Montgomery Academy’s Skyler Stovall had perhaps the most accurate description of Friday’s Class 3A state championship game. “It was a battle,” he said. Indeed, it was. Stovall and teammate Braden Gordon combined to score 48 points as the second-ranked Eagles fought off a gritty comeback effort by Mars Hill Bible to claim a 65-56 victory at Birmingham’s Legacy Arena.

After the game, when Mars Hill boys basketball head coach Jeremy Pounders accepted the Class 3A boys state runner-up, he brought the red map back to his Panthers bench and made them all get on their feet as he delivered a special message.

BIRMINGHAM – Montgomery Academy started strong in its Class 3A boys’ state championship game with Mars Hill Bible and finished strong. Mars Hill showed a determined grit and determination in

Montgomery Aca. and Mars Hill will face off on Friday, Feb. 28 at 2:15 p.m. CT. Don't miss out on any of the action with NFHS Network.

The Eagles never trailed as they knocked off the defending state champions Mars Hill Bible, 65-56, on Friday at Legacy Arena. It marks Montgomery Academy's first state title in program history. Skyler Stovall led Montgomery Academy with 25 points and seven rebounds.