Area basketball teams have been riding success the last few weeks with teams at Escambia County High School and Escambia Academy recording impressive wins along the way.

The Escambia Academy Cougars have been dominant the entire season on their way to a No. 7 ranking and 18 consecutive wins.

They are currently undefeated and will be the No. 1 seed when the region tournament begins on Thursday night at Clarke Prep in Grove Hill.

The Cougars are led by their three post players in Keaton Maher, Darron McGhee and Tanner Kirk.

All three are constantly scoring in double figures and each of them has also posted multiple double-doubles during the course of the season.

They also were selected to the All-Tournament teams in the holiday tournaments the Cougars played in earlier in the season.

Of the three, Maher has a decent chance of garnering All-State consideration when the season ends.

Down the road at Escambia County High School, the Blue Devils have come on strong since their 1-4 start to the season.

They currently sit at 18-6 and entered the Top 10 last Thursday at No. 7.

Following their entrance into the rankings, the Blue Devils beat No. 6 Hillcrest, which should help them move up in the poll.

Escambia County’s run can be attributed to their defense and the role that several of their players have in games.

They are always receiving point production from eight or nine players, which shows their depth and versatility.

The Blue Devils have already locked up their area and will host the area tournament when it begins on Feb. 11.

The Lady Cougars of Canoe have also posted a strong season despite some tough losses.

Escambia Academy currently sits at 12-6, but like the boys will be the No. 1 seed in the region tournament that begins on Thursday night.

Seniors Amber Huskey and Taylor Helton have put up strong numbers this season with Huskey reaching the career plateau of 1,000 points on Monday night.

If the Lady Cougars are able to handle the region tournament how they have handled their area then they could have a shot at making a run.

Things have been a little bit tougher for the EscambiaCounty Lady Blue Devils. They opened the season 4-10, but went on a recent run of six straight wins before falling to Saraland.

With that tough area loss, the Lady Blue Devils will more than likely be away from home for the area tournament with the host possibly being UMS-Wright. Diamond Williams, Jasmine Ireland and Cha’Nae Lyles have given their all this season and will give even more effort once the area tourney begins.

As the season winds down, good luck to all teams in the postseason.

Chandler Myers is sports editor of the Atmore Advance. He can be reached at 368-2123 or by e-mail at sports@atmoreadvance.com