As the weather warms up across the state so does the level of play. AHSAA teams are gearing up for the most important part of their season as area play approaches. Teams have worked all off season and many have played very difficult schedules early in the season to prepare for what lies ahead. Some teams have already started area play, some have started this week and others will get started next week. In all classifications (1A- 7A) area winners and runner ups will advance to the AHSAA state playoffs with winners hosting first round state playoff matchups and area runner ups on the road for the first round. 

In classes 1A through 6A, 32 teams will advance to the state playoffs while in 7A only 16 teams qualify for a chance to win the state title. 1A through 6A playoffs will begin Friday, April 19 while the 7A playoffs begin a week later, on Friday, April 25. All rounds of the state playoffs are a best of 3 series with a doubleheader scheduled on Friday and the if necessary game to follow on Saturday. The state playoffs will culminate with the AHSAA state finals in Montgomery Tuesday, May 14 through Saturday, May 18. 

Regular season records and rankings can be thrown out as these area games will determine who qualifies for a chance to win the "blue map" in Montgomery. We will be following the action as teams compete with playoff spots on the line. For the latest on high school baseball in Alabama, follow us on Twitter (@PBR_Alabama), Instagram (pbr_alabama) and Facebook (PBR Alabama). You can also get tons of information at our website (www.prepbaseballreport.com).

Click HERE to see our most recent AHSAA rankings.