PREP UPDATE: Catholic advances to 4A title game in volleyball; Prattville reaches quarters of Flag Football

BIRMINGHAM -- Different coaches, but the results are the same.

Defending 4A state champion Catholic returned to the 53rd Alabama High School Athletic Association state volleyball tournament with a new coach, but followed the same script to reach the finals.

In 2022, the Knights defeated Trinity in the South Super Regional finals, then faced the Wildcats again in the state tournament finals, sweeping six consecutive opponents in the regionals and the state tournament to reach the finals. This year, Jenn Denham’s Knights swept UMS-Wright in the regional finals, once again sweeping six opponents in the regionals and the state tournament to reach the finals and face the Bulldogs once again, this time for a state championship.

And while the Knights have been a familiar face in the postseason the last two years, it is only their fourth trip to the state tournament in school history. It will mark only the second time (both this season) that Catholic and UMS-Wright have met in the postseason since the current format was adopted in 2012.

Catholic (36-11) and UMS-Wright (28-12) will play for the 4A title on Thursday at 10 a.m.

In the quarterfinals on Wednesday, Catholic rolled to an easy victory, beating Corner 25-13, 25-22 and 25-14. Harper Howell and Kathryn Reardon each had six kills to lead the Knights, while Grace Levanda had five kills and five blocks, Mally Barranco had 10 digs and Maria Schwarz had 29 assists.

In the semifinals, Catholic defeated Deshler 25-16, 25-21 and 25-12. Reardon had eight kills, followed by Zaria Rudolph and Howell with seven kills each. Rudolph had 11 digs and three aces, Reardon had three aces, Barranco had 17 digs and Schwarz had 33 assists and three aces.

LAMP (28-15) also made a return to the state tournament, appearing in the 4A quarterfinals for the fourth time in school history but the first under second-year coach Mark Eubanks.

The Golden Tigers lost to Deshler in the 4A quarterfinals, ending the careers of seven seniors, including Jailyn Dixon, who had 17 kills, 10 digs and two blocks; McKenna Speigner, who had 15 digs; and Grayson Dickert, who had 15 assists and five digs.

Catholic’s match with UMS-Wright is one of three championship matches set for Thursday.

In 7A, McGill-Toolen (45-8) swept Enterprise to advance to the finals against Bob Jones (54-2), which swept Hoover. In 1A, Spring Garden (53-5) will face University Charter (35-4). 

Prattville advances in Flag Football playoffs

TUSCALOOSA -- Prattville shut out a pair of Area 6 teams in Wednesday’s qualifying tournament to advance to the quarterfinals of the 6A-7A state playoffs in flag football.

The Lions (13-5) defeated Central High 18-0 in the first game of the tournament, then shut out Hillcrest 38-0 in the finals to become one of eight teams remaining in the 6A-7A tournament.

Prattville will return to the Tuscaloosa area on Monday to play Tuscaloosa County in Northport. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m.

In the first game, Lanieya Page ran for one touchdown and caught a pass for another to lead the Lions over the Falcons. Kaylee Robles returned an interception for a touchdown for Prattville’s other score.

Defensively, Gabbie Hoyle had a sack, Eriana Benson had two tackles for loss, Page had three tackles for loss and Hartley McCay had a tackle for loss as the Lions pitched their sixth shutout of the season.

In the second game, Kaytie Chandler threw three touchdown passes and McCay had another to lead the Lions to an easy victory. Page had a pair of touchdown receptions, while Emma Moore and Mady Cate Lindsey also had touchdown catches.

Moore and McCay also ran for touchdowns for the Lions.

Defensively, Benson had three sacks, Hoyle had a tackle for loss and McCay and London Williams each had interceptions to help Prattville to its seventh shutout of the year.

Hillcrest had advanced to the finals with a forfeit win over Sidney Lanier after the Poets failed to show up for their qualifying tournament matchup with the Patriots.

Trinity names new soccer coach

Trinity officials announced the appointment of Oliver McLemore as the Wildcats’ new soccer coach, replacing the retiring Dann Cleveland.

McLemore has coached the junior varsity team and served as an assistant coach on the varsity program for the past 14 years. 

“Oliver McLemore is more than a coach; he is an integral part of Trinity’s soccer legacy,” said interim head of school Suzanne Satcher in a release issued by the school. “As an alumnus who played varsity soccer for Trinity, Oliver's personal commitment to the program is undeniable. His passion for the sport and his dedication to upholding the values and traditions of Trinity soccer make him the ideal leader for our varsity team.”

McLemore began his coaching career abroad, where he spent five years coaching at the International Christian School in Budapest, Hungary. In addition to his extensive experience at Trinity, he has also worked locally as a coach with the FCM Soccer Club.

This diverse coaching experience, school officials noted, has equipped McLemore with a unique perspective and a wealth of knowledge to inspire and mentor Trinity student-athletes.

“We are confident that coach McLemore will bring new energy, a winning mentality, and a strong sense of teamwork to our varsity soccer program,” Trinity athletic director Brian Seymore said. “His knowledge of our program’s expectations and his proven ability to foster a genuine connection with our students make him a perfect fit for our program. Coach McLemore’s leadership, coupled with his exceptional experience and success as a coach, undeniably position him as the best choice to lead Trinity’s boys varsity soccer team.”