Alabama News

General News

Dear Annie: Learning to socialize in college

Dear Annie: I’ve always disliked house parties. During the first ones I’d been invited to, I had to leave early due to the loud music, vulgar dancing and drunk classmates — an environment that would only make me feel anxious, disgusted and sick.

I thought this feeling would wear off and I’d eventually be able to integrate and have fun just like everyone else. However, after attending a couple more, I came to the realization that it’s just not my thing and that I like to have fun in other ways. So, I began declining all house party invites with silly excuses or anything that I could come up with.

Because of that, I earned the reputation of being a boring and wearisome person, and that I hated everybody and didn’t want to spend time with them, which is not true.

My high school days are over, and I am about to begin university. I know I will be invited to parties in the coming months. What would be a more assertive and confident way to decline all these invites? — ‘Boring’ Student in South America

Dear ‘Boring’: Embrace what makes you comfortable.

A simple “No, thanks, that’s not really my scene” is honest and assertive. Suggest an alternative way to hang out that aligns with your interests.

This shows you’re open to socializing on your terms and helps others understand your preferences without having to make excuses or get caught up in a lie.

Your university years can be a fresh start to find like-minded friends who respect your idea of fun.

Read more Dear Annie and other advice columns.

“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].

General

Sean Payton was ready to fly to Alabama for QB Bo Nix

Oregon’s Bo Nix was the sixth quarterback picked in the NFL Draft on Thursday night. The Denver Broncos, who picked him, were happy he was.

“This is the night where everyone says, ‘We got our guy,’” Broncos coach Sean Payton said. “I told (general manager) George (Paton), ‘I think we’re in position right where we’re at. Shoot, I could fly out there today and be the first one when we’re on the clock to knock on his door and make sure he knew that we were the one. But then I thought that might be a little difficult if something happened. I’d be in Birmingham, Alabama, and all of sudden, we have to divert the plane somewhere, so we stayed put. But we’re glad it worked out the way it did.”

A former Pinson Valley High School standout who played his first three college seasons at Auburn, Nix went to Denver with the 12th selection in the first round.

Paton said the Broncos liked all the quarterbacks who were drafted in the first round – Southern Cal’s Caleb Williams at No. 1 by the Chicago Bears, LSU’s Jayden Daniels at No. 2 by the Washington Commanders, North Carolina’s Drake Maye at No. 3 by the New England Patriots, Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 by the Atlanta Falcons and Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy at No. 10 by the Minnesota Vikings.

But the general manager and coach settled on Nix as a good fit for the Broncos pretty quickly, they said.

“Once we knew this was our target,” Payton said, “every time Chase Daniel got on or Dan Orlovsky or anyone, ‘He’s perfect for …’ I’m like, ‘Shhh! Will you be quiet.’ …

“We did our best to talk about other players and directions. It’s difficult sometimes. You don’t want everyone to know this is the player, but I saw what you guys saw, and I would cringe and George would cringe.”

The Broncos released starting quarterback Russell Wilson in March because of his massive contract. That left former Auburn standout Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci as the Denver quarterbacks. Stidham started the final two games of the 2023 season as the Broncos prepared for their offseason decision on Wilson.

Last week, Denver traded with the New York Jets for quarterback Zach Wilson. The No. 2 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Wilson’s tenure in New York had gone badly enough that the Jets were willing to pay half of his 2024 salary to move him to Denver.

“These guys are all going to compete,” Payton said. “… Bill (Parcells) taught me a long time ago: Let’s just let them play. We got to maximize the reps that we have and let them develop. And that stuff will sort itself out.”

Nix said he knew he isn’t promised the starting job in Denver even though he is a first-round pick.

“I know everybody has to compete,” Nix said. “I know everyone has to go to work. We haven’t had any conversations thus far, just draft prep and, obviously, the recent draft-pick (call). Other than that, I just can’t wait to get around the locker room, can’t wait to get around the guys, meeting my new teammates, meeting new coaches and get to work.”

Nix said he also recognized his compatibility with Denver’s offense.

