By Haley Mitchell Godwin

Bill Henry’s Wings & Burgers hosted a countywide basketball preview Dec. 6, inviting all local teams and community supporters. Fans, players and coaches from Brantley, Highland Home and Luverne schools gathered to share their excitement and insights about the basketball season that is now underway.

Brantley Bulldogs

Brantley head coach Andre Parks expressed his excitement for both the boys’ and girls’ teams, emphasizing a game-by-game approach.

“There’s a lot of excitement around basketball this season,” Andre said. “But we try not to look too far forward. We take one game at a time, and don’t overlook any opponents.”

The Lady Bulldogs are focusing on growth, with just one senior on the roster. Despite standout sophomore Alex Grimes recovering from an injury until after Christmas, sophomore CoCo Stamps and senior rebound leader Mia Mount are stepping up to lead the team.

For the boys, the goal is clear: win the area championship and make a deep playoff run. Parks highlighted athleticism, defensive skills, and team chemistry as key strengths.

“We’ve had extra time to build chemistry, define roles, and focus on our athleticism and defense,” Andre said. “The coaching staff has stressed to the guys that they should play for something bigger than themselves; either their school, their family, their city, their county, etc. and make those we are playing for proud each and every time we hit the court.”

Key players for Brantley include John Harper Kilcrease, Daylan Davis, Julius Sylvester, Andre Wright, Fred Bogan and Jayden Parks.

“The goal is always a state championship,” Jayden said. “I believe our depth and commitment can take us there this year.”

Highland Home Squadron

Highland Home head coach Justin Cope said he is pushing his teams to uphold the school’s strong basketball tradition. Last year, the boys’ team finished second in the state for Class 2A.

“This was my first group when I came to Highland Home to help Coach Johnny Mitchell,” said Cope. “I have been with these seniors since they were in seventh grade and although you may never know exactly what you will get out of them, you will always get hard work and dedication and one thing we won’t do is go backwards. We want to maintain the course and uphold Highland Home’s standards,” Cope said.

The boys’ team, composed of experienced seniors, is currently navigating injuries.

“We have some young players filling this void, but these kids won’t use that as an excuse,” Cope said.

Girls’ head coach GeVonne Cooper praised his team’s solid chemistry and emphasized his commitment to supporting all local teams.

“I’m here to support all the teams, and I love what Crenshaw County basketball brings to the table,” Cooper said. “I am thankful for Bill Henry’s and The Luverne Journal for spotlighting the players countywide. I want them all to meet their full potential.”

Sophomore Annsley Garrard credited Cooper’s unique coaching style for fostering team unity.

“He treats us like his own, which really helps build team dynamic,” she said. “We work hard for each other on and off the court, and that will carry us far.”

Senior Tray Flowers highlighted the boys’ team bond.

“We have a really good group. We grew up playing basketball together,” Flowers said. “We trust and depend on each other, and I think we’ll go all the way.”

Senior JaNya Foster, who reached 1,000 career points during the Orange Beach tournament, praised her team’s shooting and competitiveness as their greatest strengths.

Luverne Tigers

Luverne boys’ assistant coach and girls’ head coach Derrick Wright acknowledged the hard work and leadership across his teams.

“These kids work hard day in and day out,” Wright said. “We appreciate the community’s support and giving them the recognition they deserve.”

Sophomore Jayden Harris described the boys’ team as a fast-paced, strong defensive unit.

“We’re a young team across the board, but we compete in a lot of areas,” Harris said. “Our biggest strengths are good shooting and strong defense.”

Junior Sarah Crum voiced her determination to return to the Final Four and bring home a championship for Luverne.

Senior TJ Washington expressed gratitude for Bill Henry’s Player of the Week program, which recognizes athletes’ efforts.

“Programs like this show us that our hard work is noticed,” Washington said. “It motivates us to keep pushing.”

Community Support and Recognition

Keyion Lowery, co-owner of Bill Henry’s, highlighted the importance of supporting local athletes. The Player of the Week award — a free six-piece wing combo — celebrates their dedication.

“This small gesture recognizes their hard work and dedication,” Lowery said. “Supporting them, even through social media, helps boost their college exposure and career opportunities. Any positive action like this strengthens our community, and that’s what truly matters.”