The road to Birmingham has officially begun, as some area tournaments kicked off Tuesday evening. The remainder of the week consists of tournament play, with opportunities to go to regionals on the line. We will be all over the state over the next few weeks covering the action. To tip it off, here’s Alabama’s top six area tournaments in the state.

1. 6A, Area 11

Site: Woodlawn

Teams: Woodlawn, Huffman, Gardendale, Shades Valley

Key Players: Javien Williams (UAB), Elijah Hill, Myreon Jones, Jr., Tucker Vines, Claude Newell

Storyline: This area play has been very competitive, namely Woodlawn vs. Huffman. The rivals have had a couple of classic games this season, and they could very well match up again Saturday night. The winner will host the sub-regional game, while the loser travels to the crossover opponent.

2. 7A, Area 8

Site: Sparkman

Teams: Sparkman, Hazel Green, James Clemens, Bob Jones

Key Players: Kira Lewis, Trai James, Bradley Belt, Jonathan Moss, Brandon Miller, Maurice Anderson, Cole Guffey

Storyline: Two really good teams are going to have their seasons come to an end in this area. All four teams competed at a high level and are traditional powers in Huntsville. The best game looks to be Hazel Green and James Clemens. JC won the last matchup, but nevertheless, it’s going to be a fun tournament.

3. 7A, Area 6

Site: Spain Park

Teams: Spain Park, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Hewitt-Trussville

Key Players: Austin Wiley (Auburn), Jamal Johnson, Justin Brown, Trendon Watford, Jack Kline, Harrison Stanley, Will Macoy

Storyline: The biggest story here is the proverbial Mountain Brook-Spain Park rematch. They split during the season and this probably won’t be their last meeting this season, either, as they could rematch again at Jacksonville State during regional play. Either way, this looks to be another fun matchup.

4. 7A, Area 4

Site: Central-Phenix City

Teams: Central-Phenix City, Smiths Station, Auburn

Key Players: Demarkus Lampley, Tionne Williams, Airen Brooks, Anthony Rodgers, Donald Jackson, Garrison Brooks, Christian Brandt, Stephon Jackson

Storyline: Once again, another really talented team will be eliminated from postseason play. This area doesn’t get the attention it deserves, but as you can see above, there are plenty of players in this tournament. If you’re in the area, check it out.

5. 7A, Area 2

Site: McGill-Toolen

Teams: McGill Toolen, Fairhope, Foley, Murphy

Key Players: Tevin Brown, Skylar Hawkins, Justin Edwards, Rene Scott, Khalia Ezell, T.J. Howard

Storyline: McGill-Toolen has been one of the most dominate teams in the state this season, and Fairhope junior Tevin Brown has made a name for himself. It looks like they will meet in the championship game. Who prevails? The hot team or the hot player? Time will tell. Catch it if you’re in the Mobile area.

6. 6A, Area 7

Site: Northridge

Teams: Northridge, Bessemer City, McAdory, Brookwood

Key Players: Sha’markus Kennedy (Chipola JUCO), Devin Whitfield, Prince Moss, Micah Fuller, De’Ederick Petty, Carlos Bell

Storyline: Bessemer City-McAdory is another great rivalry and one of them will go home. The storyline of the game? The guards. BC has Petty and Fuller, while McAdory has Whitfield and Moss. Both are great combinations and the winner is expected to play Northridge.