Hoover High School’s boys basketball program entered the 2026‑27 season with a clear focus on depth and leadership. After a strong 25‑11 campaign that saw the Buccaneers reach a fourth straight state championship game, head coach Scott Ware highlighted the importance of cohesion among a mix of seasoned veterans and promising underclassmen.
New Captains Anchor the Team
The coaching staff selected three captains to embody that blend. Sophomore guard Mike Gates earned significant minutes during last season’s run and returns with confidence. Senior guard Ericson Washington, who missed the previous year with an injury, brings experience and athleticism. Senior guard Joe White stepped up as the go‑to player on the junior varsity squad and is ready for a varsity role.
Length and Versatility Define the Roster
The Buccaneers’ roster is built around size. Senior forward KJ Steele (6‑foot‑9) provided stability when star forward Jackson Sheffield was away, while sophomore forward Xavier Smith (6‑foot‑8) can operate inside and on the perimeter. Junior transfer Kaiden Newberry (6‑foot‑5) adds depth, and sophomore transfer Tory Smith and senior Owen Ware contribute shooting firepower. Junior guard Jeremiah Lee offers length and scoring from both the paint and beyond the arc. Senior forward Myre Dickerson will join after the football season, and versatile underclassmen Braxton Harrell and Cooper Allums can move between JV and varsity as needed.
Season Outlook and Schedule
Ware emphasized that the team’s goal is not merely a state title but to be the best version of themselves each day. The Buccaneers opened the season at the McGill Tip‑Off in Mobile and will face Gadsden City, McAdory, and Vestavia Hills before the Jag Classic at Spain Park over Thanksgiving. December brings trips to Oxford and Spain Park, home games against Pelham, Hazel Green, and Gardendale, the Big Orange Classic (Dec. 21‑23), and the Pepsi Classic in Athens after Christmas. Area play begins Jan. 8 at Tuscaloosa County.
Looking Ahead
With the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s reclassification moving Hoover into Class 6A, Area 5, the Buccaneers will compete alongside Thompson, Prattville, and Tuscaloosa County. The program’s emphasis on length, experience, and a strong work ethic positions them to continue the tradition of excellence that has defined Hoover basketball for the past decade.
Original reporting: Hoover Sun — read the source article.