“I think when you look at their offense, when you look at the scheme, a lot of really fun concepts that I’ve run in the past, a lot of fun things that I’ve been able to do and have success in,” Nix said. “We were able to just talk over those and communicate those. I believe just talking football is one of the best things you can do in the process, and that’s what we did a lot of.”

FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.

General

Detroit Lions go ‘Bama to Bama to Bama’ in NFL Draft

Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes did not expect to pick an Alabama player in each of the past three NFL drafts. And he certainly didn’t expect for cornerback Terrion Arnold to be his choice in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday night.

With the Lions scheduled to make their first selection at No. 29, Holmes figured Arnold would be long gone.

“We had a pretty significant line between him and the next guy,” Holmes said about Detroit’s cornerback grades.

But with a record 23 offensive players among the 32 first-round picks on Thursday night, Holmes saw Arnold being pushed far past where he thought the Crimson Tide defensive back would be selected. And he went into action.

Holmes sent the 29th and 73rd selection in this year’s draft to the Dallas Cowboys for the 24th choice and a seventh-round pick in next year’s draft.

After moving up five spots, Holmes tabbed Arnold.

“We’re thrilled with how tonight went,” Holmes said. “All these drafts, you never know how it’s going to go. We knew it was an offensive-heavy draft. That’s what we did know. But we didn’t quite know that those defenders would get pushed to that point, especially a guy like Terrion. But we couldn’t be more ecstatic or thrilled how it went.”

It’s the third year in a row that Holmes has traded up to pick an Alabama player. In 2022, the Lions drafted Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams at No. 12. In 2023, Detroit drafted Tide running back Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12.

“I would have never thought it would have worked out with the continuous Bama to Bama to Bama,” Holmes said, “but I’m not surprised either because we know how we want to build our football team, and those guys have been a stalwart powerhouse in the top college football conference for a very long time. …

“Again, it gives you a little bit higher level of comfort.”

Detroit also picked Alabama defensive back Brian Branch in the second round last year.

“I have so much respect for (coach) Nick (Saban) and everything that he’s done with that program,” Holmes said. “Those are one of those places where when I was a young Southeast scout, you go to Alabama, you just want to camp out there for a week, just because not only do they have really good players, but you knew the level of player that you were getting, you saw the type of practices they were having and the information access, but ultimately the coaching they were already receiving. Those guys practice hard, they practice intense.

“And so, I think I said it last year, not only about Alabama but we got the two kids from Iowa last year, and it’s a lot of other schools that I can say that about — you got Michigan right down the road — but when you pull kids out of those programs, you pretty much have a good feel. Not all are exactly the same as a person, but you kind of know what they’ve already been through, and you definitely know what kind of coaching they’ve already had. And you’ve seen them at the highest level, and there’s really not a whole lot more to see.”

Arnold was the last of the three selections from Alabama on the first night of the 2024 draft. The Los Angeles Chargers close offensive tackle J.C. Latham at No. 7, and the Minnesota Vikings picked linebacker Dallas Turner at No. 17.

FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.

