Big Week Ahead for 6A Contenders
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The end of the regular season is fast approaching for Alabama 6A boys basketball teams, and this week features several critical games with playoff-seeding implications. Friday night showcases a battle of top-10 teams as #8 Paul W. Bryant visits #5…
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Continue ReadingThe end of the regular season is fast approaching for Alabama 6A boys basketball teams, and this week features several critical games with playoff-seeding implications.
Friday night showcases a battle of top-10 teams as #8 Paul W. Bryant visits #5 Northridge. These regional title contenders boast contrasting styles that should make for an exciting clash.
Local rivals Pelham and Helena also square off Friday in what will be another intense chapter of their storied rivalry. Both teams enter with identical 21-5 records, looking to head into playoffs with momentum.
On Tuesday, 19-6 Baldwin County travels to 18-6 McGill-Toolen in an important Region 1 tilt. The winner gains an edge for the top playoff seed.
Parker and Minor meet Friday in a key Region 3 contest between talented squads. And cross-town foes Clay-Chalkville and Pinson Valley close their regular seasons Friday in a heated West Jefferson showdown.
With so much on the line, expect playoff intensity in all these games. The outcomes will shape the 6A bracket and determine section titles. The march to BJCC Arena begins now.
#8 Paul W. Bryant (17-3) v #5 Northridge (21-2) Gameday: 1/23
Pelham (21-5) v Helena (21-5) Gameday: 1/23, 1/26
Baldwin County (19-6) v McGill-Toolen (18-6) Gameday: 1/23
Parker (18-8) v Minor (16-6) Gamday:1/23
Clay-Chalkville (18-7) v Pison Valley (15-9) Gameday 1/23 (Rivalry Game)
Victor Odiari Victor Odiari 6'6" | SF Clay-Chalkville | 2025 State AL
Victor Odiari Victor Odiari 6'6" | SF Clay-Chalkville | 2025 State AL
Oriari is a high-level athlete who makes an impact on both ends with his combination of size, skill, and motor. He overwhelms opponents inside through relentless rebounding and determination in the paint. Developing his perimeter skills and passing ability out of the post will make him a more complete offensive threat. Oriari’s physical gifts and work ethic give him tremendous upside if his skills continue to progress. He projects as a potential Division 1 prospect.
Despite his young age, Walters is already an elite offensive talent and matchup problem for opponents. His versatile scoring ability, passing vision, and rebounding production make him a focal point of Pinson Valley’s attack. Adding strength and continuing to polish his perimeter skills will make Walters a complete offensive weapon. He projects as a future high-major recruit if his development stays on the same upward trajectory.
Wimberly is the catalyst for Pelham’s uptempo attack, putting pressure on defenses with his speed and aggressiveness. He is an absolute pest defensively, making opposing guards work tirelessly. While his jump shot and distribution skills are still developing, he impacts the game in transition, getting out in the open floor and attacking the rim. Wimberly’s work ethic and competitiveness make him a key contributor.
Highlights
Joshua Williams Joshua Williams 6’2″ | SG Helena | 2024 State AL is a gifted scorer who overwhelms opponents with his powerful driving ability and shooting touch. He excels at making plays in transition and putting pressure on defenses. Becoming a more disciplined ball handler and improving his passing ability could make him a more complete offensive threat. Williams projects as a potential Division 1 prospect if his skills continue to develop.
Despite his youth and small stature, McClain makes an impact with his speed and skill set. He pushes tempo exceptionally well and delivers crisp passes in transition. His shooting touch and court vision are promising. Adding strength and experience will help him become more effective against high school defenses. McClain’s quickness and feel for the game give him strong potential down the road.
Nathen Hanley
Nathen Hanley
Hanley has appealing physical tools for his age with room to get stronger. He plays hard which allows him to make an impact around the basket as a rebounder and finisher. Polishing his perimeter skills like ball handling and shooting would make him a more complete offensive threat. Hanley’s motor and size give him solid potential if he puts in the work to develop his skills against better competition. Continuing to fill out his frame is key.