Four local teams are ranked in the top five of their respective classifications, led by Tanner’s boys team, which is ranked No. 1 in Class 2A in the latest Alabama Sports Writers Association poll, released Thursday.

Tanner (4-1) picked up its biggest victory of the season Monday with a 57-53 overtime win at West Limestone, which is ranked No. 4 in Class 4A. Just five games into the season though, Tanner’s veteran coach doesn’t want to look at rankings.

“I don’t put a lot of stock in that,” said Tanner head coach Chris Whitt. “We’ll try to avoid looking at that. It’s way too early in the season to be considered. I’ve been doing this too long to much thought into that.”

The Rattlers will have a chance to proof themselves on the court Saturday at the Pepsi-Mountain Dew Classic, hosted by Athens High School. Tanner plays a pair of 6A schools, beginning with Athens Saturday and Decatur Monday. Both games are at 7:30 p.m.

“That West game was a boost for us,” said Whitt. “December is always a struggle to get the football out of them. They are starting to get the hang of it. We’re in a little better in shape going into the (Pepsi) tournament.”

West Limestone (9-1) will try to rebound from its first loss of the season Saturday when the fourth-ranked Wildcats play a Florence team that is 7-1 and ranked just outside the top 10 in 6A. West Limestone plays 6A No. 2 Austin (11-0) at 6 p.m. Monday.

Athens, Tanner in top five

Athens (12-1) is ranked No. 5 in Class 6A after beating Hartselle for the second time this season earlier this week. The Golden Eagles have won every game by at least nine points with their only loss coming to 6A No. Hazel Green (13-0).

Tanner remains undefeated (6-0) and ranked No. 6 in Class 2A.