Red Raiders rise to No. 3 in Class 5A
By Staff
Mike Self, FCT Sports Editor
The Alabama Sports Writers Association released its latest rankings on Thursday, and Area 16 continues to make a strong showing in Class 5A.
Russellville's four-game winning streak wasn't enough to propel the Golden Tigers (13-4) back into the Top 10, but two other Area 16 teams were ranked.
Decatur (17-4) rose one spot to No. 3 in Class 5A, behind only top-ranked Williamson (21-2) and No. 2 Wilcox-Central (19-1).
Also, Muscle Shoals (18-2) held steady at No. 10. The Trojans beat area rival Athens 70-54 on Tuesday and will host Russellville tonight.
A handful of other local boys teams were also ranked in their respective classifications. Central-Florence (15-4) was ranked No. 5 in Class 4A, and Lauderdale County (20-3) checked in at No. 3 in Class 3A.
Both Covenant Christian (No. 8) and Phillips (No. 10) were ranked in Class 1A.
Russellville's girls will play a pair of Top 5 teams in the coming days, beginning with Saturday's trip to face No. 2 Hartselle (20-3). The Lady Golden Tigers will then host No. 4 Athens (17-3) on Tuesday.
Other girls teams in the area ranked in their respective classifications include Deshler (No. 1 in Class 4A), Lawrence County (No. 5 in 4A), Sheffield (No. 4 in 3A), Lauderdale County (No. 7 in 3A), Mars Hill (No. 7 in 2A) and Hazlewood (No. 4 in 1A).