General

Today’s daily horoscopes: April 26, 2024

In primal days when it wasn’t so easy to make fire, keeping flames going was an important job given to responsible people who understood the significance of their watch. A sacred spirit is alive wherever people pass torches, metaphorical or otherwise. There’s expectation that all will keep it burning to the best of their ability. Much depends on the order of succession.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Back in the days of the saber-tooth tiger, keen ears meant the difference between being alive or being lunch. And though today’s good listening isn’t a survival issue, what you catch will sure make your life a lot easier in the future.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You needed something and you found a way to make it happen. Your own need was evidence of the demand, and you’ll get more evidence from others. When charity is called for, you’ll give. When professionalism is called for, charge.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The challenges you’ve overcome are not top of mind because the responsibilities of the day take precedence. But it will be helpful to remind yourself of what you’ve handled and what you’re capable of. The confidence will ease your way.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). While there may be more than one reality, you seem to be in this one where the thought exercise of “woulda, coulda, shoulda” is not as helpful as practical action. Clean, clear, manage, leverage and love what is.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Much that attracts your attention is unworthy of it, and yet there’s something there or you wouldn’t have looked. Knowing what that “something” is will give you power and insight today. To fascinate, we must understand the nature of fascination itself.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You might feel like your actions are all over the place, but there’s a coherence; this is all driven by you. Embrace the experimental phase you’re in. Take your time. Your vision is coming together.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). In the wise words of Tom Waits, remember, “The large print giveth, the small print taketh away.” Take your time with the written word, especially instructions and contracts.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). What is truly yours already feels like it’s yours to the extent that when you get it, it will seem like the most natural fit. But most things exist better without the state of ownership. Enjoy the many ways in which you are unencumbered.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Your dedication is commendable, and you are moving in the right direction. Maintaining momentum does get tricky, but if you can prioritize these goals for three days in a row, you’ll see even greater progress in the near future.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You extend your hand in empathy, yet, the heart of another remains a vast expanse beyond your grasp and comprehension. Maybe that’s what makes the reach such a meaningful gesture; any connection, however incomplete, is worth it.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The farmers make hay while the sun shines, and you do your own version of it, perhaps by making sure you get out in it to catch whatever sense of brightness and aliveness comes with seeing humanity together and outside under the same sky.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). There’s no virtue in keeping worries bottled up inside. Sharing your burdens not only gets some of the load off your shoulders, it gives others a chance to lend a hand and show you some love — good for both of you.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (April 26). The year plays with your expectations, delighting you with every twist. A move to improve your environment will have far-reaching positive effects on your daily flow and relationships. More highlights: a coronation of sorts as you’re crowned in success, serendipity follows every flutter of your creativity, and three important reunions bring joy and restoration. Leo and Libra adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 20, 21, 4, 46 and 13.

Holiday Mathis’ debut novel, “How To Fail Epically in Hollywood,” is out now! This fast-paced romp about achieving Hollywood stardom is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis.com. COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

General

Ask Amy: Pregnant teen feeling squeezed by boyfriend’s sister

Dear Amy: My boyfriend and I are in our late-teens and we recently learned that I am pregnant.

We have a lot to deal with but we are doing our best to handle this situation that neither of us really feel ready for. We both have great families and they are supportive.

We saw my boyfriend’s sister last weekend, and she told me that she wants to go with us to our doctor appointment so that when we learn the gender of our child she can then host a “gender reveal” party. (She is married and has a child.)

I know that some parents do this, but I don’t think I want to do it.

Should she come with us to the appointment? Should we let her do this?

– Nervous

Dear Nervous: No – and no.

You and the baby’s father should go to these appointments. If you would like more support at an appointment, you could invite her or another family member, but this invitation should come from you – not the other way around.

Establishing respectful boundaries can be a tough job. But this is the beginning of your life as parents, and you have the right and responsibility to develop good boundaries and good judgment about what you believe is best for you and your child.

You can email Amy Dickinson at [email protected] or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068.

General

JC Latham, Dallas Turner bet $20 on 1-on-1 drills at Alabama football practices

JC Latham’s smile grew. He processed the question and made the internal calculations if he wanted to say what had popped into his mind.

Latham had been asked what it was like to go up against fellow first-round pick Dallas Turner in Alabama football practices. Turned out it was a financial opportunity. During 1-on-1 drills, Latham said he and Turner wagered $20 on each rep.

“I love Dallas, that’s my guy. I’m not in college no more so I can say we had bets,” Latham said to reporters after the Tennessee Titans selected him seventh overall in the NFL Draft.

Turner, who went 10 picks after Latham to the Minnesota Vikings, was asked by AL.com during his news conference if it was true and if so, who won more often.

“He never got my money, I’ll tell you that,” Turner said dropping after his chin to his chest and laughing.

Latham, Turner and teammate Terrion Arnold were among the 13 draftees in the NFL’s green room at One Campus Martius in downtown Detroit. The former UA players were asked about upholding the “Alabama standard,” and its role in their development.

