Spain Park makes history

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, February 14, 2007

In their fifth year since the doors opened, Spain Park basketball is helping put 4700 Jaguar Drive on the map.

&8220;I think we&8217;re just starting to get numbers,&8221; said Coach Brian Moon. &8220;Our fans enjoy coming out, and it&8217;s something for our kids to rally around in our school.&8221;

The home crowd showed their rallying support Monday night, as Spain Park (25-7) defeated Vestavia Hills 40-30 for the program&8217;s first-ever Class 6A, Area 11 championship.

Trailing 7-2 in the first half, Josh Magette knocked down three-consecutive 3-point baskets to lift the Jaguars in front of the Rebels on their way to an 18-9 lead at the end of eight minutes of play. However, Vestavia Hills rallied back to hold the Jags scoreless in the second quarter to trail only by two, 18-16 at halftime.

The third quarter was slow for Spain Park also, collecting a pair of baskets and one free throw for a total of five points.

Magette helped the Jags pull away in the fourth, hitting 14-of-15 free throws and accounting for all but four of his team&8217;s points in the final quarter, finishing with 22 points.

&8220;I don&8217;t know if there&8217;s anybody that comes off the bench better than him in the state. He&8217;s a winner,&8221; Moon said.

The Jaguars will host Carver High this Friday at 7 p.m., but Final Four talks are not on the table &045; yet.

&8220;I&8217;m not thinking that far ahead. I want to win Friday and get to Jacksonville. Anything can happen,&8221; Moon said.

The winner of Friday&8217;s game will advance to the regional tournament at Jacksonville State University to meet either Oxford or Hewitt-Trussville in the first round