Photo by Hank Spencer/Image Arts.
Mountain Brook Spain Park Basketball
Jack Kline scores in the Spartans' win over Spain Park in their first meeting.
Mountain Brook traveled to Nashville, Tenn., to take part in the NXT LVL Hoops Fest, acclaimed as one of the top tournaments in high school basketball.
The Spartans took a loss on the first day, relegating them to the loser's bracket, but rebounded nicely with victories in the final two days of the tournament held Monday through Wednesday.
In the first contest, Mountain Brook fell victim to a hot-shooting Whitehaven (TN) team, 54-41. Whitehaven shot 69% in the first half and 61% in the game.
Both teams turned the ball over at a high clip, with the Spartans coughing it up 25 times to 21 for Whitehaven.
Jack Kline led Mountain Brook with 14 points and five rebounds.
Bucky McMillan's team found better success on Tuesday, as Sean Elmore hit the go-ahead three-pointer with 37 seconds remaining to give the Spartans a 56-55 win over Baptist Prep (AR). That was one of six makes from deep for Elmore, who ended up with 22 points on 6-of-12 shooting (all from three-point range). Ben McCool chipped in 17 points.
The game was tight the whole way, as the largest lead for either team was eight points.
Christ Presbyterian (TN) was the final opponent, as Mountain Brook won another tight contest, 59-56. Elmore was a force once again, scoring 20 points and making five three-pointers.
The Spartans owned the boards in that contest, outrebounding CPA 29-15. Kline and McCool each had six, and Elmore grabbed five. Kline also scored 18 points.
Mountain Brook played without standout freshman Trendon Watford in the tournament due to injury. He is expected to return soon.
After a tough slate to open up the season, Mountain Brook begins area play at Vestavia Hills on January 5. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