Arnold, who went 24th to the Lions, grew the total number of Nick Saban’s first-rounders coached to 52 overall. In a twist, Saban broke down each of his former players as an analyst for ESPN.

Turner’s 32.5 career sacks and Latham’s two stellar years at right tackle made them the first Tide pass rusher and blocker duo to go in the first round since Quinnen Williams and Jonah Williams were selected in 2019. As part of Saban’s final team, Turner and Latham captured a Southeastern Conference title and a trip to the College Football Playoff.

“It was a blessing,” Turner said of watching his teammates hear their names be announced. “I almost cried for JC when he got he called up. Seeing my brothers get drafted, it’s just a beautiful feeling knowing that you went to war with these guys for years. Me and JC lockers were right next to each other so I got to see him every day and see him grow every day.”

Friendly bets aren’t new for Alabama football. In 2022, Will Anderson revealed they had a turnover pool: $20 per player, the winner being the first defender to force a takeaway. Anderson won the pot after grabbing an interception against Louisiana-Monroe.

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].

General

Class 4A No. 3 Corner knocks off defending champ Etowah in doubleheader sweep

Corner’s Brodie Dunlap blasted a pair of two-run bombs and Eli Cannon earned a complete-game victory as the third-ranked Yellow Jackets swept a doubleheader over defending Class 4A champion Etowah, 5-4 and 9-1, in Thursday’s playoff matchup in Warrior.

“Our guys battled through a lot of adversity,” Corner coach Caleb Hoyle said. “When we figured out how to win the first one, we had all the momentum we needed going into Game 2. If we show up, we got a shot.”

Corner (26-6) carried its Game 1 energy into the nightcap and surged to a 5-0 lead after four innings. The Blue Devils went up 1-0 in the second as Cole Rasbury led off the frame with a single before being brought home by Carson Hurley on a single.

Dunlap punctured the atmosphere in the third on a two-run bomb and Hurley and Daven Lee scored in the fourth on a wild pitch and passed ball, respectively. Lee scored again in the fifth on an error.

Following Etowah’s only run, scored on a single by Cash Hayes in the bottom half of the fifth, Dunlap sent his second two-run homer to the skies to put the Yellow Jackets up 8-1 entering the final inning.

“He’s seeing it really well right now,” Hoyle said. “He’s very strong to where if he can get the bat to it, it’s got a chance to get out of ballpark at any moment.”

Eli Cannon added the last run on a single in the seventh and went the distance on the mound, allowing one run on two hits and striking out four and walking two in the complete-game victory. He sat the Etowah side down in order to end the nightcap and send the Yellow Jackets to the third round.

“The infield tonight was amazing,” Cannon said. “They were rolling up ground balls and getting it done. Got to have the bats too and Brodie had those two homers. This is what makes it fun and makes playoff baseball the best.”

Etowah (20-14) took a 2-0 lead in the top of the third inning in Game 1, but the Yellow Jackets rallied for three runs in the next two innings to grab a 3-2 advantage heading into the sixth. The Blue Devils scored twice as Bodie Bennett stole home and pinch runner Bradley Pleger scored on an error.

Corner recaptured the lead in the bottom of the sixth on back-to-back singles from Rasbury and Max Hill. Etowah’s Slade St. Clair led off the final inning on a single, but Brendan Conner forced three straight outs to close out the opener.

“Coming back this year, after what they did to us last year, it’s amazing,” Dunlap said.

Star of the Game: Dunlap. The senior UAB signee was only 1-for-2 with a single in his first at-bat in the opener but went 2-of-4 in the nightcap while drilling a pair of two-run homers off two separate Etowah pitchers.

“The second one was high and outside. I just threw my hands at it and completely hit it dead-center. I don’t even know how I did it. I got my hands into it and it just went.”

Stat sheet: Corner – Carson Hurley was 3-of-3 in the doubleheader with an RBI single and double, and Rasbury went 3-of-7 with an RBI single in the nightcap. Cannon, who earned the Game 2 win in a full seven innings of work, was 2-of-5 with a one-run single in the nightcap. Lee was 2-of-2 in Game 2 with a single and a double. Etowah – Bennett and Hayes registered the only two hits for the Devils in the nightcap, the latter plating the only run, and St. Clair went 3-of-4 in the opener. Jameson Scissum was 1-of-3 with an RBI double in Game 1 and took the loss in Game 2, allowing five runs on nine hits while collecting three strikeouts.

