The Decatur Heritage Christian Academy (Decatur, AL) varsity basketball team will face Tanner (AL) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 10:45 AM. This matchup is part of the 2025 AHSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament (Alabama) – 2A.
Decatur Heritage Christian Academy vs Tanner Game Info:
What: Alabama High School Basketball
Who: Decatur Heritage Christian Academy (AL) vs Tanner (AL)
When: Monday, February 17, 2025
Time: 10:45 a.m. ET
Bracket: 2025 AHSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament (Alabama) – 2A
Live stream: Watch here
Game preview: Decatur Heritage Christian Academy vs Tanner
The 2024-25 high school basketball season saw an intense rivalry unfold between Decatur Heritage Christian Academy (DHCA) and Tanner High School. Despite strong performances from Tanner, DHCA consistently came out on top, winning all three of their matchups and solidifying their dominance in the region.
Season Overview
Tanner High School finished the season with a 16-14 overall record, ranking 179th in Alabama and 12th in their class. Their regional record stood at 3-3, with a home record of 8-4, an away record of 4-6, and a neutral record of 4-4.
Meanwhile, DHCA had a more impressive season, finishing 21-9 overall and ranking 97th in the state and 5th in their class. They remained undefeated in regional play at 6-0 and boasted a strong .700 winning percentage. Their home record stood at 7-5, away at 8-3, and neutral games at 6-1.
Head-to-Head Matchups
Throughout the season, DHCA and Tanner faced off three times, with DHCA winning each encounter:
- December 13, 2024: DHCA won an away conference game against Tanner 61-51.
- January 27, 2025: DHCA edged out Tanner in a thrilling 67-65 victory on their home court.
- February 3, 2025: In a neutral-site playoff matchup, DHCA secured a 68-59 win, completing the season sweep.
Statistical Comparison
Both teams performed well throughout the season, but DHCA held the edge in key areas:
| Category | Tanner | DHCA |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 55.2 | 62.8 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 29.7 | – |
| Assists Per Game | 10.9 | – |
| Steals Per Game | 7.7 | – |
| Blocks Per Game | 1.9 | – |
DHCA had a higher scoring average (62.8 points per game) compared to Tanner’s 57.1. Additionally, DHCA had a stronger finish in the fourth quarter, averaging 19 points compared to Tanner’s 13.6.
Key Players
For Tanner, Elyjah Jones was the standout player, leading the team with 14.8 points per game and 8.5 rebounds per game. Matthew Fletcher contributed significantly as well, averaging 3.2 assists and 0.7 blocks per game.
Common Opponents Performance
Both teams faced several common opponents throughout the season. DHCA held a 6-1 record against these teams, while Tanner posted a 5-2 record. Notable matchups included victories over Lindsay Lane Christian Academy and Lexington, but DHCA displayed more consistency across the board.
Playoff Implications
With a perfect 5-0 record in playoff games, DHCA enters the final stretch of the season with strong momentum. Tanner, on the other hand, fought hard but couldn’t overcome DHCA’s resilience in key matchups.
Looking Ahead
While Tanner had a solid season, their struggles against DHCA highlight areas for improvement, particularly in late-game execution. DHCA’s ability to perform under pressure and their balanced scoring attack make them a formidable contender as the playoffs continue. The upcoming neutral-site playoff game will be another test for both teams, but DHCA remains the favorite given their prior performances.
With the rivalry heating up, both teams will look to build on this season’s experiences for future success. Will Tanner be able to turn the tables next season, or will DHCA continue to dominate? Only time will tell.
