Alabama high school softball: What 5 Gadsden area teams could advance to Elite Eight

The Alabama high school softball season has reached the regional round and plenty of Gadsden area teams are still alive.

The round will once again be a double-elimination format, like area tournaments, meaning that two teams in each class will reach the Elite Eight. Coming out of the Albertville regional, there's a good chance plenty of those teams could be from the Gadsden area.

Here's five teams that should be regarded as Elite Eight threats from the Gadsden area:

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West End, Class 2A

Record: 21-10-1

With Josie Bunch in the circle, and a host of batters who can come through with clutch hits, West End provides a tough out. They are a battle-tested bunch who have taken wins from teams in the higher classifications as well. If they can stay in the winners bracket, watch out for Bunch to pitch this team to the state tournament. Even if they slip once, they have the depth to come out of the losers bracket.

Southside, Class 5A

Record: 27-10-1

The Panthers squad has been battle tested, as well, playing in some major tournaments against the top teams in the state, and it's paid off with a strong record in area and county play. With strong pitching from Jalyn Allen, who entered the playoffs going 20-4 and strong hitting from Ava Ramsey (10 home runs on the year), this Panthers squad has what it takes to go deep in the playoffs.

Piedmont, Class 3A

Record: 21-9

With five teams in Class 3A in Albertville, its a good bet that at least one team will make the Elite Eight. But it's more than likely two will make it. Piedmont will be one of those teams, making its fourth straight trip down to Oxford for the state tournament. With the Brothers sisters, and Savannah Smith, they have the stars to make noise and maybe win it all.

Plainview, Class 3A

Record: 31-9

Nothing bold about this prediction, taking the team that has made it to the Elite Eight in each of the last seven seasons — outside the cancelled 2020 season. While this squad is younger than past ones, they are as battle tested, if not more, and should at least continue the Elite Eight tradition.

Cherokee County, Class 4A

Record: 32-9

The Warriors have been a strong team all year, coming out of a competitive area as champions over Oneonta, Ashville and Etowah. They have played some of the top competition in the Gadsden area and have excelled at times. A few losses coming down the stretch didn't seem to hurt momentum in the area tournament.

This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: What 5 Gadsden area softball teams could advance to AHSAA Elite Eight