Coachspeak: “When we went down 2-0, it could have been easy to pack it in there. We stayed the course, fought through and figured out the plate. Cannon has been dominant on the mound, but the guys behind him make the routine plays.” — Corner’s Caleb Hoyle

“We had a good season. It’s tough, people don’t realize, just getting to the playoffs and being able to get to this round. We’ve been fortunate the last two years to get to the finals and win one last year. Some of these guys, this is all they know. Corner played a hell of a series, but we fought and I’m proud of what they’ve done.” — Etowah’s Blake Bone

What’s next: Corner advances to face either No. 8 Deshler or Asheville in the third round of the AHSAA Class 4A playoffs.

General

AHSAA tennis: Lauderdale County, Providence Christian lead

Defending Class 1A/3A girls’ state tennis champion Lauderdale County opened the first day of the 2024 AHSAA State Tennis Championships at the Mobile Tennis Center by qualifying four singles players and all three doubles teams into Friday’s state finals.

Coach Haleigh Woodard’s Tigers totaled 34 points Thursday and hold a 4-point lead over St. James heading into the final day’s competition, which starts at 8 a.m. Friday. Indian Springs is third in the points standings with 23 with Shoals Christian in fourth with 11 points.

In the Class 1A/3A boys’ competition, Providence Christian, coached by John Hughes, managed 37 points Thursday and advanced five of its six singles players into Friday’s championship matches. Covenant Christian and Tuscaloosa Academy were tied for second place with 26 points each, and the Alabama School for Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE) was fourth with 22 points.

The Class 6A state tourney also got underway Thursday and was continuing at the time of this post. The AHSAA’s largest single tennis tourney was scheduled to get through all quarterfinal rounds with semifinals in singles and doubles to be completed Friday.

Mountain Brook’s girls, who came into the 6A tourney riding a six-year state championship winning streak, was trailing first-day leader St. Paul’s 47-44 with a few matches still underway at 8 p.m., Thursday. The Spartans boys, who won the school’s 27th state tennis title last season, led the boys’ competition with 44 points. Hartselle was second with 29, Northridge third with 28 and Spanish Fort fourth with 26.

Lauderdale County, which became the first public school to win a state crown in the 1A/3A division history last year, advanced No. 2 singles player Lizzie Tanner, No. 3 Mallory McConnell, No. 4 Molly Burchell and No. 6 Ivey Tinker to Friday’s singles finals. Defending state champion Ella Bentley of St. Luke’s downed Decatur Heritage’s Murphy Founds in the No. 1 semis 6-2, 6-0 and will face Indian Springs’ Sohana Coplash in Friday’s finals. Coplash won her semifinal match over Reilly Taylor of St. James.

Coplash and Marley Nadler also advanced to the No. 1 doubles finals and will face Lauderdale Country’s Molly Burchell and Jilly Tanner.

In the boys’ action, Tuscaloosa Academy’s Jonni Kneer beat Ashton Storey of ASCTE in his No. 1 singles semifinal match 6-0, 6-0, and will meet Providence Christian’s Jackson Hughes, a 6-4, 7-5 winner of 2023 state runner-up Michael Vandiver of Decatur Heritage, the championship match Friday.

Providence Christian also advanced Mason McCallister (No. 2), Wyatt Mixson (No. 3), Hampton Baxley (No. 4), and Cole Harrison (No. 5) to Friday’s finals.

Mountain Brook’s Pippa Roy remains unbeaten

Senior Pippi Roy, who is attempting to become just the seventh girls’ player in AHSAA history to win four No. 1 singles state titles, kept her career unbeaten record intact winning both singles matches Thursday for Mountain Brook. Coach Susan Farlow’s No. 1 ace is now 11-0 on the season and 35-0 for her prep career. Mountain Brook’s girls are vying for their 34th state crown. Their 33 titles won is the AHSAA state record.

