Alabama's 6A Postseason Preview
In just a few short weeks, the State of Alabama will be kicking off the 21-22 playoffs, and teams are gearing up for one highly competitive postseason.
Let's take a dive into a preview of the playoffs as I give my top teams to watch in the 6A class, along with my sleepers.
CLASS 6A
As the state of Alabama gets closer to the playoffs, Mountain Brook high sits at the top as the reigning champs. Despite a few injuries, the Spartans have dominated, holding a steady 25-3 record going (5-1) in league play.
Mountain Brook has kept that strong mindset that defense wins championships throughout the entire season, and it shows.
Sophomore Ty Davis has stepped up tremendously with his ability to control the offense and put up solid scoring numbers. He is currently averaging 14 points, six assists, and four rebounds per game.
One of the best moves made in 6A basketball was the addition of the elite 6-foot guard Kyle Layton.
While Mountain Brook is headstrong on the defensive end, Layton provides consistent scoring from the wing along with his great energy.
Let’s not forget about the guy that does it all, Charlie Mckimmon bringing that nonstop grind to the team. And with the return of Julius Clark, Mountain Brook should still be the favorites to take state yet again.
The Top Contenders
McGill-Toolen is one of the top contenders that others should not take lightly. They have maintained a 24-3 record going a solid 11-0 on the road.
Arkansas commit Barry Dunning has been the leading guy for this team. Earlier this year, Dunning told us that winning the state title is on his agenda for this upcoming season, and with the performance he put on this year, they are one step closer.
This season, senior guard Myles Murphy has been on a tear, playing excellent defense and doing significant work at the point position. Averaging 16 points and pulling down six rebounds a game has really been the driving force for McGill’s success.
Gavin Veasey is another guard that has put up so solid numbers while bringing the tough intensity on defense. With just a few games left in the season, keep a lookout for this team to possibly make a strong run in the playoffs.
Last season Spanish Fort showed just how great a team around the Gulf Coast could be when they faced off against Mountain Brook in the state finals.
Currently holding an 18-7 record, one would not have such high hopes for this team, but they have remained unbeaten in league play, giving them a strong advantage heading into the playoffs.
The duo of the Citadel commit Colby McAllister and Kolby Horace has still been clicking on all cylinders keeping that same energy that led their team to the dance last year.
McAllister has continued to light up the nets, and Horace has dominated the other wing averaging almost 27 points a game this season.
Sleeper Teams
The Eufaula Tigers have had a solid season getting wins over some top teams in the 6A class. Going (4-2) in league play and having an overall 25-3 record has given them significant momentum heading into the postseason.
Caleb Paige has been one the most consistent players in 6A, averaging almost 19 points and five rebounds a game. Caleb is a strong scorer and can run the floor with the best of them. He really stands out because of his hardnose defense; Caleb has quick hands and snatched away almost three steals a game.
Alongside him is another high motor player, his twin brother Joshua Paige. This kid is a tremendous shooter around the perimeter and beyond the arch. Joshua has added 15 points, three assists and snagged almost six rebounds a game for the season.
Though this team may seem quiet, I believe they have a chance to make some noise in the postseason.
At the beginning of the season, Huffman High School was listed as one of the top teams to watch. They have held up to challenge by having a good 24-6 record.
Huffman is strong, athletic, and plays aggressive defense. They have some elite scorers with the likes of CJ Blount on the wing and Peyton Wiggins controlling the pace from the point.
Michael Johnson has been the major piece that makes this team stand out. He has excellent size, runs the floor, and finishes strong at the rim.
Not only did they go (4-0) in area play, but they managed to get some wins over tough teams in 6A. I look forward to seeing if they can keep this same energy in the playoffs.
Another team that I enjoyed watching this season was Pinson Valley. They have some solid seniors in Cameron White and Isaiah Sims, but it is the promising young core that I am mostly excited about.
Terry Connor Jr. has really embraced his leadership role at the point position, being an overall threat on the court. He is a great facilitator and is an amazing iso player.
Sophomore Caleb White is another young guard who can easily get to the basket and knockdown consistent shots from the three.
Pinson Valley had a great run in area play going (6-0), and I believe they can have a solid run in the postseason.