Skyline Wins First State Basketball Title

Submitted by Josh Bean, AHSAA Reporter

Photo by Dennis Victory | preps@al.com

BIRMINGHAM – Skyline High School jumped out to a quick lead in the first half and posted a 54-41 victory over Marion County Friday to claim the Vikings’ first state basketball title.

The Vikings (30-7), coached by Ronnie McCarter, led 17-10 after the first quarter and 36-20 at the half. However, Marion County (29-8), coached by Scott Veal, cut the lead to nine late in the third quarter but went on a scoring drought in the fourth quarter not making another bucket until 3:33 left in the game. By then, Skyline had built a 53-38 lead.

Senior Gracie Stucky led the Vikings with 19 points, six rebounds and three assists to be named MVP of the 1A state tourney. Grace Rowell also had 17 points, nine rebounds, five steals, three blocked shots, two assists and was 7-of-7 at the free-throw line. Lexie Stucky contributed six points and seven rebounds.

Pacing the Red Raiders was junior Trinity Metcalf with 18 points, 13 rebounds and two steals. Cara Sullivan had nine points and Serinity Metcalfe, Trinity’s younger sister, had five points, seven rebounds, four steals and two assists.