Roy will meet St. Paul’s sophomore Emma Jane Hamilton in the semifinals Friday. Roy and Annie Lacey also moved into the No. 1 doubles semifinals winning two matches Thursday. The duo won the state title last year as well. Roy, who plans to attend Creighton University next fall, will be hoping to win her fourth No. 1 doubles title as well.

St. Paul’s, which advanced at least four singles players to the semifinals, also advanced its No. 1 doubles team, Hamiton and Emma Clement, to the semis – to face Roy and Lacey next round. That match could go a long way in deciding the 6A state title for the girls.

Mountain Brook senior Luke Schwefler won two matches Friday and advanced to Friday’s semifinals. His second win over Northridge eighth-grader Will Thom, was a 6-3, 6-3 decision.

All six singles players and all three doubles teams are still alive heading into Friday’s final day of competition as the 79th AHSAA State Tennis Championships draw to a close.

Complete match results can be found at this link.

AHSAA 2024 TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

MOBILE TENNIS CENTER

Thursday’s Results

Class 1A/3A

Boys’ Team Scoring

1) Providence Christian 37; 2) Covenant Christian 26; 3) Tuscaloosa Academy 26; 4) Alabama School for Cyber Technology (ASCTE) 22; 5) Lauderdale County 17; 6) Westminster-Oak Mountain 7; 7)Shoals Christian 6; 8) Decatur Heritage 4; 8) Northside Methodist 4; 10) Whitesburg Christian 0

CLASS 1A/3A BOYS’ SINGLES

Thursday’s Semifinal Results

No. 1 semis: Jonni Kneer, Tuscaloosa Ac. def. Ashton Storey, ASCTE, 6-0, 6-0

No. 1 semis: Jackson Hughes, Providence Christian def. Michael Vandiver, Decatur Heritage, 6-4, 7-5

No. 2 semis: Elliott Stoey, ASCTE def. Holman Bearden, Tuscaloosa Ac., 6-4, 6-1

No. 2 semis: Mason McCallister, Providence Christian def. Colin Thompson, Covenant Christian, 6-2, 7-6

No. 3 semis: Tucker Williams. Covenant def. Simon Mitrev, Tuscaloosa Ac., 6-4, 6-4

No. 3 semis: Wyatt Mixson, Providence Christian def. Luke Tyson, Northside Methodist, 6-0, 7-5

No. 4 semis: Zack Bell, Covenant def. Wesley Brown, Northside Methodist, 6-2, 6-4

No. 4 semis: Hampton Baxley, Providence Christian def. Jack Purcell, Westminster-Oak Mountain 6-2, 6-4

No. 5 semis: Thomas Plott, Tuscaloosa Ac. def. Mason Truesdale, ASCTE, 6-1, 6-1

No. 5 semis: Cole Harrison, Providence Christian def. Jake Hall, Covenant Christian, 7-6 (4), 6-4

No. 6 semis: Rex Roberson, Lauderdale Co. def. Vance Lewis, Providence Christian, 4-6, 6-2, 10-4

No. 6 semis: Carson Spain, Covenant def. Tucker Massey, ASCTE, 6-2, 6-2

CLASS 1A/3A BOYS’ DOUBLES

Thursday’s Semifinal Results

No. 1 semis: Jonni Kneer/Holman Bearden, Tuscaloosa Ac. def. Samuel Camp/John David Bachofer, Shoals Christian, 6-1, 6-1

No. 1 semis: Mason McCallister/Jackson Hughes, Providence Christian def. Ashton Storey/Elliott Storey, ASCTE, 6-3, 6-2

No. 2 semis: Wyatt Mixson/Hampton Baxley, Providence Christian def. Sam Ballard/Buddy Watson, ASCTE, 6-4, 6-3

No. 2 semis: Colin Thompson/Zack Bell, Covenant Christian def. Wesley Eyrich/Jack Purcell, Westminster-Oak Mountain, 6-1, 6-0

