Welcome to the 2015-16 season in the state of Alabama. The road to Birmingham has officially begun and we couldn’t be more excited to get things rolling. Every day for the next few weeks, our Alabama expert Garrett Tucker will tackle two questions at 2 p.m. CST about the upcoming season.

Have a question? Please use the #AskHoopSeen on Twitter and we will be sure to tackle your questions along the way!

Who is the best team in Birmingham?

As usual, Alabama’s city for basketball, Birmingham, has several of the best top-tier programs that the state has to offer. Who will emerge as the top team in the Birmingham metro area? I think it’s safe to say it involves a competitive rivalry matchup.

Mountain Brook and Spain Park both had disappointing seasons last year. Mountain Brook fell in the inaugural 7A state title game to Hoover – and yes, a runner-up trophy is a disappointment for Mountain Brook basketball in the current era. Spain Park was upset by Vestavia Hills in the first round of the area tournament, thus knocking them out of playoff contention. It’s safe to say Austin Wiley, Jamal Johnson, Justin Brown and Co. are focused on making a state championship run this year.

It’s hard to turn down what Bucky McMillan has rolling at Mountain Brook right now. The Spartans’ defense and intense style of play is something opposing teams fear. The team isn’t bad, either. Mountain Brook returns star forward Jack Kline and freshman transfer Trendon Watford is one of the top 2019 players in the country. However, the Spartans’ depth and ability to rotate guys in and out will be what separates them from the rest.

Ramsay will also have another high-level, competitive team this year. They return three main pieces from last season: point guard Brandon Wright (Sr.), power forward A.J. Luke (Sr.), and shot-blocker Kobe McClain (Jr.). Kelly Cheatham is one of the best coaches the city and state has to offer, and he will have his players poised to make another state finals run.

Another team to watch this year will be Bessemer City. Two years ago, they shocked many people and made it to the 6A Final 4. Last year, they had a successful season but failed to reach the goals they had set. Now, Bessemer City has one of the best backcourts the state has to offer. Senior Micah Fuller and De’Ederick Petty make for one of the best 1-2 punches around. Utility forward Carlos Bell will also play a big role for BC. Can they make a run? The talent is definitely there, and they are going to get after people on defense. Watch out for Bessemer City this season.

Who is the best team in Mobile?

Mobile can produce the surprises of the state playoffs. Every now and then, a mystery team emerges and makes a run. However, the two best teams in Mobile this year are easy choices.

Faith Academy is a regular in the Final 4. Last year, they fell to J.O. Johnson in Birmingham. This year, they look to avenge that loss, as the majority of the roster from last season returns. Rod Williams (Sr.), Josh Hill (Sr.), M.J. McGowan (Jr.), and Reginald Mhoon (Jr.) will be feature guys for the Rams this year. They have a nice mixture of size and speed that will causes problems for other teams in the bay area.

One team that could challenge Faith this season will be Blount. The Leopards have consistently had productive teams over the past few years, but this year could mean big things. New Mexico State hoops commit Reginald Todd is eligible to play this season after transferring from LeFlore. He will be the focal point for Blount, along with 6-foot-8 big man Cameron Diggs (Sr.). Those two will be one of the best guard/post duos the state has to offer. Expect Blount to make their run in the state playoffs this season.