On Veterans Day, top teams from across Alabama competed in the Veterans Day Classic tournament at Minor High School.
This was a chance for players, coaches, and teams to make an early statement and show which programs will contend for a state championship.
The boys' day began with Minor vs. John Carroll, a matchup that stayed close in the first half as both teams traded blows and found their offensive rhythm. However, Minor was able to control the tempo and run John Carroll out of the game in the second half, winning 82-58. Minor's captain DJ Johnson could get to the cup anytime he wanted to with many acrobatic finishes, while CJ Sails led the perimeter attack from the 3-point line.
Pelham vs. Midfield was the second matchup of the day, and did not disappoint. Pelham was led by Tre Pittman, who scored 35 points for the Panthers. Pelham led for most of the game and had a comfortable lead until Midfield stormed back in the second half being down only two possessions. The Patriots fought hard to keep it close, but the likes of Pittman and Jayden Sears were too much for them, securing a 56-49 victory.
In the next matchup, Mountain Brook completely dominated Hayden in all facets of the game. The Spartans' full-court press caused problems for Hayden, leading to many baskets off turnovers. Mountain Brook was able to get transition layups at will and knock down 3-pointers fueled by its aggressive defense. The Spartans secured a 76- 31 win.
The Paul W. Bryant vs. Oxford matchup gave fans everything they were looking for. Class 6A state champion Oxford entered the game coming off a loss to Columbus and was determined to bounce back. Junior point guard Caileb Wilson put on a stellar performance alongside Chris Latson, who was a problem in the paint. Despite their efforts, Paul Bryant had too much size and defensive prowess to be denied. TJ Byrd troubled Oxford and forced tough shots all game long as the Stampede pulled away late to win 58-43.
Hoover and Gadsden City were in a heavyweight fight between two historically dominant basketball teams. It was a back-and-forth game in the first half; both teams looked to find an offensive rhythm. Though Gadsden City's press gave the Titans the upper hand and allowed them to control the tempo. Hoover looked to push the pace, but Gadsden was able to condense the game into half-court possessions. Gadsden City ran away with the game, winning 69-57.
The final game of the day between Clay-Chalkville and Springville was the most chaotic matchup of the tournament. Clay-Chalkville had all the answers for Springville's offense early on and capitalized on turnovers. The Cougars kept the lead for most of the game, but that changed with five minutes left in the game. Springville had slowly chipped away at the lead for most of the second half before going on a run to take a two-point lead.
Both teams exchanged leads in the closing minutes. With 10 seconds left and a tied ballgame, Clay-Chalkville pushed down the court to get a game-winning shot, and Carsen Hall was fouled driving to the lane. Hall shot and missed the first free throw as the crowd ramped up the pressure, but he sank the second to put his team up one with three seconds left. Springville inbounded the ball after the timeout and got a shot off from the corner through contact, but could not convert. Clay-Chalkville held on to win 61-60.
The Veterans Day Classic was a great way to start the high school basketball season for the state of Alabama. With a surplus of talent across the state, this is just the beginning of what is to come this season.