No. 3 semis: Baker Burchell/Rex Roberson, Lauderdale Co. def. Talmadge Wright/Tucker Massey, ASCTE, 6-2, 6-4

No. 3 semis: Jake Hall/Carson Spain, Covenant Christian def. Thomas Plott/Lawson Kelly, Tuscaloosa Ac., 6-2, 6-1

Class 1A/3A Girls

Team Scoring

1) Lauderdale County 34; 2) Saint James 30; 3) Indian Springs 23; 4) Shoals Christian 13; 5) St. Luke’s Episcopal 11; 6) Providence Christian 5; 7) Decatur Heritage 2; 7) Whitesburg Christian 2

CLASS 1A/3A GIRLS’ SINGLES

Thursday’s Semifinal Results

No. 1 semis: Ella Bentley, St. Luke’s def. Murphy Founds, Decatur Heritage, 6-2, 6-0

No. 1 semis: Sohana Caplash, Indian Springs def. Reilly Taylor, Saint James, 2-6, 6-3, 14-12

No. 2 semis: Lizzie Tanner, Lauderdale Co. def. Marley Nadler, Indian Springs, 6-4, 6-0

No. 2 semis: Lauren Watson, St. Luke’s def. Mamie Bechofer, Shoals Christian, 2-6, 6-4, 10-4

No. 3 semis: Mallory McConnell, Lauderdale Co. def. Kaleigh Owen, Shoals Christian, 6-1, 6-0

No. 3 semis: Karly Bailey, Saint James def. Elizabeth Trembley-Cox, Indian Springs, 6-3, 6-0

No. 4 semis: Davis Wilsford, Saint James def. Chloe Wohlschlaeger, Whitesburg, 6-0, 6-0

No. 4 semis: Molly Burchell, Lauderdale Co. def. Tessa Trembley-Cox, Indian Springs, 6-0, 6-0

No. 5 semis: Helen Johnston, Saint James def. Allie Campbell, Providence Christian, 6-2, 6-0

No. 5 semis: Lyla Wells, Shoals Christian, def. Paige Davis, Lauderdale Co., 6-1, 1-6, 10-4

No. 6 semis: Addison Seale, Saint James def. Molly Phillips, Shoals Christian, 6-0, 6-1

No. 6 semis: Ivey Tinker, Lauderdale Co. def. Coco You, Indian Springs, 6-0, 6-0

CLASS 1A/3A GIRLS’ DOUBLES

Thursday’s Semifinal Results

No. 1 semis: Sohana Caplash/Marley Nadler, Indian Springs def. Ella Bentley/Lauren Watson, St. Luke’s, 6-4, 3-6, 15-13

No. 1 semis: Molly Burchell/Jilly Tanner, Lauderdale Co. def. Owen Thompson/Ella Hall, Providence Christian, 5-7, 6-3, 10-7

No. 2 semis: Reilly Taylor/Addison Seale/Saint James def. Elizabeth Tremble-Cox/Tessa Trembley-Cox, Indian Springs, 6-0, 6-2

No. 2 semis: Lizzie Tanner/Mallory McConnell, Lauderdale Co. def. Mami Bachofer/Kaleigh Owen, Shoals Christian, 6-1, 6-1

No. 3 semis: Raleigh Court/Helen Johnston, Saint James def. Elizabeth Ann Ingram/Haisten Grace Price, Providence Christian, 6-0, 6-2

No. 3 semis: Anna Paige Davis/Ivey Tinker, Lauderdale Co. def. Audrey Fendley/Shelby Stevens, St. Luke’s, 6-2, 6-2

Class 6A

Boys’ Team Scoring 1) Mountain Brook 44; 2) Hartselle 29; 3) Northridge 28; 4) Spanish Fort 26; 5) Briarwood Christian 20; 6) Trinity Presbyterian 19; 7) St. Paul’s Episcopal 18; 8) McGill-Toolen 14; 9) Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa 12; 10) Gardendale 11; 10) Muscle Shoals 11; 12) Mortimer Jordan 8; 13) Decatur 2; 13) Fort Payne 2; 13) Hazel Green 2; 13) Pell City 2; 13) Wetumpka 2

