Alabama basketball playoffs heading for Final 48

Prep basketball area tournaments are currently underway for boys and girls in the AHSAA. The ultimate destination is the Final 48 state tournament – which will see four boys' and four girls' teams competing in each of six classifications at the BJCC in Birmingham March 1-5.

If things follow true to expected form, Butler (Huntsville) star Tray Lacey should be making his final appearance in the Final 48 this year if he can lead the Rebels through the Class 4A competition. Butler won back-to-back Class 5A titles in 2008 and 2009 with Lacey as the leader. Last year's Mr. Football winner was injured in the area tournament last season and arch-rival Lee-Huntsville went on to win the 2010 Class 5A state crown.

Coach Jack Doss' team has had no trouble after dropping to 4A this season. Neither has 2010 Class 2A state champion Pickens County (Reform) – now competing in Class 1A.

Girls area tournaments started Thursday and continue Saturday and boys will play Friday and Monday. Winners and runner-ups will advance to the sub-regional round next week with those winners moving to four Regional Tourneys Feb. 21-26. Regional champions will advance to the Final 48 the following week.