BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Throughout the yr, 2022 proved to be a very good yr throughout a number of sports activities in Alabama.

Though neither the University of Alabama or Auburn University soccer groups introduced dwelling a nationwide championship this yr, sports activities followers noticed dominance and convention championships from different groups. And with basketball season up and operating, there’s nonetheless an opportunity of somebody bringing extra championships to the state.

Here are just a few sports activities highlights from the previous yr in Alabama:

Birmingham Stallions (11-1), (2022 USFL Champions)

• The USFL kicked off its inaugural season in April. With all video games being performed in Birmingham, the Stallions had been capable of benefit from having a house sport each week till the playoffs. They had been capable of cap off an incredible 11-1 season by profitable the USFL Championship in opposition to the Philadelphia Stars in Canton, Ohio, 33-30. Former Alabama operating again Bo Scarbrough performed an enormous function in serving to the workforce, Skip Holtz was the pinnacle coach and Victor Bolden Jr. was the championship sport MVP.

Crimson Tide soccer (10-2), (6-2 SEC)

• It wasn’t the yr many Alabama followers hoped for contemplating the depth that was returning, particularly on protection. The Tide discovered themselves in lots of shut video games this season, however in opposition to Tennessee and LSU, they weren’t capable of pull it out. Bama lacked playmaking at occasions from the broad receiver place, one thing that hasn’t been an issue for some time. In a season full of ups and downs, the Crimson Tide simply missed out on an opportunity on the College Football Playoff, the second time they haven’t been in it because it began in 2014-15. Bama is about to face Kansas State within the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Eve at 11 a.m.
• With quarterback Bryce Young, linebacker Will Anderson and others prone to declare for the 2023 NFL Draft after the Sugar Bowl, it’ll be attention-grabbing to see what subsequent season will maintain for the workforce.

Auburn Tigers soccer (5-7), (2-6 SEC)

• It was a curler coaster of a season for the Tigers this previous season. Head coach Bryan Harsin was fired in the course of the season after a 3-5 begin. The Tigers had been then led by interim head coach Cadillac Williams, main them to a 5-7 document over the last 4 video games of the season. There have been numerous modifications for Auburn with John Cohen employed as AU’s new athletics director and Hugh Freeze as the brand new soccer head coach. The Tigers will look to return to their profitable methods in 2023.

UAB Blazers soccer (7-6), (4-4 C-USA)

• The Blazers didn’t have fairly the success that they’d in 2021-22, however they nonetheless ended their season the precise means with a victory in opposition to Miami (Ohio) within the Bahamas Bowl, 24-20. The Blazers introduced that former NFL quarterback and Super Bowl champion Trent Dilfer can be its subsequent head coach. He will look to carry the Blazers again atop of Conference USA and even has hopes of getting the Blazers into the College Football Playoff.

Samford soccer (11-2), (8-0 SoCon Champions)

• The Samford Bulldogs had an unimaginable season, leading to them going to the NCAA Division 1-FCS Playoffs. They had been topped Southern Conference champions for the primary time since 2013 after defeating Chattanooga, 35-24. Chris Hatcher is the pinnacle coach of the Bulldogs and can look to proceed on their success subsequent season.

Troy soccer (12-2), (7-1 Sun Belt Champions)

• After beginning the season 1-2, the Trojans gained 11-consecutive video games together with the Sun Belt championship in opposition to Coastal Carolina, 45-26. Troy was ranked No. 24 within the nation and earned a spot within the Duluth Trading Cure Bowl in opposition to No. 25 UTSA, the place they gained 18-12. Jon Sumrall, a Huntsville native, had nice success in his first yr as head coach and the longer term seems vibrant for the Trojans with him main the best way.

Thompson High Warriors soccer (11-3)

• The Thompson Warriors have been the face of 7A and Alabama highschool soccer for the previous 4 years and so they don’t look to be slowing down. Head coach Mark Freeman helped lead the Warriors to its fourth straight state championship victory. Eight grader Trent Seaborn grew to become a reputation to recollect as he lead the workforce and now seems to be the face of a program who produces D-1 expertise yr in and yr out. After a 0-2 begin in opposition to two of the perfect groups within the nation comparable to Buford and Lipscomb Academy, the Warriors dominated 7A with just one loss to Hoover. The two groups met once more within the playoffs and Thompson left little question that they had been higher, profitable 40-10 and defeating Auburn within the state championship, 49-24.

University of Alabama basketball (10-2)

• Alabama basketball has been on a tear to this point this season. The Crimson Tide have already upset two No. 1 groups in North Carolina and Houston. The workforce is deep with expertise, size and athleticism. Freshman Brandon Miller leads the best way for Bama as he’s a projected top-10 choose within the 2023 NBA Draft. Currently ranked at No. 8, the Crimson Tide look to proceed their success and make a deep run within the NCAA Tournament.

Auburn University basketball (10-2)

• Auburn basketball can also be off to a formidable begin and has among the finest dwelling court docket benefits in all of faculty basketball. The Tigers are lead by head coach Bruce Pearl and need to win the SEC once more after being the SEC common season champions final season. Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler at the moment are within the NBA, however the Tigers return some starters from final season together with Wendell Green Jr., Zep Jasper and Ok.D. Johnson, who will look to assist them make a run at a title.

UAB basketball (10-2)

• The UAB males’s basketball workforce has already defeated SEC faculties Georgia and South Carolina by double-digits to get the season began. The Blazers are led by senior Jordan Walker, LSU switch Eric Gaines and Clemson switch Trey Jemison. If the Blazers can proceed to win video games, they’ll have the chance to search out themselves within the NCAA Tournament.

Auburn University baseball (43-22), (16-13 SEC)

• Auburn baseball had a magical season as they discovered themselves in Omaha on the finish of the season. After a formidable run by way of NCAA Regionals and even going into Corvallis and gorgeous No. 3 Oregon State, the Tigers had there season come to a detailed after falling to Arkansas, 11-1. They had been led by the co-SEC Baseball Player of the Year, Sonny DiChiara. DiChiara, from Hoover, transferred from Samford for his senior yr and batted .383 to go together with 22 home-runs and 59 RBI. He was chosen within the fifth spherical of the 2022 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Angels.

University of Alabama ladies’s soccer (23-3-1), (10-0 SEC)

• It was a particular yr for Alabama ladies’s soccer that consisted of 15-conseutive wins throughout the common season. The Crimson Tide earned the No. 1 seed within the Women’s College Cup and gained 4 video games earlier than their season ended within the semifinals in opposition to UCLA, 3-0. Reyna Reyes was awarded 2022 SEC Defender of the Year and helped anchor the backline to a program-record 23 wins and 12 shutouts.