On May 16, the GHSA Executive Committee elected to table talks of a harsh “50%” transfer rule. Henry County athletic director Curt Miller, Fulton County athletic director Steven Craft and Grayson High School head coach Geoffrey Pierce join the episode to share their thoughts.
AGENDA
Thomaston-Upson County Civic Center – Thomaston, GEORGIA May 16, 2017 – 2:00 p.m.
Call To Order….Glenn White, President
Pledge of Allegiance….Lisa Moore Williams, Vice President Invocation….Carror Wright, Associate Director
Roll Call….Steve Figueroa, Media Director
Adoption of Agenda….Executive Committee
OLD BUSINESS: Proposal to amend Article IV, Section 3, Board of Trustees as follows: Subparagraph “D” would be revised to delete the words “in exigent circumstances, as determined by the President”.
NOTE: This is a Constitutional Amendment and this is the second vote.
NEW BUSINESS: Proposal to reword By-Law 1.62, item “l” on Page 20 as follows:
First Option: The migratory rule (See 1.63) will be waived one time for boarding students only who enter the following schools: Ben Franklin Academy; Darlington; Riverside Military Academy; Tallulah Falls.
Second Option: The migratory rule (See 1.63) will be waived one time for boarding students only who enter the following schools: Ben Franklin Academy; Darlington; Riverside Military Academy; Tallulah Falls. This By-law will be effective for Darlington beginning with the 2017-2018 school year and for Ben Franklin Academy, Riverside Military Academy and Tallulah Falls beginning with the 2018-2019 school year.
Proposal to adopt a “50% Sit Out Rule” as follows (See Addendum No. 1): All student athletes that complete a bona fide move will be required to sit out 50% of all varsity competitions for one calendar year. It is important to note that this 50% requirement can be waived by the former school or the student can appeal the decision. It will be the responsibility of the new school to show that the transfer was not athletic in nature.
Proposal to accept the BOARD of TRUSTEES’ recommendation for the new GHSA Executive Director to replace the retiring Gary Phillips. (Note: the recommendation will be announced at the meeting)
Adjournment
Transfer Proposal for the GHSA (50% Rule)
If a student makes a bona fide move from one GHSA high school to another GHSA high school, he/she will be required to sit out for the first 50% of all competitions for one calendar year unless the “sending” high school waives the 50% sit out rule. A form will be sent to the “sending” high school from the “receiving” school requesting the school to sign off on the transfer. The “sending” school will have the opportunity to waive the 50% Rule, or the 50% Rule will remain in place. If the “sending” school does not waive the 50% Rule, the “receiving” school will have an opportunity to appeal the decision to the Transfer Appeals Committee.
THE PROCESS:
1. The receiving school must first verify that a bona fide move has been completed. If a bona fide move has not occurred, the student is migratory for one calendar year. If the school believes that a hardship exists, the school can file the hardship paperwork with the GHSA (normal process). If a hardship is approved by the GHSA, the 50% Rule does not apply.
2. After the bona fide move has been verified, the “receiving” school will submit the (Sending School Transfer Form B) to the previous high school. The “sending” school will have 10 school days from the date sent to complete the verification form. The “sending” school will have the opportunity to waive the 50% rule. If the school has objections to the transfer, the 50% rule is applied.
3. If the “sending” school does not waive the 50% Rule, they must complete and submit the form B verification sheet. This will allow the “sending” school an opportunity to provide additional information needed if the “receiving” school appeals the decision (Example: undue influence, community member’s influence, personal trainers, or the transfer was athletic in nature). The “receiving” school can only appeal the decision to the Transfer Appeals Committee if they do not feel the reason for the transfer was athletic in nature.
4. It is the responsibility of the receiving school to prove to the Transfer Appeals Committee that the move was not athletic in nature.
The Transfer Appeals Committee
The Transfer Appeals Committee will be comprised by members of the state executive committee. These members will be specifically trained on this process, and the GHSA office will try to use the same group of members to create consistency with the appeals as well as using members that do not have a connection to the school or region that might compete against the transfer.
If a student transfers into a school and wants to play a sport, the student’s 50% sit out will start the day of his enrollment and it will last for one calendar year. If the student participates in a sport that has already started, the athlete will sit out the assigned amount of games and this can include playoff games or wrapping around to the following season. The student is eligible to practice during the sit out time. The sit out requirement is in effect for all sports played by the student athlete. So if the student plays 3 sports, they will be required to sit 50% in all 3 sports.
50% Sit Out Rule Applied
An athlete is required to sit out half of the season in consecutive weeks. This may include playoffs or wrapping around for the following season. This starts after the school has verified that a bona fide move has occurred.
For Example: A football player transfers after the 6th game is played, the student will be required to sit out the next four games. If the team qualifies for the playoffs, the student must sit during the first playoff game. If the team advances, the student is eligible for the 2nd playoff game. In the same example, if the team does not qualify for the playoffs, the student will have to sit out the 1st game of the following year to meet the 5 game sit out requirement.
