The Glue That Holds The Spartans Together
By Dusty Hicks
Jack Kline battles for possession against current Mississippi State's Demetrius Houston. Photo Cred/Mark Almond of AL.com
Jack Kline is a coach’s dream. He is beginning his final campaign at Mountain Brook under Coach Bucky McMillan. A three year starter, it would be tough to find somebody that out works Kline. He has been a major contributor and leader for a Mountain Brook team that is attempting to reach their fourth straight state championship game, winning the 6A titles in 2013 and 2014 and finishing as runner up last year in the inaugural 7A title game last year.
At 6’4, 220 pounds, Kline is routinely matched up with much taller post players. His production, however is not affected. Through two games this year, he is averaging 11 points and 7 rebounds. His role has increased each year on the varsity squad going from a player that relied on his toughness, basketball IQ and desire to win to a go-to, matchup nightmare for opposing defenses as a junior. Rarely is his intensity level on both ends of the floor matched and it shows up night in and night out. He and the Spartans are off to a strong start this year. They opened up with a 16 point victory over Northridge and a 79-78 last second victory over Shades Valley to extend their home winning streak to 25. Kline had 13 points and 12 points respectively.
At 6’4, 220 pounds, Kline is routinely matched up with much taller post players. His production, however is not affected. Through two games this year, he is averaging 11 points and 7 rebounds. His role has increased each year on the varsity squad going from a player that relied on his toughness, basketball IQ and desire to win to a go-to, matchup nightmare for opposing defenses as a junior. Rarely is his intensity level on both ends of the floor matched and it shows up night in and night out. He and the Spartans are off to a strong start this year. They opened up with a 16 point victory over Northridge and a 79-78 last second victory over Shades Valley to extend their home winning streak to 25. Kline had 13 points and 12 points respectively.
Kline shoots over Auburn commit Austin Wiley. Photo Cred/Mark Almond of AL.com
As a member of the third team class 7A All-State team as a junior, Kline was invited to the North/South all star game and multiple showcases. College coaches began to pay closer attention. It did not take long for Kline to accept a scholarship offer from Coach Lennie Acuff at the University of Alabama-Huntsville. According to Coach Bucky McMillan, UAH is where Kline wanted to attend during the whole recruiting process. When he got the offer, he jumped on it and is looking forward to taking all the intangibles he has played with at Mountain Brook to help lead the Chargers. Kline is a steal as a recruit and will no doubt fit perfectly within the UAH system. They play fundamental basketball, they have intelligent players and most importantly they win. That is exactly what the Chargers are getting in Jack Kline, a winner.