R.C. Hatch Secures Record 11th State Title in Thrilling 69-67 Victory Over Brantley

BIRMINGHAM, AL – The R.C. Hatch Bobcats have reclaimed their place in Alabama high school basketball history. With a hard-fought 69-67 victory over Brantley in the Class 1A state finals on Thursday night, the Bobcats earned a record-breaking 11th AHSAA state championship. The game took place on Day 4 of the 105th AHSAA State Basketball Championships at the BJCC Legacy Arena.

This Blue Map breaks a tie the Bobcats shared with the now-closed St. Jude Catholic, which also had 10 titles. It marks R.C. Hatch’s first championship since 2008, solidifying their dominance across decades of competition.

Title Game Recap

The final minutes of the championship showdown was intense. R.C. Hatch senior guard LaVonte Witherspoon hit two crucial free throws with seven ticks left on the clock, giving the Bobcats a 69-64 lead. Witherspoon’s composure at the charity stripe proved vital, especially with Brantley senior guard Jayden Parks delivering an extraordinary scoring performance. Parks poured in 44 points, including four three-pointers in the last two minutes, keeping Brantley within striking distance.

Despite Parks’ offensive heroics, R.C. Hatch’s balanced team effort sealed the win. Class 1A Tournament MVP Isiah Thomas led the way with 16 points, 13 rebounds, and a near-perfect 9-of-10 shooting at the free throw line. Thomas played a pivotal role, grabbing a rebound off a missed free throw in the final 23 seconds.

Teammate Theotis Dudley also stepped up with 16 points, six rebounds, and key defensive stops. Merion Jones added 10 points and seven rebounds, and Witherspoon contributed 13 points, nine rebounds, and five assists.

 

Key Plays
  • After trailing 59-51 with just over two minutes remaining, Brantley leaned on Jayden Parks, who single-handedly gave his team hope by scoring 16 points in the closing moments.
  • Parks’ last three-pointer at the buzzer trimmed the final deficit to two points, providing a dramatic conclusion to the game.
  • R.C. Hatch dominated inside with a 42-28 rebounding edge, while their 21-of-31 performance from the free-throw line was critical in holding off Brantley.
Coaches’ Reactions

R.C. Hatch head coach Kris Hood praised his team’s unity and the support from the community. “We talked last night about the importance of playing as a team,” said Hood. “The energy from the fans really made a difference. I don’t think anyone was left back in Uniontown.”

Brantley’s coach, Andre Parks, expressed pride in his team despite the loss. “I know it hurts right now, but the sun will come up tomorrow. This group fought hard, and the journey here was phenomenal.”

Player Spotlights
  • R.C. Hatch:
    • Isiah Thomas (Tournament MVP): 16 points, 13 rebounds
    • Theotis Dudley: 16 points, six rebounds
    • LaVonte Witherspoon: 13 points, nine rebounds, five assists
    • Merion Jones: 10 points, seven rebounds
  • Brantley:
    • Jayden Parks: 44 points, four assists, four steals
    • Julius Sylvester: Nine points
    • Jon Harper Kilcrease: Eight points
Historical Significance

R.C. Hatch has now secured state titles in five different decades, including championships in 1978, 1985, 1987, 1994, 1995, and an impressive five titles in six years from 2003 to 2008. This latest win in 2025 adds to their storied legacy as one of Alabama high school basketball’s most successful programs.

Brantley’s Jayden Parks (3) scores 44 points in the Class 1A state finals for the Bulldogs, including 16 in the final 2:11. (AHSAA PHOTO | David Holtsford)
Class 1A All-Tournament Team
  • Isiah Thomas (R.C. Hatch) – MVP
  • LaVonte Witherspoon (R.C. Hatch)
  • Merion Jones (R.C. Hatch)
  • Jayden Parks (Brantley)
  • Jon Harper Kilcrease (Brantley)
  • Dylon Pognon (Oakwood Adventist)
Final Thoughts

The Bobcats’ victory marks another chapter in their rich history, powered by teamwork, resilience, and unwavering support from their community. For Brantley, the loss doesn’t overshadow the remarkable effort and determination shown by their players, particularly Jayden Parks, whose standout performance exemplified his competitive spirit.

FEATURED IMAGE: R.C. Hatch’s Frederick Wilson (12) goes high for a bucket in the Bobcats’ 69-67 victory of Brantley in the Class 1A finals.  (AHSAA PHOTO | David Holtsford)

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