AISA AAA Boys Basketball State Champions

AISA AAA Boys Basketball State Champions

The Rebels finished off an incredible 20-2 season with a 63-46 victory over Tuscaloosa Academy to win the AISA AAA State Championship!

The Rebels celebrate their 20-2 state championship season

The Rebels finished the regular season 17-2, and began their state tournament with a 52-47 victory over Lee-Scott Academy. Preston Jones led the Rebels scoring 20 points, with LT and Micaiah Overton adding 11 and 10 points respectively. After beating Lee-Scott, the Rebels faced Pike Liberal Arts, coming away with a 61-47 win. Preston Jones and Josh McMillon led the Rebels with 15 and 11 points, with LT and Micaiah Overton adding 11 and 10 rebounds each.

Micaiah Overton tips off against Tuscaloosa Academy in the State Final

Bessemer Academy then faced Tuscaloosa Academy for the fourth time this season. The Rebels led the series 2-1 coming into the State Final Game. Tension was high from tip-off, with both schools’ fan bases filling the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery.

Head Coach Jon Kress takes advantage of a timeout by Tuscaloosa

The Rebels drew first blood, but both teams stalled for a bit at 2-0. At the end of the first period, the Rebels were up 14-11. The TA Knights closed the gap some in the second period, ending the first half with the Rebels on top 24-23.

Junior point guard Josh McMillon drives to the basket

The Rebels exploded out of the locker room, topping the Knights 19-3 in the third period. Freshman Samad Muhammad hit two three-pointers, plus a two-point FG. The Rebels maintained the 17-point lead throughout the fourth period, ending 63-47 over the Knights. Senior Micaiah Overton led the Rebels with a double-double, 16 points and 10 rebounds. Senior Preston Jones added 15 points, and Samad Muhammad had 13 points in the second half alone. Junior Tyrrie Ragland helped out under the basket with 8 rebounds.

The Rebel bench cheers as the clock hits zero

Senior Micaiah Overton and 8th grader LT Overton were selected All-Tournament. Senior Preston Jones was selected Tournament MVP.

Congratulations, Rebels!