The first Alabama Sports Writers Association poll of the season showed just how many talented basketball teams we have in Dallas County this year. Three teams were ranked and two others were nominated.

That’s five of our 14 teams in our area— boys and girls — nominated for the high school basketball rankings.

This is about the time of the year when basketball teams, especially at the high school level, are what they are. There’s not much more they can add and all of the early season kinks are usually worked out by this point.

Last year in December, I wrote about Dallas County’s chances of winning the class 4A state championship in a column. I didn’t come out and say what I felt from day one in that column — that the Hornets were the best 4A team in the state — but it at least ended up being true. Of course, it didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure it out either. Let’s look at this year’s contenders, starting with the boys:

This year it isn’t as cut and dry, but there are quality teams all over the county. The Selma boys (9-1) have come out of nowhere to be a very good team. The Saints lost both of their leading scorers from last season but are tougher, more balanced and not fun to play against this season.

It’s weird to say that Selma may be the best team in the county — they swept Keith — but is not ranked. The Saints next ranked county test will be Jan. 2 against Dallas County, but games against Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa, Southside and two tournaments will take place before then.

Dallas County is still Dallas County, although William Lee isn’t walking through the door. The Hornets have experienced players who know how to win and it’s been almost an entire year since they lost a game. No matter who is on the team, or who they are playing, that’s a streak worth celebrating.

Keith again looks destined for at least a trip to Central Regional. The Bears are fairly deep and have John Pettway, who can fill the statsheet as well as any player in the county.

On the girls’ side, Keith and Selma are once again poised for deep playoff runs.  The teams split in their two meetings this season and appear to be just that close in talent.

Not to be forgotten, both the Meadowview Christian boys and girls teams have winning records in the Alabama Christian Athletic Association. The teams they are playing aren’t familiar to those in this area yet, but the important thing is that the Trojans are beating most of them.

Plenty of teams still have the potential to turn things around and make deep runs too. Many of our teams aren’t even into area play, which is when the real season gets underway.

One thing is for sure, it looks like it’s going to be a fun basketball season in Dallas County, but what else is new?