Hoover coach Krystle Johnson noted her team was never ranked No. 1 in the statewide basketball rankings this season.

Didn’t matter. The Bucs remain the unquestioned No. 1 team in Class 7A.

Hoover captured its fourth straight Class 7A girls title by knocking off Trussville 58-56 in Saturday’s championship game at the BJCC’s Legacy Arena in Birmingham.

“Now they can get the respect they deserve, the respect they’ve earned,” Johnson said. “Just now we are the Class 7A state champs for four years in a row.”

Hoover’s Khloe Ford scored 17 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to lead the Bucs. Jordan Hunter led Hewitt-Trussville with 24 points.

The Huskies trailed by double digits for most of the game, but clawed back within 51-50 late in the fourth. Ford responded with a 3-point play, and the Bucs held on for the win.

Did you know? Hoover has now won 10 girls basketball state championships, all since 2001. Johnson has led the Bucs to five titles in the past six seasons.

Stat sheet: Hoover – Ford finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds for Hoover and was named tournament MVP. Kaitlyn Gipson scored 12 points, while Layla Cannon added 8 points and Ariana Peagler added 7 points, 4 assists and 2 steals. Hewitt-Trussville – Jordan Hunter finished with 24 points, 2 assists and 2 steals. Ryleigh Martin added 13 points. Lauryn Holley had 9 points, all on 3-pointers.

By the numbers: Hoover made 23-of-48 shots, including 1-of-9 from 3-point range, and hit 11-of-21 free throws. … Hewitt-Trussville made 16-of-41 shots, including 7-of-19 from 3-point range. The Huskies hit 17-of-21 free throws.

Coachspeak: “I promised them at halftime that in fourth quarter, it was going to be epic. And they bought into the epic. We kept fighting.” – Hewitt coach Tonya Hunter

“This is the best way to go out and get that respect.” – Johnson

They said it …: “Even though it wasn’t the prettiest game, we pulled it out.” – Hoover senior Kamryn Lee

“It gets better and better every year. It’s just so much sweeter because so many people doubted us.” – Hoover senior Ariana Peagler