Win and continue playing or lose and go home.

That’s the harsh reality of postseason play that local teams are having to deal with this week as they get ready for sub-regional basketball games Thursday or Friday night.

Two area boys teams still have dreams of bringing home a state championship; Dallas County and Keith.Three girls teams are still alive; Keith, Southside and Selma.

Four of those five teams will get be hosting sub-regional contests.

Keith head coach Tommy Tisdale said after Monday night’s win over Autaugaville that he’s proud of his senior group for maxing out their possible home games this year.

“I tell them every year that as a senior you want to maximize your home games. You know you have ten guaranteed,” Keith head coach Tommy Tisdale said.

After hosting the area tournament and hosting a sub-regional game, the Bears will have played thirteen total home contests. He said it is a luxury for seniors to know that Friday is definitely their last home game and they can play knowing that.

Keith’s girls basketball coach Cecil Williams agrees with Tisdale: Home court advantage is a big factor.

“It is very big because you are comfortable at home,” Williams said. “You are used to practicing and shooting in the gym.”

The Lady Bears will take on Berry Thursday night in their sub-regional contest, while the Bears’ boys will play Friday night against Holy Spirit.

The other games include Selma hosting Paul Bryant Thursday at Selma High School and Dallas County’s boys hosting Beauregard Friday night. The only team on the road will be Southside’s Lady Panthers, who will play at Cottage Hill Thursday.

Times are yet to be determined.