AHSAA has tabbed Finley Center to host VB regional next 3 years:
North teams seek berth to the regional from the Hoover area:
GDW Analysis: MONTGOMERY: Last season the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) changed the venue for the North regional volleyball playoffs. The Finley Center in Hoover was used for the first time. The effort by those involved with the Center convinced the AHSAA to keep this segment of the postseason in Jefferson County. Through 2027, the regional will have intense competition with the regional to take place October 22 through the 24th. This is after the AHSAA Central Board of Control approved the proposal in a meeting from the state office last week. The Finley Center is well located in Hoover, next to Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, the current home of the Southeastern Conference baseball tournament. In the setup to reach the regional, the AHSAA has designated areas 9 through 16 in each classification for the North segment to go to Hoover. Areas 1 through 8 will compete in the South regional from the Cramton Bowl Multiplex in Montgomery. In 2024, four schools covered by Gameday Weekly punched a ticket to the North regional. Cullman, Holly Pond, Vinemont and West Point presented GDW the opportunity to take this as an assignment and see history made of the Finley Center hosting a volleyball playoff for the first time. Cullman, Vinemont and West Point endured a strong run with first year coaches. Amy Hudson got hired by Cullman before the 2024 season, Bobby Daniels was at Vinemont and Meagan Cagle took over the West Point program. Holly Pond was led by Adrien Adams with 2024 her 4th season at the command of the Lady Broncos. The Finley Center will be a part of opening weekend for AHSAA volleyball as it was last season. The Juanita Boddie Classic will take place August 21 & 22. Cullman participated in the event last season to welcome Hudson to her new position. In recent years, the Finley Center was also the site for the AHSAA to conduct a state basketball team camp in mid June to evaluate officials. GDW covered the event in 2023 & 2024 as local programs got involved in getting exposure from this well established facility in Jefferson County.
Photo of Cullman Lady Bearcats volleyball on August 26, 2024 at Bearcat Arena. Cullman played in the AHSAA North Regional in Hoover last season. GDW photo by Johnny Thornton.
