IT'S A 3-PEAT! 2019 7A STATE CHAMPIONS

Mountain Brook’s Trendon Watford finished his first season at Mountain Brook in 2016 without winning a state title. "I didn't want to feel that pain again," he said. He hasn't lost a state championship game since. Mountain Brook won its third straight Class 7A championship -- becoming the first AHSAA team to win three straight boys titles in the state’s largest classification -- with tonight’s 61-42 rout of Baker, with the 6-foot-9 Watford capping his career with 22 points, 11 rebounds and four blocked shots. The Spartans (31-3) have also won five state titles in the last seven years and played for six state championships. It's officially a dynasty. “In 2013, if you would have told people what was about to happen, they would have said, ‘You’ve lost your mind,’” said Mountain Brook coach Bucky McMillan, who played on the Spartans first state semifinal team in 2001. Tonight’s game was more of a coronation than a contest. Mountain Brook built a double-digit lead in the first half, pushed it to 20 early in the second half and cruised to victory while hitting only 2-of-17 3-pointers. “We probably tried to have too much fun when we got a lead,” McMillan said, “and it showed.” Did you know?: Baker (21-14) was shooting for its first state basketball championship. Did you know, part 2?: Mountain Brook coach Bucky McMillan earned his 300th head coaching victory in the semifinals and now has 301. Stat sheet: Lior Berman added 19 points and eight rebounds for Mountain Brook, and Colby Jones had 10 points. .... Kriston Davis led Baker with 11 points. ... Baker made 7-of-24 from 3-point range and 7-for-26 from inside the arc. ... Watford made 12-of-13 free throws. ... Baker’s Christian Bedgood, who was sensational in Thursday’s semifinal win, finished 1-for-8 shooting and scored just two points. ... Berman had a two-handed dunk in the fourth quarter. Coachspeak: “I’m glad we’re on the right side of history tonight.” -- McMillan, referring to the 2015 title-game loss to Hoover that denied the Spartans from accomplishing the three-peat He said it: “I’m speechless. I never thought we’d win three state championships in a row. I give all glory to God.” -- Watford What’s next?: Watford remains one of the nation’s to uncommitted players and is choosing between Memphis, Alabama, LSU, Indiana and late-charging Duke. He said he may make his college announcement at the McDonald’s All-American Game. McMillan said he’ll be back next season, squashing any speculation he might be ready to pursue a college coaching job.

IT'S A 3-PEAT! 2019 7A STATE CHAMPIONS

Photo Credit: Benny Eaves