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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
The Spartans console one another following a loss to Lee-Montgomery in the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Holt Bashinsky (1) reacts after scoring in the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Colby Jones (3) and Mountain Brook’s Peyton Haley (5) moves to grab the rebound guarded by Lee-Montgomery’s Nicholas Barnes (11) during the first half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Holt Bashinsky (1) hugs Mountain Brook’s Peyton Haley (5) as they console each other following the Spartans loss to Lee-Montgomery in the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook head coach Bucky McMillan calls a play in the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
The Mountain Brook bench erupts after a score in the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Peyton Haley (5) moves to snag the ball from Lee-Montgomery’s Jamal Albritton (22) during the first half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook head coach Bucky McMillan walks to the sideline after a timeout was called in the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Colby Jones (3) shoots for 2-points guarded by Lee-Montgomery’s Nicholas Barnes (11) in the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Holt Bashinsky (1) shoots for 3-points during the first half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Holt Bashinsky (1) looks to pass the ball during the first half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
The Mountain Brook bench erupts on the bench during the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Colby Jones (3) shoots for 2-points during the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Colby Jones (3) blocks a shot attempt by Lee-Montgomery’s Jamari Smith (1) during the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Holt Bashinsky (1) jumps to block a shot by Lee-Montgomery’s Jamari Smith (1) during the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Carter Sobera (22) shoots a layup guarded by Lee-Montgomery’s Jamari Smith (1) during the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Carter Sobera (22) shoots a layup during the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Colby Jones (3) dribbles the ball toward the goal during the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Colby Jones (3) shoots a layup guarded by Lee-Montgomery’s Nicholas Barnes (11) during the first half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Lee-Montgomery’s De’Marquiese Miles (15) rebounds the ball during the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Carter Sobera (22) moves toward the goal guarded by Lee-Montgomery’s Jamal Albritton (22) during the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Lee-Montgomery’s Jamari Smith (1) passes the ball guarded by Mountain Brook’s Edward Reed (15) and Mountain Brook’s Carter Sobera (22) during the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Jacob Davis, a member of the 2019 championship team, hugs Holt Bashinsky (1) following the Spartans loss to Lee-Montgomery in the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Holt Bashinsky (1) and Mountain Brook’s Edward Reed (15) guard Lee-Montgomery’s Deyunkrea Lewis (5) under the goal during the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Peyton Haley (5) looks to make a play during the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Holt Bashinsky (1) dribbles the ball downcourt during the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Alex Belt (21) shoots for 2-points during the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
The Spartans walk to shake hands with the Lee-Montgomery following the Spartans loss to in the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Alex Belt (21) looks up to take a shot at the goal as Lee-Montgomery’s Deyunkrea Lewis (5) jumps to block during the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Peyton Haley (5) fouls Lee-Montgomery’s Jamari Smith (1) during the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Holt Bashinsky (1) dribbles the ball downcourt during the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Colby Jones (3) reacts as he falls out of bounds guarded by Lee-Montgomery’s De’Marquiese Miles (15) during the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Colby Jones (3) dribbles the ball downcourt during the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook head coach Bucky McMillan hugs Holt Bashinsky (1) following the Spartans loss to Lee-Montgomery in the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Edward Reed (15) shoots a layup as Lee-Montgomery’s De’Marquiese Miles (15) jumps to block the shot during the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
The Spartan student section rallies behind their team during the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Colby Jones (3) consoles Mountain Brook’s Holt Bashinsky (1) following the Spartans loss to Lee-Montgomery in the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Colby Jones (3) jumps to block a shot by Lee-Montgomery’s De’Marquiese Miles (15) during the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Carter Sobera (22) moves toward the goal guarded by Lee-Montgomery’s Jamal Albritton (22) during the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Carter Sobera (22) and Mountain Brook’s Colby Jones (3) guard Lee-Montgomery’s De’Marquiese Miles (15) at the goal during the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Peyton Haley (5) looks to make a play guarded by Lee-Montgomery’s Christopher Dillihay (14) during the first half AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Carter Sobera (22) rises to the goal guarded by Lee-Montgomery’s Nicholas Barnes (11) during the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Parents cheer for the Spartans in the stands at halftime of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Holt Bashinsky (1) dribbles the ball downcourt during the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Holt Bashinsky (1) looks to make a play guarded by Lee-Montgomery’s De’Marquiese Miles (15) during the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Parents cheer for the Spartans in the stands at halftime of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Colby Jones (3) shoots for 2-points during the first half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Lee-Montgomery’s Deyunkrea Lewis (5) is fouled by Mountain Brook’s Peyton Haley (5) during the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Colby Blackwell (23) consoles Holt Bashinsky (1) following the Spartans loss to Lee-Montgomery in the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Colby Jones (3) rises to the goal during the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Lee-Montgomery’s Jamari Smith (1) knocks a shot away by Mountain Brook’s Colby Jones (3) during the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Lee-Montgomery vs Mtn Brk boys Class 7A Championship
Mountain Brook’s Colby Jones (3) shoots for 2-points during the second half of the AHSAA Class 7A boys championship game between the Spartans and Lee-Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. The Spartans fell to Lee-Montgomery 40-38. Photo by Erin Nelson
BIRMINGHAM — Few dry eyes remained on Bucky McMillan’s bench Saturday night at Legacy Arena.
