Hoover High Boys Head to Fourth Straight Alabama Final

Some high school teams dream of reaching a state championship game once in a lifetime. Hoover High School's boys basketball team is making it their annual tradition.

The Bucs clinched their fourth consecutive trip to Alabama's Class 7A state finals Thursday with a decisive 53-40 victory over Fairhope at Birmingham's BJCC Legacy Arena. Coach Scott Ware's squad has won state titles in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and now they're one game away from an unprecedented fourth straight championship.

"Being one of two teams playing in the final basketball game of a season never gets old," said Ware, whose team improved to 25-10 on the year. His players have their eyes on adding another trophy to the collection.

The Bucs dominated with balanced play and smart basketball. After leading by just three points at halftime, Hoover pulled away in the third quarter and never looked back.

Center Jackson Sheffield led the charge with 16 points, eight rebounds, and two blocked shots. His 6-foot-10 presence in the paint proved too much for Fairhope to handle.

Michael Glass contributed 11 points, five assists, and three steals, while Messiah Millin grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds. Fairhope's Trey Garner scored 16 points in the losing effort for the 28-6 Pirates.

Saturday's championship matchup against Tuscaloosa County High School at 5:45 p.m. gives Hoover a chance to cement their dynasty. The team's success reflects years of dedication and a winning culture built on hard work.

Why This Inspires

Hoover's remarkable run shows what commitment and consistency can achieve. These aren't just talented athletes coasting on natural ability. They're students who set ambitious goals and put in the work to reach them.

"We have three blue maps (state championship trophies) in our trophy case at school," Ware explained. "These kids set their goals to win one of their own. That's why they have worked so hard to get here."

The story gets even better. Hoover's girls team also advanced to their state finals Thursday with a dominant 92-47 victory, meaning both squads could make history together. If both teams win Saturday, they'll set an AHSAA state record with four consecutive sweeps of the basketball championships.

For a school and community, watching both teams excel year after year creates something special. It builds pride, inspires younger players, and shows that excellence can become a habit when the right culture takes root.

Championship Saturday awaits, and Hoover is ready to add another chapter to their growing legacy.