Indians, still mourning the loss of former player Caleb White. White, a star guard, tragically passed away after collapsing on the court in August 2023. Pinson Valley has dedicated this season to his memory. 

“To know Caleb was to know someone exceptional,” an emotional Coach Darrell Barber shared after the game. “This team embodies who he was.” 


 

Semifinal Breakdown

Pinson Valley entered the fourth quarter with a narrow 31-29 lead before exploding on a dominant 13-2 run. Senior guard Austin Coner led the effort, delivering 19 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. His leadership was pivotal in turning a close contest into a commanding victory. 

“Every game we play is dedicated to Caleb,” Coner said. 

Quay Lynch ignited the fourth-quarter surge with his sole 3-pointer of the game, extending the Indians’ lead to 34-29. Moments later, Jamarcus “Smoke” Thomas turned a critical steal into a dunk, pushing the score to 44-31 and effectively putting the game on ice. Thomas contributed nine points and 11 rebounds, while Lynch finished with 11 points. 

McGill-Toolen’s Struggles 

McGill-Toolen (22-9) couldn’t overcome Pinson Valley’s momentum in the fourth quarter. Coach Phillip Murphy shifted from a zone defense to man-to-man in hopes of containing the Indians’ guards, but the adjustment fell short. 

“Their guard play was the difference,” Murphy said. 

Andrew Murchison led the Yellow Jackets with 14 points and seven rebounds, while Grayson Brower added 10 points. Despite their efforts, the team struggled offensively, shooting just 26.7% from the field and 15.8% from beyond the arc. 

A Year of Challenges 

The game also carried personal significance for McGill-Toolen’s Coach Murphy, who spent part of the season recovering from a serious health scare that required surgery and a two-week stint in intensive care. 

For Pinson Valley, this season has been one of resilience. The team overcame not only White’s passing but also the departure of another star player, Clyde Walters, to a prep school in October. 

“When Clyde left, it forced this team to step up,” Barber said. “They’ve believed in each other all season.” 

Looking Ahead 

Pinson Valley now prepares to face either Gadsden City or Paul Bryant in the Class 6A state championship. The Indians seek to add another blue map to their trophy case, having last won in 2019. 

Coach Barber expressed pride in his undersized team, which has consistently outplayed taller opponents. “We barely have a player above 6-3, but their heart and tenacity mean the world to me.” 

Tip-off for the championship game is scheduled for Saturday at 2:15 p.m. 

 Top Performers: 
  • Pinson Valley:
    • Austin Coner – 19 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists 
    • Quay Lynch – 11 points 
    • Jamarcus “Smoke” Thomas – 9 points, 11 rebounds 
  • McGill-Toolen:
    • Andrew Murchison – 14 points, 7 rebounds 
    • Grayson Brower – 10 points 
Key Stats: 
  • Pinson Valley shot 20-of-41 from the field (48.8%) compared to McGill-Toolen’s 12-of-45 (26.7%). 
  • Pinson had a 28-18 edge in points off turnovers and a 19-6 advantage in fast-break points. 
  • The Indians out-rebounded the Yellow Jackets 31-25, showcasing their grit against a taller opponent.  

Pinson Valley’s inspiring season is a testament to resilience, unity, and honoring fallen teammate Caleb White. Their final challenge awaits on Saturday, where they hope to complete their emotional quest for a championship.

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