Hewitt-Trussville (AL)

The Huskies finished a distant third to Vestavia and Thompson at the 7A Traditional State Tournament in 2021. But Coach Pike has a squad that has all of the pieces to push the top two teams in 2022. The Huskies have the opportunity to return 13 of their 14 State Qualifiers and 7 of their 8 State Placers. This is a team that has the ability to beat anyone in Alabama.

The Huskies should be led by returning State Champ Hunter Jones as well as State Runners-up Lucas and Logan Reaves. State Placers Dalton Zimmerman, Chris Weaver, Andrew Shelton, and Chris Hawkins will score points and keep the Huskies in the hunt for a title … each of the above will be hunting for the top spot on the podium as well. The key to the Huskies success is in the return of State Qualifiers Clark Box, Thomas Shaffer, and others. They will play an important role in whether Hewitt can overtake Vestavia and Thompson in the team race.

“Our guys have been working very hard this off season and hopefully it will pay off this winter. We made a lot of progress last year and hope to take another step forward this year. It will not be easy by any means but we are excited for the opportunity to compete.”

— Coach Pike

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Vestavia Hills (AL)

Vestavia, like Cary (NC) who was mentioned previously, has a long and storied history as a powerhouse in Alabama. In 2021, the Rebels won their 16th Alabama State Title in a knockdown affair with defending Champs Thompson. Coach Adams has to like what returns for the Rebels and their ability to defend their title in 2022. State Champs Zach Flurry and John Edwards return as does State Runner-up Carson Farris and State Placers Mac Chandler, Hastings Roberts, Clay Johnston, Harris Mitchell, Trey Saunders, and Andrew Sykes.

The Rebels do lose State Champs Dawson Ray and Bryce Littleton as well as State Runner-up Topher Hays and Placer Leighton Reese to graduation. A bigger loss might be the departure of 2020 State Champ Jack Lamey who transferred to Hoover to finish out his career with his dad (Harley Lamey) as the new head coach of the Bucs. The Rebels counter with 5A-6A State Runner-up Cale Land who moves in from Chelsea. The Rebels have the tougher path in qualifying - through the North with Hewitt-Trussville, Spain Park, Huntsville, Bob Jones, and others. And if they are going to beat Thompson for the traditional title and hold off the likes of Hewitt-Trussville and Spain Park they will need Stone Phillips, Luke Dutton, Grant Taylor, Mitch Taylor, and Jack McMurry ready to make an impact.

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Ohatchee (AL)

Ohatchee finished 5th at the 1A-4A State Tournament in 2021 and the Indians return 10 of their 11 State Qualifiers (and 4 of their 5 State Placers) in 2021-2022. Defending 195 lb. State Champion Troy Galloway returns to lead the way and this is a team that could make a run at the title. The Indians also return State Placers Kasin Bramlett, Malachi Goble, and Matthew King.

If the Indians can those 4 back on the podium and get a few of their returning State Qualifiers to make the podium as well … they will be tough to beat in 2022. Keep an eye on Deacon Eagle, James Howard, and Cody Freer … each won a match at last year’s state tournament and any of them making the podium would go a long way in Ohatchee claiming a team title.

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