The postseason may have just started, but Athens biggest test on its quest for a Final Four appearance may be Friday in Hazel Green.

The fourth-ranked Athens girls basketball team will travel to No. 1 Hazel Green for the 6A Area 16 championship. Although both teams have already advanced to the sub-regional round of the playoffs next week, a win for Athens would go a long way for many reasons.

A victory would crown Athens champions of one of the most competitive areas, if not the most competitive, in Class 6A. It would give them two wins over the top ranked team in the state and the right to host a sub-regional playoff game next week.

Beating Hazel Green for a second time would also continue one of the state’s longest winning streaks into the postseason. Since losing to 4A No. 1 Deshler in the Lauderdale County Christmas Tournament, Athens (29-2) has reeled off 17 straight victories over the past six weeks.

One of those was a 52-49 win over Hazel Green (32-1), which remains the Trojans’ only loss this season. Athens’ other loss was to Hazel Green on Dec. 9. Hazel Green won a coin toss to earn the right to host the area tournament.

Impressive wins

There have been a few close calls during Athens winning streak but, for the most part, AHS continued to dominate its opponents as they have for much of the season. Athens has scored at least 50 points in every game during the streak and has impressive wins over teams its could play in the sub-regional round next week.

Those possible opponents include Austin, Decatur, Hartselle and Columbia. Outside a 51-45 win over Austin in early December, none of those teams have come within 20 points of beating Athens this season.

No matter the location or opponent the Athens’ sub-regional game will be played Feb. 13. And, the winner will advance to the Northwest Regional Tournament at Wallace State Friday, Feb. 17, at 9 a.m or noon.

Tipoff from Hazel Green is 6 p.m. Friday.