Class 6A Girls

Team Scoring

1) St. Paul’s Episcopal 47; 2) Mountain Brook 44; 3) Northridge 30; 4) McGill-Toolen 23; 5) Hartselle 22; 5) Muscle Shoals 22; 7) Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa 20; 8) Trinity 16; 9) Pell City 15; 10) Cullman 12; 11) Fort Payne 9; 12) Gardendale 6; 12) Briarwood Christian 6; 12) Madison Academy 6; 15) Pike Road 4; 16) Spanish Fort 2

General

Nick Saban on Terrion Arnold: ‘I love this guy’

Nick Saban was all smiles each time an Alabama player was drafted on Thursday, but it’s clear he holds a special place in his heart for Terrion Arnold.

The Crimson Tide’s All-America cornerback was drafted No. 25 overall by the Detroit Lions, the third Alabama player taken in the first round. Saban called Arnold “a special guy,” as much or more for his personal magnetism as his play on the field.

“He’s got a great personality,” Saban said during ABC’s NFL draft coverage. “He started the whole ‘LANK’ thing — ‘Let A Naysayer Know.’ And he sort of followed it and really committed himself to being the best player he could be, being a leader on the team.

“This guy is Ms. Terry’s favorite. He comes to our house and plays rummy. He sits right beside me in the defensive meeting every day.”

Arnold, who wore a pink suit with silver floral inlays and LANK embroidered inside the jacket to Thursday’s draft, was a first-team All-American and All-SEC pick as a redshirt freshman in 2023. He could play multiple defensive back positions in the NFL, Saban said.

“Terrion has all the tools to be a really good corner,” Saban said. “He can play man-to-man, he can play the ball in the deep part of the field and he’s a good tackler. He’s aggressive, he can play in the slot. I think he can also play nickel. … He can play press and closer to the line. He’s a good tackler. So all the critical factors for a DB, he’s really good at.”

Arnold was a five-star recruit out of John Paul II Catholic School in Tallahassee, Fla., in 2021, but redshirted as a freshman and did not become a full-time starter until midway through the 2022 season. That’s another positive checkmark in regard to his character, Saban said.

“I’ll tell you want, I love this guy, because this guy improved so much from last year,” Saban said. “All the guys that get frustrated with their circumstance and transfer or whatever — he stuck it out, he stayed there. He never once talked about getting in the portal and he just worked his tail off. … The guy did a great job and improved so much and I’m so happy to see him end up where he is right now.”

Arnold’s former teammates JC Latham and Dallas Turner were also picked in the first round Thursday. Latham went No. 7 to the Tennessee Titans, while Turner was selected No. 17 by the Minnesota Vikings.

General

Terrion Arnold goes to Detroit Lions: Get his NFL jersey

Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold was picked 24th overall by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. He was the third Alabama player drafted in the first round tonight, joining former teammates Dallas Turner and JC Latham.

Arnold will join his former Alabama teammate Brian Branch in the secondary for the Lions. Fans can obtain Arnold’s new NFL jersey by heading to the Fanatics website and purchasing the new merchandise. Currently, fans ordering from Fanatics will avoid any shipping costs by entering the discount code “24SHIP” at checkout.

Despite only playing two years of football at the collegiate level, Arnold was a leader on the Alabama defense. He ended his second season with the highest number of interceptions and pass deflections on the team, even with fellow cornerback prospect Kool-Aid McKinstry on the roster.

Arnold became one of the top cornerback recruits in this year’s draft class due to the incredible leap in production from his first and second year statistics. He improved from his first season by obtaining four more interceptions and four more pass deflections in 2023, showcasing his incredible coverage and ball tracking ability. Arnold ended up being taken as the second cornerback in the first round tonight.

Alabama and NFL fans can purchase Arnold’s new NFL jersey on the Fanatics website, which will also hold the jerseys of other first-round draft picks. The jerseys will be shipped for free because they fit the requirements for the discount code on Fanatics.