Favored To Win It All: Hoover

Hoover has positioned itself as the clear favorite to capture the 7A State Championship, backed by a dominant 25–1 record and a résumé built on elite competition. Their season has been defined not just by wins, but by statement victories over top programs like Park Crossing, Hazel Green, Bob Jones, Chelsea, and Saint James — teams known for talent, physicality, and championship pedigree. What separates Hoover is consistency at a championship level: they defend, execute, and respond to pressure with maturity. With depth, star power, and proven success against the state's best, Hoover looks less like a contender and more like the standard in 7A basketball.    [player_tooltip player_id='1232136' first='Ava' last='Leonard'] | 5'3” Freshman Point Guard | Hoover High   [player_tooltip player_id='1232136' first='Ava' last='Leonard'] is a disruptive, defense-first point guard whose impact starts on the ball. She's an elite on-ball defender who takes pride in shutting down opponents, applying constant pressure, and setting the tone defensively for her team.   Offensively, Leonard is a reliable catch-and-shoot three-point threat, fitting perfectly as a 3-and-D guard for Hoover. She plays within her role but is capable of expanding her impact when called upon, showing confidence and feel beyond her years.   At her best, Leonard is a high-motor two-way guard whose defensive intensity and perimeter shooting make her a valuable presence in any lineup.     [player_tooltip player_id='1207417' first='Kristen' last='Winston'] | 5'11” Freshman Point Guard   [player_tooltip player_id='1207417' first='Kristen' last='Winston'] is a long, athletic point guard with elite two-way potential and advanced skill for her age. She's a crafty three-level scorer who can attack off the dribble, score in the mid-range, and knock down perimeter shots with confidence. Winston uses her size to take advantage of smaller guards, posting up and finishing through contact.   As a passer, her height and vision allow her to pick apart zone defenses and create opportunities for teammates. Defensively, she's an impactful two-way guard who uses her length to disrupt plays and guard multiple positions. At her best, Winston is a high-upside lead guard whose size, skill, and versatility make her a matchup problem.     Chasity Johnson | Senior Guard   Chasity Johnson is a reliable 3-and-D guard whose value comes from efficiency, discipline, and two-way impact. She spaces the floor well and consistently knocks down shots created through drive-and-kick and paint kickout opportunities, making her a dependable perimeter threat.   Offensively, Johnson plays within the flow, making smart decisions and converting high-quality looks. Defensively, she brings toughness and accountability, competing on the ball and understanding team concepts. Her ability to impact the game without needing high volume makes her a valuable, winning-type player.   At her best, Johnson is a low-maintenance, high-impact guard who strengthens lineups with shooting, defense, and basketball IQ.     [player_tooltip player_id='371482' first='Aaliyah' last='Blanchard'] | 5'8” Senior Guard | Middle Tennessee State Commit   [player_tooltip player_id='371482' first='Aaliyah' last='Blanchard'] is an elite two-way guard whose relentless motor and physicality separate her from the pack. Averaging 16 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals per game, she impacts every possession with effort, toughness, and versatility.   Offensively, Blanchard is a true three-level scorer, capable of attacking downhill, scoring through contact, and knocking down perimeter shots. Her athleticism and strength allow her to finish in traffic and create advantages both in transition and the half court.   Defensively, she plays with pride and intensity, using her strength and instincts to disrupt opponents. At the high school level, she's capable of guarding all five positions, switching across matchups and setting the tone on that end of the floor.   At her best, Blanchard is a relentless, high-impact guard whose two-way dominance and competitive edge make her a difference-maker at every level.     [player_tooltip player_id='382891' first='Khloe' last='Ford'] | 6'3” Senior Center | Missouri Commit   [player_tooltip player_id='382891' first='Khloe' last='Ford'] is the most dominant player in Alabama high school basketball, a physical interior presence who has overwhelmed every matchup this season. Averaging 17 points and 9 rebounds per game, she consistently controls the paint and dictates the flow of the game.   Offensively, Ford is nearly unstoppable on the block. She loves to turn over her right shoulder, a move most opponents anticipate but few can stop. Her combination of size, strength, and touch makes her a constant scoring threat and a reliable option in half-court sets. She also creates second-chance points with her relentless rebounding.   Defensively, Ford is a true anchor. She's a strong rebounder and shot blocker, altering shots and protecting the rim with authority. Her presence alone changes how opponents attack the paint.   At her best, Ford is a game-changing post player whose dominance, physicality, and consistency make her a matchup nightmare and a program-defining talent.

Hoover has positioned itself as the clear favorite to capture the 7A State Championship, backed by a dominant 25–1 record and a résumé built on elite competition. Their season has been defined not just by wins, but by statement victories over top programs like Park Crossing, Hazel Green, Bob Jones, Chelsea, and Saint James — teams known for talent, physicality, and championship pedigree. What separates Hoover is consistency at a championship level: they defend, execute, and respond to pressure with maturity. With depth, star power, and proven success against the state's best, Hoover looks less like a contender and more like the standard in 7A basketball.