Buckhorn boys repeat as Class 6A champs with win over Mountain Brook

BIRMINGHAM — The two best teams in Class 6A, along with two of the best players Caleb Holt of Buckhorn and Ty Davis of Mountain Brook faced off for the state championship.

In a rematch of the 2023 state title, it was once again Buckhorn coming home with the Class 6A state title with a 52-51 overtime win over Mountain Brook.

Buckhorn's Deven Chapman thought he had the game-winning shot at the buzzer in regulation, but it was called back after review. In overtime, the game was still back and forth — but Buckhorn's Frederick Derrick hit a layup with just over 30 seconds to go in overtime to take the lead. Mountain Brook had one final possession — coming off a missed free throw — but was unable to get a clean shot off.

For most of the final quarter, Mountain Brook kept Buckhorn at arms length with a five-point lead — but with over three minutes left, they started making free throws and took a onepoint lead.

Mountain Brook controlled the first half, leading by five going into the break after both teams shot under 30% from the field. Even while they struggled to knock down shots, both teams made four 3-pointers. Buckhorn came back and led for a bit of the third quarter, but Mountain Brook took a two-point lead into the final frame.

Holt, the No. 3 prospect in the class of 2026, appeared to be limping for the most of the second half, and seemed to be favoring his left leg. Whatever the cause, it was clear that it impacted his game at times. He finished the game with 16 points and 13 rebounds before fouling out in regulation. Davis had 14 points to go with six rebounds and four assists.

Derrick had 19 points for the Bucks. Maxwell Donaldson covers high school sports and Jacksonville State athletics for the Gadsden Times. Find him on Twitter/X @_Max_Donaldson and contact him at MDonaldson@gannett.com .