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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
The Oak Mountain student section erupts as the Eagles take the lead in the Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
The Oak Mountain student section erupts as the Eagles take the lead in the Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Zane Nelson (0) makes a celebratory dunk as the Eagles come out with a win over Sparkman in the Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Zane Nelson (0) makes a celebratory dunk as the Eagles come out with a win over Sparkman in the Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Zane Nelson (0) makes a celebratory dunk as the Eagles come out with a win over Sparkman in the Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Zane Nelson (0) hugs an assistant coach as the Eagles come out with a win over Sparkman in the Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Zane Nelson (0) reacts in excitement as the Eagles come out with a win over Sparkman in the Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
The Oak Mountain student section erupts as the Eagles come out with a win over Sparkman in the Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
The Oak Mountain student section erupts as the Eagles come out with a win over Sparkman in the Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Noah Young (2) reacts in excitement as the Eagles come out with a win over Sparkman in the Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Wilder Evers (4) moves across the court during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Zane Nelson (0) shoots a free throw during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Zane Nelson (0) dribbles the ball past Sparkman's Trevon Ragland (1) during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Noah Young (2) jumps in an attempt to block a shot by Sparkman's Calen Lightford (0) during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Wilder Evers (4) moves toward the goal during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Evan Smith (1) dribbles the ball downcourt guarded by Sparkman's Nick Sawyer (2) during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
The Oak Mountain bench erupts after Oak Mountain’s Wilder Evers (4) shot a 3-pointer during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Zane Nelson (0) shoots a layup guarded by Sparkman's Trevon Ragland (1) during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Zane Nelson (0) moves toward the goal guarded by Sparkman's Calen Lightford (0) during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Evan Smith (1) passes the ball guarded by Sparkman's Xavier Williams (23) during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain head coach Chris Love calls a play during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain head coach Chris Love calls a play during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Evan Smith (1) drives the ball toward the goal during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Zane Nelson (0) moves toward the goal guarded by Sparkman's Trevon Ragland (1) during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Will Shaver (32) moves to shoot a layup guarded by a Sparkman defender during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Evan Smith (1) reaches out for control of a loose bas as Sparkman's Nick Sawyer (2) moves toward the ball during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
The Eagle cheerleaders rally the student section during halftime in the Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Zane Nelson (0) gets set to shoot for 3-points during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Will Shaver (32) shoots a layup guarded by Sparkman's Jayron James (33) during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
The Oak Mountain student section erupts after Oak Mountain’s Noah Young (2) sunk a 3-pointer during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Noah Young (2) shoots a layup during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
The Eagle cheerleaders rally the student section during halftime in the Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Zane Nelson (0) shoots for 3-points as Sparkman's Trevon Ragland (1) and Sparkman's Xavier Williams (23) move in to guard during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Noah Young (2) moves to shoot for 2-points guarded by Sparkman's Jayron James (33) during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Will Shaver (32) shoots the ball guarded by Sparkman's Chase Harris (25) during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Wilder Evers (4) during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Noah Young (2) guards Sparkman's Xavier Williams (23) during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Evan Smith (1) shoots a layup during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Evan Smith (1) shoots a layup during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Wilder Evers (4) moves to shoot a layup guarded by Sparkman's Tyrese Elliott (20) under the goal during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Evan Smith (1) dribbles the ball downcourt during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Evan Smith (1) moves the ball downcourt guarded by Sparkman's Xavier Williams (23) and Sparkman's Tyrese Elliott (20) during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
The Eagle cheerleaders rally the student section during halftime in the Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Noah Young (2) shoots a layup during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Evan Smith (1) drives the ball toward the goal during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Evan Smith (1) shoots a layup guarded by Sparkman's Calen Lightford (0) during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Evan Smith (1) shoots a layup guarded by Sparkman's Calen Lightford (0) during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Zane Nelson (0) shoots a free throw during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Zane Nelson (0) moves the ball downcourt during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
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Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Sparkman vs. Oak Mtn Regionals
Oak Mountain’s Zane Nelson (0) and Sparkman's Nick Sawyer (2) dive for control of a loose ball during a Class 7A boys Northeast Regional final game between Sparkman and Oak Mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated Sparkman 60-51 to advance to the AHSAA state semifinals on Feb. 27 at the BJCC. Photo by Erin Nelson
JACKSONVILLE -- Step one included winning the area and winning the regional semifinal. Step two was winning the regional. The next step takes them to Legacy Arena in Birmingham.
Oak Mountain High School's boys basketball team advanced to the Class 7A final four at the BJCC next week by beating Sparkman 60-51 in the Northeast Regional final on Tuesday at Jacksonville State University’s Pete Mathews Coliseum. Zane Nelson led the charge with 23 points and eight rebounds for the Eagles, with Wilder Evers and Will Shavers posting double-digit point totals as well.
Oak Mountain had four players play all 32 minutes of the contest and head coach Chris Love said a hustle play by sophomore point guard Evan Smith defines this team's effort.
“We talk about toughness all the time,” he said. “When you get down to these games everybody is really good and talented. You have to find something down deep and that’s what these guys have done for the last two or three weeks.”
Nelson said the fans and students stepped up as well to make the regional final a great atmosphere.
“We probably have the best student section in the state,” he said. “It affected [Sparkman at the] free throw line and the overall game by putting pressure on them.”
Oak Mountain came out firing on all cylinders, with Nelson scoring seven and Shavers adding four points during the first quarter. The Eagles were up 13-5, but Sparkman used three three-pointers to gain the lead at the end of the first quarter.
The Senators went on a 14-0 run spanning from the first to early in the second quarter. The Eagles answered the call retaking a 29-24 lead heading into the halftime break.
Sparkman hung with Oak Mountain, keeping it close throughout the third quarter, and the Eagles carried a three-point lead into the final quarter. A thunderous dunk from Shavers to put the Eagles up six late and the celebration commenced.
“It was a huge momentum swing,” Shavers said. “That moment I’ll cherish for a long time.”
Shavers contributed seven rebounds and four blocks in the game as well.
Oak Mountain shot 51 percent during the game while holding Sparkman to 31 percent shooting. Sparkman’s Tyrese Elliot had 25 points for the Senators.
Love said this is big for the program, but there are still two more steps left to complete in Birmingham.
“The civic center is not the end,” he said. “We took care of step one early in the week, step two today and now step three is next week. We’re excited for the opportunity to go represent Oak Mountain.”
Click here to view and purchase photos from the Eagles' victory.
