Friday night’s iBall Radio Game of the Week heads to Decatur High School as the Red Raiders host Hartselle in an area matchup with real implications. It’s a rivalry feel with postseason weight, and both programs understand what a win here means as region play gets going.

Decatur enters 4–7 (0–0 area) looking to defend home court and steady the ship, while Hartselle comes in 7–4 (1–0 area) riding momentum and confidence.

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DECATUR RED RAIDERS (4–7, 0–0 Area)

Head Coach: Ben Mastin

Identity & Style of Play

Decatur is guard-heavy and thrives in space. Offensively, they operate a lot of 5-out, creating driving lanes and matchup problems for defenders. Defensively, they pressure full court and primarily play man-to-man in the half court, packing into a zone when size becomes an issue.

Key Players

• Dakota Moncus (2028, PG) – One of the fastest-rising names in Alabama’s loaded 2028 PG class. Shifty, creative, and a true three-level scorer who loves to isolate and put defenders on skates.

• Kamron Gamble (2026, 6’2 CG) – Physical downhill attacker and defensive hound. Embraces tough assignments and brings energy every possession.

• Jayden Pointer (2027, 6’3 F) – Versatile forward with bounce who can impact the game as a finisher, rebounder, and transition threat.

Strengths

• Elite guard play
• Ability to handle and beat pressure
• Shot creation off the bounce

Keys to Victory

1. Win the glass — rebounding has been an issue at times.
2. Limit second-chance points after struggling on the boards vs. Austin.
3. Get production beyond Moncus to keep defenses honest.

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HARTSELLE TIGERS (7–4, 1–0 Area)

Head Coach: Josh Golden

Identity & Style of Play

Hartselle plays with discipline and purpose. Defensively, they sit in man-to-man, deny passing lanes, and switch screens and dribble handoffs to disrupt rhythm.

Offensively, they run a 5-out pass-and-cut system, prioritizing paint touches before kicking out to shooters or finishing at the rim.

Key Players

• Aiden Pointer (2028, 6’0 G) – Explosive downhill guard who plays above the rim in transition. Looks to attack the basket every chance he gets.

• Rhett Boyd (2026, 6’0 F) – Emotional leader and tone-setter. Does the dirty work, makes hustle plays, and is always around the ball.

• Reed Springer (2027, 5’11 G) – Deep-range shooter who can stretch the floor and keep the offense flowing as a secondary playmaker.

Strengths

• Constant movement on offense with weave action and backdoor cuts
• Ability to create open looks without heavy isolation
• Strong team rebounding and box-out discipline

Keys to Victory

1. Contain Dakota Moncus and force others to make plays.
2. Control the backboards to prevent Decatur from getting extra possessions.
3. Stay composed in a hostile road environment.

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MATCHUP BREAKDOWN

This one comes down to guard creation vs. team movement.

Decatur wants to speed it up, get downhill, and let Moncus create. Hartselle wants ball movement, defensive discipline, and to shrink the floor.

If Decatur rebounds well, this game tilts their way. If Hartselle controls the glass and limits isolation damage, they’re in position late.

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SPREAD & PREDICTION

Vegas-Style Line: Hartselle -3.5

DWill’s Pick: Hartselle
Score Prediction: 68–64

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FINAL THOUGHTS

This is the kind of area game that sets the tone for the rest of region play. Expect physical possessions, big momentum swings, and a tight finish.

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