With the start of the Alabama High School Athletic Association 2023-24 state playoffs, beginning late last week with area tournaments, Huntsville area teams have stepped up their games in order to keep playing. Tournament time tends to bring out clutch performances and this past week has been no exception.

Sub-regional games are set for Friday and Saturday with regional play at four sites scheduled to begin Feb. 13. The state finals are Feb. 26-March 2 at Birmingham’s Legacy Arena.

Here are the top 5 with statistics through Feb. 7, based on information provided by coaches or scorekeepers:

5. Josh Bowman, Huntsville. Super sixth-man Bowman, a 6-foot-9 junior, scored 12 points with 5 rebounds and 3 blocked shots as the No. 1 Crimson Panthers whipped Sparkman 76-42 in the opening round of the area tournament on Tuesday. Bowman is just one of several contributors coach Christian Schweers has on his deep bench.

4. Caleb Harrison, Huntsville. Harrison, a Samford University signee, turned in another top performance for the Panthers on Tuesday. The 6-10 senior scored 18 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in the win over Sparkman. Harrison is scoring 19 points and claiming 10 rebounds a game this season.