By Erik Harris, sports editor Several local basketball teams have punched playoff tickets this week as area tournaments have begun across the state. Per AHSAA rules, area champions and runner-ups advance into sub-regional play next week, creating a must-win scenario in the area semifinals. The Clay-Chalkville girls passed their test on Monday, advancing into the Class 6A, Area 12 tournament finals with a 56-29 win over 3-seed Pinson Valley. That win puts the Cougars (13-6) on the road Thursday night at No. 6 Mortimer Jordan after the Blue Devils knocked off 4-seed Gardendale 75-23. The Springville girls saw their season end on Monday in the first round of the Class 6A, Area 13 tournament. The 2-seed Tigers fell 52-42 to visiting Pell City, who moves on to face 1-seed Oxford in the tournament finals.