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SPORTS
Pressure Cooker: Smallwood thriving in late-game situations for Spain Park PAGE 22
Savannah Gann has racked up 209 kills in 17 matches, an average of more than 12 per match.
Thursday, September 8, 2022 ❖ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Spartans roll in Week 2 win over Minor PAGE 22
Ready to Run
Joseph, Bucs Looking to End Hoover’s State Cross-Country Title Drought
By RuBin E. GRant
Elijah Joseph earned All-State honors by finishing seventh in the 2021 Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 7A state cross-country meet.
This fall, Hoover’s senior distance runner has loftier goals in mind, and they’re not just to win the individual title.
He wants to help the Bucs win their ‘You can see the first boys cross-country team state potential of my championship since 2007.
“It’s kind of a big deal,” Joseph class the last four said. “We haven’t been able to win it years to compete for the past 15 years. I’m going to help my team as much as possible to win it.” for the blue (state
The Bucs finished third last year championship) behind Huntsville, which won its fourth consecutive Class 7A title, and St. trophy, but now Paul’s Episcopal. it’s time to win it.’
“You can see the potential of my class the last four years to compete for the blue (state championship) trophy, but now it’s time to win it,” Joseph said.
Joseph is one of five top runners on the squad. The group also includes seniors Danny Tackett, Matthew Harden and Cannon Peters, and junior Zander Dakis.
“They’re a good group, a tight group,” Hoover track coach Chris Schmidt said. “Every week a different guy can lead our team. Last year,
See JOSEPH, page 23
Elijah Joseph
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
Gann’s All-Around Play Has Vestavia Volleyball Team Off to a Solid Start
By RuBin E. GRant
Savannah Gann has become a killing machine — on the volleyball court, that is.
During the first two weeks of the 2022 season, Vestavia’s 6-foot senior outside hitter racked up 209 kills in 17 matches, an average of more than 12 per match.
Gann is rapidly and well on her way to surpassing the 317 kills she had last year as a junior
“Savannah is doing great,” secondyear Vestavia Hills coach Ashley Hardee said. “She’s our best attacker, our go-to player. She’s tall and athletic and can be effective on the front row and back row. Her height and gives us so much value, not just with kills, but serving, digging and blocking, too. She fills up the stat sheet, which is critical to our success.”
Gann recorded 91 digs in addition to her 209 kills in those 17 games.
Gann entered this season regarded as one of the top seniors in the state, so her dominating start isn’t surprising. But she’s not trying to be the best player in the state. The team comes first.
“I’m trying to be the best I can for our team,” Gann said. “I want to leave it all on the court each game we play.”
SAVANNAH GANN
