RHS boys drop out of ASWA rankings; Trojans in at No. 10

By Staff
Mike Self, FCT Sports Editor
For the second time this week, Russellville's boys will be taking on a Class 5A, Area 16 opponent ranked in the state's Top 10 by the Alabama Sports Writers Assocation.
The Golden Tigers, who fell 69-47 to No. 4 Decatur on Tuesday, will try to bounce back tonight against Muscle Shoals. The Trojans (14-2) debuted this week at No. 10 in the ASWA Class 5A poll, while the loss to Decatur dropped Russellville out of the Top 10.
The Golden Tigers had been ranked No. 8 in the first poll of the season, which was released on December 21.
No teams in Franklin County were ranked in the polls released Thursday, but a handful of teams from northwest Alabama cracked the Top 10 in their respective classifications.
On the boys side, Lawrence County (13-5) was ranked No. 5 in Class 4A with Central-Florence (10-3) checking in at No. 6.
Lauderdale County (14-2) was ranked No. 3 in Class 3A, and Cherokee (12-2) came in at No. 8 in Class 2A.
Four teams from this area were ranked in the Class 1A Top 10: No. 5 Covenant Christian (14-1), No. 7 Decatur Heritage (11-7), No. 9 Speake (10-2), and No. 10 Phillips (11-3).
In the girls rankings, Hartselle (16-3) was No. 2 in Class 5A and Athens (12-3) was No. 4.
In Class 4A, four-time defending state champion Deshler (16-0) held firm to the top spot. Lawrence County (15-3) was ranked No. 5.
Lauderdale County (11-6) was ranked No. 5 in Class 3A, and Mars Hill (13-5) checked in at No. 6 in Class 2A.
In Class 1A, Hazlewood (12-4) was ranked No. 3 and R.A. Hubbard (12-4) No. 9.