His Mountain Brook High School boys basketball players were overcome with emotion after falling to Lee-Montgomery 40-38 in the Class 7A state final. The Generals rallied from a nine-point halftime deficit to secure their first state championship in school history.
“It wasn’t a high-scoring game, but you just witnessed like a war out there, you know what I’m saying?” said McMillan, Mountain Brook's head coach. “You just saw, on both sides, people that would die for their brothers out there on the floor with them.”
Lee-Montgomery (33-1) started the third quarter on an 8-0 run to trim Mountain Brook’s 21-12 halftime advantage down to one. But Carter Sobera, who led the Spartans with 14 points, responded by sinking two free throws and a pair of layups to keep his team ahead.
The Spartans (32-3) didn’t stay there long, though, as Lee drew even at 29-29 on a Deyunkrea Lewis layup at the end of the quarter.
“We usually play pretty good after halftime for some apparent reason," Lee head coach Bryant Johnson said. "I think we play with more sense of urgency...I think our energy kind of changed after halftime.”
The Generals made only 2-of-14 3-pointers on Saturday, but a triple from Nicholas Barnes with 5:20 remaining gave them their first lead, 34-31. Holt Bashinsky answered on Mountain Brook’s ensuing possession with a 3 from the right wing to tie it at 34-34.
It was his team’s only 3 of the night, as the Spartans shot 1-of-14 from beyond the arc.
“They didn’t make a lot of 3s. They made one more than us…” McMillan said. “We could play that game 100 times, and we may make the one more 3 and win.”
Mountain Brook never led again after the teams traded 3s. Lee’s Jamari Smith converted four clutch free throws in the final 4:14 to help this team reclaim and retain its edge. Mountain Brook pulled to within one twice down the stretch, 37-36 and 39-38, but couldn’t push ahead.
A shot from Mountain Brook’s Colby Jones bounced off the rim just before the final buzzer. Lee’s Lewis pulled down the game-sealing rebound.
Jones finished with 10 points, eight of which came in a dominant second quarter that he closed by hitting an off-balance jumper. Mountain Brook played well in the opening half, scoring 16 of its 21 points in the paint and outrebounding Lee 19-10.
“I thought we played really good defense,” McMillan said. “I thought we did a good job mixing our defenses up to try to keep them a little bit off rhythm.”
Lee outrebounded Mountain Brook 30-28 by game’s end, and both teams committed 13 turnovers. Duke Miles led the Generals with 12 points and was named tournament MVP. Jones and Sobera were both named to the all-state-tournament team.
“I feel like our guys and I really just left it all out there,” Sobera said, “and I think that’s something we can live with.”
The Spartans entered Saturday’s final hoping to win their fourth consecutive championship in the state’s highest classification and sixth in eight years.
“These guys fought, and they put it on for our city, the same way Lee did,” McMillan said. “And when you get to see something like that, it’s truly special, and I’m so proud of these guys and I’m so proud to be their coach.”