The road to Choccolocco Park starts this weekend in AHSAA SB:
GDW Analysis:
It's time for the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA)
softball postseason to begin.
The format is area play, followed by regional competition, culminating with the state tournament to be at Choccolocco Park in Oxford the week of May 13.
Gameday Weekly has been on a regular role, following local teams since Good Hope won the Cullman County Tournament April 3 at the Vinemont Sportrs Complex.
All 7 county teams have been seen by GDW along with the Cullman Lady Bearcats.
Going into the weekend, Cullman, Good Hope and Fairview have gained momentum with each putting together solid outings and doing it by hitting, pitching and defense.
West Point has fought some close encounters in recent time with Hanceville and Holly Pond giving good outings vs. Good Hope. Cold Springs and Vinemont have seen moments of victory, trying to maintain it as they now braces themselves on the first phase of the playoffs, area games.
Friday:
Fairview at Springville 5A, Area 12 12:00
West Point vs. Hayden at Springville 5A, Area 12 2:00
Tournament will continue through the later part of the day and
into the weekend at Springville HS.
Saturday:
Hanceville vs. East Lawrence at Priceville 4A, Area 13 12:00
Good Hope vs. West Morgan at Priceville 4A, Area 13 2:00
Tournament continues through the afternoon and evening and will wrap up on Monday from Priceville HS.
Monday:
Cold Springs vs. Locust Fork at Sumiton 2A, Area 12 11:00
Winner to get Sumition Christian as they are the top seed in this
3 team area.
Holly Pond at Cleveland 2A, Area 10 4:00. First round game for Lady Broncos vs. the top seed from the area.
Cullman at Mortimer Jordan TBA 6A, Area 13. This is the best of 3 between the Lady 'Cats and Blue Devils as the champion will be crowned Monday evening.
Breaking it down for the chances of local teams to move on:
Cullman is on to the North Regional after Pinson Valley recently dropped out, making 6A Area 13 a 2 team area.
Lady 'Cats have won 5 of their last 6 games, knocking off No. 3 from 5A Jasper 11 to 9 Tuesday on the road.
Cullman is 22-13-1 for the season.
Good Hope has moved into being someone to look at for how they are playing the last 3 weeks with 8 wins in 11 games, the county tournament championship and taking 2nd in 4A, Area 13 by 2 hard fought wins over West Morgan.
Winning 17 of 25 games, the Lady Raiders hosted Cold Springs Thursday to sharpen the tools before they encounter an intense area with Priceville and West Morgan trying to keep them from playing into the following week.
Fairview has 14 wins on the season, the best record for the Lady Aggies in several years.
Fairview faces top seed Springville with its county neighbor West Point getting a sound Hayden team to begin area playoff action.
Photo of the West Point infield making a play in a game vs. Priceville April 18 at Mike Brown Memorial Field.
Photo courtesy of Layla Sutter Quinn.
