BIRMINGHAM — The Hazel Green Lady Trojans etched their names in the AHSAA record books on Saturday, capturing a sixth consecutive Class 6A girls basketball championship with a 53-40 win over Huffman.
No AHSAA program, boys or girls, had ever won six straight state titles until Hazel Green accomplished the feat.
“You don’t want to be the one to break the streak,” said junior Sydney Steward. “It’s just crazy to think about.”
Coach Tim Miller has now won an incredible 10 state championships as a head coach – 6 with Hazel Green, 3 with Bob Jones and 1 with Jeff Davis.
Hazel Green (36-1) jumped out to an early lead and led 31-18 at halftime. Leah Brooks powered the Trojans with 20 points and 14 rebounds, earning tournament MVP honors. Amiya Redus added 16 points.
“It’s never easy and this never gets old,” said Miller.
Huffman (29-5) was trying to win the first girls basketball title in school history. But the Vikings struggled from the field, shooting just 28 percent. Tamiria Jones and Jamiria Jones led Huffman with 12 points apiece.
Hazel Green won despite battling injuries to key players Nyla Collier and Zyriah Price during the season. The Trojans’ lone loss came after those injuries.
But Hazel Green rallied to keep the state title streak going, relying on suffocating defense and efficient offense – a formula that has produced 10 championships for Miller.
Brooks, Redus and Steward made the 6A All-Tournament Team along with Huffman’s Tamiria Jones and Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa’s Blakeley Nixon.
“When I die, they’re not going to put my record on my tombstone,” said Miller. “I care more about the relationships with these girls.”