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AHSAA Boys Basketball Playoffs Kick Off with Thrilling First Round

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, February 8th 2026 at 21:35 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Alabama, UNITED STATES

Birmingham, AL - The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) boys basketball playoffs officially kicked off on February 8th, 2026, with a thrilling first round of games across all six classifications. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the opening day set the stage for what promises to be an exciting march towards the state championships. This article provides a detailed recap of the first-round results and offers a preliminary look at potential championship contenders in each class.

1A: Upsets and Close Contests The Class 1A bracket delivered its share of excitement. Florala secured a decisive 72-point victory over Elba, signaling their intent to make a deep run. Isabella narrowly defeated Brent with a score of 68-65, demonstrating a competitive spirit that will serve them well in subsequent rounds. Loachapoka also advanced with a 55-point win against Reeltown. This class appears particularly open, with several teams capable of challenging for the title. The small school atmosphere often leads to intense rivalries and unpredictable outcomes, making the 1A playoffs a fan favorite.

2A: High-Scoring Affairs Dominate The 2A classification showcased high-octane offense. Notasulga led the charge with an impressive 81-point performance against Holt. Aliceville also put on a scoring display, defeating Millport with a final tally of 75-68. Pleasant Grove secured a victory over Falkville, 62-53. The emphasis on quick scoring and transition play suggests that teams prioritizing pace and perimeter shooting will have an advantage in this bracket. Several teams from rural areas are consistently competitive in 2A, highlighting the strong basketball tradition in these communities.

3A: Moody Leads the Way In 3A, Moody emerged as an early favorite with a commanding 90-65 victory over Alexandria. Leeds followed suit, taking down Cleburne with a score of 78-60, while Munford managed a 65-50 win over Vinemont. The margin of victory for Moody indicates a well-rounded team with strong offensive and defensive capabilities. Leeds and Munford, while securing wins, will need to elevate their performance to compete with Moody as the playoffs progress. Expect this class to be characterized by physical play and strategic coaching.

4A: Calera Makes a Statement Calera delivered a dominant performance in the 4A bracket, defeating Jemison 85-60. Sylacauga also impressed with a 72-60 victory over Cordova, and Winfield secured a win over Montevallo, 60-52. Calera's high scoring output indicates they could be a serious threat to win the 4A championship. This class is typically characterized by a blend of established programs and emerging contenders, making it a consistently competitive division.

5A: Clay-Chalkville Sets the Pace The 5A classification saw Clay-Chalkville lead the way with an 88-70 win over Huffman. Helena's 75-68 victory against Thompson was another notable result. Homewood rounded out the first round winners with a 63-53 victory over Springville. Clay-Chalkville's high score, combined with their reputation for strong coaching and skilled players, positions them as a leading contender for the 5A title. This class often features teams transitioning from smaller schools, creating a dynamic and unpredictable competitive landscape.

6A: Vestavia Hills Stuns Hoover The biggest upset of the first round arguably came in the 6A division, where Vestavia Hills defeated Hoover 92-78. This result is particularly noteworthy given Hoover's historically strong basketball program. Auburn also secured a comfortable win against Gadsden with a score of 78-65, and Huntsville advanced with a 65-58 victory over Florence. Vestavia Hills' win demonstrates that the 6A bracket is wide open, and any team capable of playing consistent defense and executing their offensive game plan has a chance at the championship. The 6A classification is often considered the most competitive in Alabama high school basketball, attracting top talent and dedicated coaching staffs.

Looking Ahead The second round of the AHSAA playoffs promises even more intense competition. Coaches will be analyzing game film, adjusting strategies, and preparing their teams for the challenges ahead. Fans can expect thrilling matchups, unexpected upsets, and the emergence of new stars as the tournament progresses. Stay tuned for further updates and analysis as the road to the state championships continues.