Basketball mid-season recap
With 2014 in the books, so too is the first half of high school basketball action in Alabama and some teams sit in the catbird seat in regards to playoff positions while other teams need some help going forward.
2015 could see some area teams fulfill their preseason aspirations and some teams might come up a little short. Here are how things stack up:
Boys 5A Area 14-Russellville
The Golden Tigers enter the month of January facing a full slate of area games including Jan. 9 at Lawrence County and a Jan. 16 home tilt against West Point. The Golden Tigers will look break a two-game losing streak and turn around and 0-3 record in their area as the new year begins.
Boys 2A Area 15-Red Bay
The Tigers over in Red Bay sit at 7-7 overall but just 1-2 in area play. They will need some help from fellow area members, Phil Campbell and Sulligent down the stretch if they hope to show well at the end of the season. With just three total teams in the area each game carries a lot of weight.
Boys 2A Area 15-Phil Campbell
Phil Campbell currently sits at 0-2 in area play behind Red Bay and area leaders, Sulligent. Their 4-9 overall record might be indicative of a tough front stretch of games. They will need a strong showing in the second half and some help ahead of them if they want to catch their preseason aspirations.
Boys 2A Area 16-Tharptown
The Wildcats have been pouncing on everyone they meet so far this season. With a 14-1 record heading into the second half of the season, Tharptown controls its own destiny with a 3-0 area record. Solid play from the young players on the roster should keep everyone fresh moving forward. Look for a deep playoff run from these guys.
Boys 1A Area 15-Vina
Vina picked up their first win in the program’s recent drought, so they have that going for them, but 0-5 in the area currently has the Red Devils looking down.
Boys 1A Area 15-Belgreen
The Bulldogs aren’t fairing much better than their Franklin Co. counterparts, Vina, in area play. Belgreen sits at 2-12 overall and 1-3 in area play.
Girls 5A Area 14-Russellville
The Lady Golden Tigers sit at the bottom of their area with an 0-1 record, but a second half surge could help them overcome Area 14 foes.
Girls 2A Area 15-Red Bay
The Lady Tigers have been met with success in the first half of the season. Sitting at 2-0 in area play and 6-5 overall, the ladies at Red Bay control their own destiny moving forward.
Girls 2A Area 15-Phil Campbell
The Lady Bobcats are currently at the bottom of the Area 15 standings in 2A, but a second half slate of area games could flip the table in a matter of weeks. Don’t count them out yet.
Girls 2A Area 16-Tharptown
The Tharptown ladies currently sit mid-table in their area play and perennial playoff contender, Mars Hill Bible, still sits at the top in control of the area.
Girls 1A Area 15-Belgreen
The Lady Bulldogs have fared well in the opening half of the season and sit near the top of the five-team area table. Area games in the second half could push Belgreen past county-foe, Vina for good.
Girls 1A Area 15-Vina
The Lady Red Devils aren’t out of it yet, but an early season slate of tough games has kept their schedule lopsided in the wrong direction. Look for Vina to try and get on a roll against Hackleburg Jan. 9
