This now begins one of the busier times of the year – basketball season.

It’s not quite as busy as the spring season is, but there is pretty much some kind of basketball action happening every day of the week, except Wednesday and Sunday.

So far, local teams are off to a great start.

The Brewer Lady Patriots have started exactly where they left off last season. The defending 5A girls champions are 8-0, as of the end of last week, and are ranked No. 1.

This team is going to be one of the fun teams to watch this season to see if they can repeat. A big reason for that success would be the Lady Patriot front line of Riley Northway. She’s now a junior and has continued to improve through her career.

But she’s not the only one having success. Rheagan Harvel, a member of the North-South All-Star game this summer, has had good guard play.

It will be fun to see how the other girls basketball teams will perform this season. Danville, despite being extremely young, will still likely be in the mix for the Morgan County and area championships again.

Hartselle will benefit from having senior Quanesha Burks and Melissa Paul Hill, whose season was cut short due to back surgery last year.

Priceville may be rebuilding, but they will still be a factor and Falkville’s girls are improving as well.

On the boys side, Hartselle is off to a good start, thanks in part to some hot shooting by Colston Thompson, Timbo Slaton and others. They should have a chance to compete for the area title this year.

Priceville is rebuilding from last year, but Darrell Haynes will have his team ready by the end of the season.

Danville has been cardiac kids over the last week, winning two games by one point apiece.

Brewer and Falkville appear to be improving as well.

This should be a great basketball season. Hopefully one or more of our teams will be heading back to Birmingham again.

It seems like Morgan County has been making a home at the BJCC. Let’s hope that will continue into 2013.

Brent Maze is the managing editor of the Hartselle Enquirer.