Spartans Make Final 4: Coach Davis Discusses How They Got There

MOUNTAIN BROOK, AL — Mountain Brook's dominance in basketball in Alabama is well-documented: five state titles in the last eight years, eight Final Four appearances in the last nine years and being ranked nationally among the best teams in the county during that time.

The Spartans continued to add to that impressive resume Tuesday when they defeated Huffman 63-47 to earn another berth in the Alabama High School Athletic Association Final Four in Birmingham.

Mountain Brook plays Monday at 4:30 p.m. at Bartow Arena.

What happens to a team when it gets so used to winning? Do the players get complacent? Do they "expect" to win?

Head coach Tyler Davis discussed with Patch what brought his team to this point, and how this season was different than those that preceded it:

This is the 8th time in 9 years MB has made the Final Four. How is this one different?

They are all great memories and fun to be apart of. This one is different from the stand point that I'm the head coach now.

What has been the main formula for success for this team?

The main formula for success for this team is very similar to all of our other teams. They have worked extremely hard, they have accepted and trusted the coaching, they play for each other and they are fearless.

What has surprised you this year about this team/season, if anything?

First coaching in a season during a pandemic is a little crazy. So being able to keep our guys focused in on getting better each day has been tough. Everyone in our program has done an excellent job of dealing with the ups and downs of the season and continuing to finish strong.

Reaching the Final Four is certainly a major achievement, but how do you keep the team focused on the ultimate prize - a state championship?

We don't talk about winning a state title. We preach to them to win today. So our goal is to get better and dominate practice today.

On a personal note, what is it like having your son, Ty, on the team? Has it affected your coaching at all, separating being a dad from being his coach?

This has been great to have Ty on this team and for him to personally get the opportunity to play in a Final 4. Hes been on the sidelines for all of our title runs as a little guy to now having a role on the team. I try to be his coach when we are at practice and games and be his dad off the floor. Some days it has its challenges but it's a blessing to be able to coach him.