As we enter the 2021-22 Alabama high school boys basketball playoffs, you could certainly make a legit argument for a few different teams to be in the conversation as the “favorite” to win the state title in each classification. However, if you had to actually pick one team to label the favorite, who would it be?
7A – Vestavia Hills
While defending state champion Oak Mountain and Baker will likely have something to say about this, it’s hard to look past what Vestavia Hills has done so far this season. Having entered the week with a 22-3 overall record, the Rebels have continued to rise as the season goes along, and have fully cemented themselves in the argument for the state’s top team at the moment.
6A – Mountain Brook
Speaking of the state’s top team, the defending Class 6A state champion Spartans, you could argue that they’ve owned that conversation for most of the 2021-22 season, and are likely the favorite to win yet another state title this year. However, it will not be easy, as Eufaula and Cullman are both capable of winning it all, as well as McGill-Toolen led by the state’s top recruit in Barry Dunning.
5A – Lee-Huntsville
Arguably the most clear state title favorite entering the Alabama high school basketball playoffs comes in Class 5A in defending champion Lee-Huntsville. The Generals are one of the top overall teams in the state regardless of classification, but Charles Henderson and Douglas could potentially stand in their way of a state title.
4A – Escambia County
With defending champion Anniston not the clear favorite, it seems likely that 4A will see a new champion in 2021-22. As for the favorite, an argument could be made for Escambia County, as well as a few others such as Sumter Central, Brooks, Jacksonville, and Westminster Christian.
3A – Cottage Hill Christian
Class 3A honestly might be the hardest to predict of any. With defending champion Fyffe not among the favorites, you could make an argument for any of the following teams – Cottage Hill Christian, Plainview, Lauderdale County, and Winfield.
2A – Midfield
Midfield is the defending 2A state champion, and the Patriots are still the favorite to go back-to-back this season. However, don’t necessarily rule out teams such as Highland Home, Central-Coosa County, or Geneva County either.
1A – Autaugaville
Similar to Midfield previously, defending 1A state champion Autaugaville is still the favorite. As for which team could potentially play the role of spoiler, Belgreen and McIntosh are the immediate two that come to mind.
AISA 3A – Pike Liberal Arts
The defending AISA 3A state champion Patriots have been the top team in the classification for the entire 2021-22 season, and are the clear favorite entering the playoffs. Aside from Pike Liberal Arts though, Lee-Scott, Glenwood, and Tuscaloosa Academy could all possibly make a run in the playoffs also.
AISA 2A – Autauga
Yes, Macon-East is the defending state champion, and could easily repeat this season. However, based on how this season has gone for Autauga, you could make an excellent argument that the Generals are the favorite.
AISA 1A – Heritage Christian
The defending AISA Class 1A state champions, Heritage Christian is the clear favorite to repeat this season. As for which team could potentially stand in the way, Evangel and Coosa Valley are the most likely.
