Mountain Brook senior Greer Cunningham one of Metro area's best
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Mountain Brook’s Greer Cunningham is one of the best players in the area. (Dennis Victory)
The persistence of toil and sweat produced varying levels of success through the years, but there’s a destination no Mountain Brook team has reached since 1997. That’s the last time the Spartans earned a spot in the season-ending Elite Eight Championship Tournament.
“I really hope and think we have a shot this year,” said senior Greer Cunningham, who’s one of the metro’s best players. “We’ve been playing together for a long time and I think we have the ability to make it far this year.”
Mountain Brooks hosts Clay-Chalkville tonight at 6 as volleyball season begins. The Spartans advanced to the substate round of playoffs last year before falling to Bob Jones.
Cunningham is one of seven returning starters for the Spartans, who finished 30-14 last season. She earned a spot on three of The Birmingham News’ lists of best metro players.
In addition to Cunningham, Mountain Brook’s Claire Gorman, Alice Brown, Julia Smith and Sara Carr were also named among the metro’s best, selected by the News’ prep sports staff with nominations from coaches. The Spartans’ five selections led the list.
This year’s seniors are Cunningham, Brown, Mary Claire Carr, Jordan Hughes and Laura Keel.
First-year Mountain Brook coach Haven O’Quinn – she spent the previous two years at Pelham where she compiled a 68-43 record – likes what she sees from the Spartans.
“I’m so excited about this year,” O’Quinn said. “All 13 on the roster could easily be on the court. There are no big gaps in skill level in these girls and that’s great because they’ll be pushing each other all year.”
The Spartans also play in this weekend’s 30th annual Juanita Boddie Tournament, starting Friday at the Birmingham Crossplex with 27 of the best teams in the state.
