Montgomery Academy Wins First Boys’ State Basketball Title

Eagles Defeat Mars Hill Bible 65-56 for Class 3A Crown

BIRMINGHAM, AL – Montgomery Academy secured its first boys’ basketball state championship by defeating Mars Hill Bible 65-56 in the Class 3A finals at Legacy Arena on Friday. The Eagles, led by strong performances from Skyler Stovall and Braden Gordon, finished their historic season with a 34-2 record.

The Eagles started the game strong, jumping to a commanding 17-point lead late in the second quarter. Stovall and Gordon combined for 30 points in the first half, pushing Montgomery Academy to a 31-14 advantage with just over three minutes left before halftime. However, Mars Hill, under Coach Jeremy Pounders, responded with a 10-0 run to close the half, narrowing the deficit to 31-26.

Mars Hill’s senior standout, Eli Pounders, delivered a dominant performance despite playing in only his third game since recovering from a wrist injury. He finished with 23 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks, igniting a gritty comeback by the Panthers (24-9). By the third quarter’s end, Mars Hill had trimmed the Eagles’ lead to just 47-44.

With 2:20 left in the game, Mars Hill’s William Mann scored to bring the Panthers within one, 56-55. However, Montgomery Academy’s Gordon answered with a clutch jumper, sparking a decisive 9-0 run that clinched the game for the Eagles. Montgomery Academy’s defense successfully shut down Mars Hill in the final moments, sealing the victory.

Stovall finished the night with 25 points, seven rebounds, and four steals, earning him MVP honors for the Class 3A tournament. Gordon added 23 points, 10 rebounds, and four steals, while teammate Jarett Friendly contributed six points, six rebounds, and four assists.

“These kids, all 15 of them, are a blessing in my life,” said Montgomery Academy head coach Jeremy Arant. “They’ve worked so hard, and they’re not just great athletes—they’re great young men. We focus on leadership and being unselfish, and these kids exemplify that every day.”

Mars Hill’s Coach Jeremy Pounders praised his team’s effort, saying, “Our goal this season was to make it to this stage because we love being together. Even down 17, I believed we could come back, and our team showed real grit. I’m proud of them.”

Mars Hill previously won the Class 2A state championship last season before moving to Class 3A this year. Despite the loss, they showcased their resilience and competitive spirit throughout this year’s tournament.

Montgomery Academy’s state title secured a storybook ending to their exceptional season and set a new standard for the program’s future.