The Oakwood Adventist Academy boys basketball program’s eligibility dispute with the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) has now been resolved by the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals, which ruled that the association’s decision will stand — clearing the way for the originally scheduled area championship matchup to proceed.
The controversy began after Oakwood was ruled ineligible for postseason play for exceeding the AHSAA regular-season game limit. The Mustangs self-reported a scheduling error that resulted in the team playing 31 regular-season games, one more than the 30 allowed under AHSAA rules.
Under those rules, the penalty requires forfeiture equal to the number of excess games, which would eliminate the team from area tournament play.
Earlier this week, a Montgomery County circuit judge entered a temporary restraining order blocking the AHSAA decision and briefly allowing Oakwood to remain in the tournament field. That order created uncertainty around the Class 1A, Area 16 boys basketball bracket and led to a postponement of the area tournament game.
The AHSAA then filed an emergency petition for a writ of mandamus with the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals seeking to overturn the lower court orders.
In a February 11, 2026 order, the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals declared that the Montgomery Circuit Court and Jackson Circuit Court orders were null and void, and ruled that “the decision of the Alabama High School Athletic Association shall stand.” The court also denied the AHSAA’s emergency motion to stay as moot.
Following the ruling, AHSAA Executive Director Heath Harmon issued a statement confirming the competitive outcome, saying the appeals court ruled the AHSAA decision stands and that Woodville High School and Ider High School will compete in the Class 1A, Area 16 Boys Basketball Tournament championship game on February 12, 2026.
With the appellate ruling in place, Oakwood Adventist Academy is no longer eligible for the area tournament, and the championship game will proceed between Woodville and Ider as scheduled.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.
