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Uniontown Today
By the People, for the People
Alabama's Top Boys Basketball Teams Advance in AHSAA Playoffs
Regional tournaments tip off this week with favorites still alive in all classifications
Published on Feb. 18, 2026
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The top-ranked teams in each of Alabama's seven high school boys basketball classifications have survived the first round of the AHSAA playoffs and will continue their postseason journeys this week as the regional tournaments get underway. The Class 1A through 6A playoffs have already begun, while the first Class 7A matchups will take place on Friday, February 20.
Why it matters
The AHSAA playoffs are the culmination of the high school basketball season in Alabama, and the continued success of the state's top-ranked teams maintains excitement and anticipation around the upcoming state tournaments. These teams have proven themselves throughout the regular season and will now look to claim their respective classification championships.
The details
In Class 1A, the Hatch Bobcats are the highest-ranked team, while the Providence Christian Eagles lead Class 2A. The Class 3A Hale County Wildcats and the Class 4A Ashville Wildcats will be in action on Wednesday, February 18. On Thursday, February 19, the top-ranked teams from Class 5A (Guntersville Wildcats) and Class 6A (Oxford Yellow Jackets) will continue their playoff runs. The state's overall No. 1 team, the Huntsville Panthers, won't take the court until Monday, February 23, when they face the Hoover Buccaneers.
- The Class 1A and 2A regional semifinals will be played on Tuesday, February 17.
- The Class 3A and 4A regional semifinals will be played on Wednesday, February 18.
- The Class 5A and 6A regional semifinals will be played on Thursday, February 19.
- The first Class 7A playoff matchup is scheduled for Friday, February 20.
- The Huntsville Panthers, the state's overall No. 1 team, will play on Monday, February 23.
The players
Hatch Bobcats
The top-ranked team in AHSAA Class 1A.
Providence Christian Eagles
The frontrunners in AHSAA Class 2A.
Hale County Wildcats
The No. 1 team in AHSAA Class 3A.
Ashville Wildcats
The top-ranked team in AHSAA Class 4A.
Guntersville Wildcats
The No. 1 team in AHSAA Class 5A.
Oxford Yellow Jackets
The top-ranked team in AHSAA Class 6A.
Huntsville Panthers
The state's overall No. 1 team in AHSAA Class 7A.
What’s next
The regional tournaments will continue through February 25, with the state tournaments scheduled for March 2-7.
The takeaway
Alabama's top high school boys basketball teams have navigated the first round of the AHSAA playoffs and remain in contention for their respective classification championships. The continued success of these powerhouse programs has maintained the excitement and anticipation around the upcoming state tournaments.
