BIRMINGHAM — The Hoover High School Lady Bucs captured their third consecutive Class 7A girls basketball championship on Saturday, defeating Sparkman 55-44 at Legacy Arena in Birmingham.
Led by senior star Reniya Kelly, Hoover dominated early to build a 20-5 lead after the first quarter. The top-ranked Bucs took a 35-15 advantage into halftime.
Kelly, who finished with 25 points and 6 rebounds, has been part of all four of Hoover’s state titles over the last five seasons. She was named tournament MVP.
“I’m on cloud nine right now,” said Kelly. “To go out with them – my teammates, my coaches – it means so much.”
Sparkman hung tough in the second half, cutting the deficit to 51-43 with 1:32 left, but could get no closer. The Senators were making their first finals appearance since 2014.
“We’re going to be back,” vowed Sparkman coach Jarvis Wilson. “I’m proud of the fight these young ladies showed.”
Senior Layla Etchison added 20 points for Hoover, while Nylaa Fuller scored 12 to pace Sparkman.
Hoover coach Krystle Johnson said the three-peat was special. “That’s always the mission, always the standard at Hoover – to win state,” she said.
Kelly and Etchison made the 7A all-tournament team along with Sparkman’s Fuller and Kennedy Langham. Hoover has now won four of the last five 7A girls basketball titles.