Description

Hoover doesn’t just talk about standards—they live them. In this episode of Building a Champion, Jordan and Brian sit down with Hoover High School Athletic Director Dr. Harley Lamey to unpack a historic year in Alabama high school basketball. The boys finished a perfect 35–0 to claim a third straight 7A state title, while the girls secured their fifth consecutive championship (11th since 2001). Dr. Lamey shares the mindset behind Hoover’s mantra—“Best is the standard”—and how the program develops unselfish stars, calm under pressure, and senior-led accountability. You’ll hear how the boys handled late-game drama in the title win over Florence, how the girls answered a second-quarter surge from Hillcrest to control the second half, and why community support and tough national schedules matter. Plus: culture, leadership, and why holding athletes accountable is a form of love.

Chapter Markers

• 00:00 Expectations & “Best Is the Standard”
• 01:08 Why Hoover Basketball Is a Dynasty
• 02:38 Boys’ 35–0 Season & Title Game Poise
• 10:50 Girls’ Five-Peat & Senior Leadership
• 14:08 Other Programs Making Noise (XC, Track, Volleyball, Softball, etc.)
• 20:52 Community, Pressure, and Pride
• 22:36 What’s Next: Chasing National-Level Excellence
• 24:44 Scheduling the Best (IMG, Alaska trips, national tourneys)
• 24:44 Game Time Decisions (Rapid Fire)
• 31:12 Closing & Culture Takeaways

Show Notes Highlights

• Boys: 35–0, first undefeated 7A season; third straight title
• Girls: Fifth straight state championship; 11th since 2001
• Culture: “Champions in all we do,” senior-led standards, unselfish stars
• Community: Packed arenas, “Boneyard” student section, program-wide pride
• Broader success: XC near-miss, track dominance, volleyball back-to-back Final Fours, softball, baseball, eSports titles
• Coaching: Accountability as love; building players and people