[WATCH] Auburn basketball looks to capture area championship against rivals

AUBURN, Ala. – There’s a little bit more on the line in this year’s area championship. Of course, every year, teams compete to win the area championship trophy and ensure better seeding for the remainder of the postseason going through the state playoffs, but this season, there’s an added twist.

Auburn High School Boy’s and Girl’s Basketball will compete in area tournament championships on Friday (Girl’s) and Saturday (Boy’s). A change added to this year’s postseason is area tournament champions will host in the next round of the playoffs. An extra home playoff game can set a team up with the momentum needed to make a run in the postseason, and both of these teams have the state championship on their minds.

Varsity girls will play Central-Phenix City in the area championship on Friday at 6 p.m., while varsity boys will play Smiths Station on Saturday at 6 p.m. with both games at Auburn High School.

Hear from varsity boys head coach Chris Brandt and varsity girls head coach Courtney Pritchett as they preview the area championship.

VG head coach Courtney Pritchett on preparation, scouting Central-Phenix City, and where his team is at going into the playoffs

VB head coach Chris Brandt on preparation, what it takes to make a deep run, and the importance of hosting in the regionals

Catch the games locally on the radio on 96.3 WLEE or watch on YouTube at AHS Mass Media.