The sport specific 50% sit out times are listed below:
Football 5 games
Cheerleading 3 meets
Softball 13 games
Cross country 5 races
Volleyball 9 matches
Swimming 5 meets
Basketball 13 games
Wrestling 10 meets/dates
Gymnastics 5 meets
Tennis 9 matches
Soccer 9 games
Track 5 meets
Baseball 15 games
Lacrosse 9 games
Golf 6 matches
Form B Application – Response from Sending School
This form must be submitted to the GHSA office within ten school days from the date the receiving school sent the form. The receiving school needs to communicate with the sending school that the form has been sent. The Receiving school needs to identify how the form has been sent (fax or email) to the sending school. Failure to submit this form within the required 10 school days indicates that the student transfer has been granted a waiver on the 50% Rule.
Yes or No To the best of your knowledge, is page 1 of this Form B correct? If No, please provide additional information: (Or attach documentation) _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Yes or No Was the student eligible for athletic participation when he/she left your school?
Yes or No Was the student removed, or suspended, or did he/she quit an athletic program while enrolled at your school?
Yes or No Would the student be prohibited from participation in athletics had he/she not transferred schools?
Yes or No Based on your knowledge, are you willing to waive the 50% Rule for this athlete?
Print Name of Former Principal
Signature of Former PrincipalPrint Name of Former Athletic Director
Signature of Former Athletic DirectorPlease provide any pertinent information that you may have as it relates to this athlete. Please list the specific reasons of why your school is not waiving the 50% Sit Out Rule. This information may be used in the event of a Transfer or Hardship Appeal: (Or attach documentation)
GHSA Committee Approval:
Yes or No We certify the above named student is approved to participate in athletic competition.
From good to great, these teams are looking to take the next step into becoming state championship contenders. While there are blue bloods in every classification that will open up as perennial favorites, these “Cinderella stories” should be in the discussion as dark horses to make a deep run.
It’s now or never for the Atomsmashers to regain control of Region 3. Coach Utaff Gordon returns his top three scorers from a group that pushed eventual state champion Pace Academy to the brink in the Sweet 16 before running out of gas 49-41. 6-foot-8 senior Amanze Ngumezi must take his game to the next level after averaging 12.8 points per game and earning more D-I offers this spring. 2019 guard Shamar Jones led Johnson in scoring at 13.2 points while brothers Eleik, E’Maury and Elavian Bowles bring energy and versatility to the backcourt. Jenkins, who went 3-1 vs. Johnson, should take a step back to the pack with Region 3 Player of the Year Trevion Lamar graduating along with sparkplug guard Zion Williams. Islands has the best player in Savannah in junior point guard Trae Broadnax, but running mates Justin Cave and Hugh Durham have both graduated. If Johnson can’t grab the one-seed or at the very worst the two-seed, it will be a failed season unless they get hot in the state tournament.
Coach Donnie Arrington is starting to build something in Hazlehurst. After going 105-38 in five years at Effingham County, Arrington decided to reconstruct Jeff Davis. He has done so. Now entering his fourth season, he has gone from 4-22 to 13-14 to 20-8 last year. Arrington’s centerpiece is Class AA Freshman of the Year Ja’Queze Kirby. At 6-foot-5, Kirby did it all for the Yellowjackets, leading the team in points (14.8), rebounds (11.7), assists (3.3), blocks (3.2) and second in steals (2.1). Second leading scorer Kirese Manley (13.4 ppg) and fourth and fifth leading scorers Chandler Davenport (9 ppg) and Tae Thomas (7.9 ppg) all return for their senior season. Swainsboro and Vidalia will still be tough customers but Kirby’s versatility could be the ace up Jeff Davis’ sleeve. The Yellowjackets were trounced as the three-seed in the first round of the playoffs by Butler, 88-67.
The clouds have finally parted for the Eagles to take flight. Those clouds over the past two seasons have been known as the Lakeview Academy Lions, but with a massive senior class graduating, it may be time for Athens Christian to regain their perch atop Region 8. Just three seasons ago, the Eagles finished 29-1 behind current UGA Bulldog “Turtle” Jackson. Athens Christian doesn’t have a stud like that this year, but they do return an extremely young team that fell in the Class A-Private Elite Eight to, guess who, Lakeview Academy for the third time last year. Everybody returns from a team that suited up five freshmen, two sophomores and six juniors. 6-foot-5 freshman Quincy Canty led the team in scoring and was an All-Region Second Team selection. Senior Cody Boyd brings experience to the backcourt and a crafty scoring touch with his left-handed stroke. Richard Jibunor and Kohl Phillips are both important pieces heading into their senior seasons. Jibunor is a physical 6-foot-3 presence inside who holds SEC offers for football. Lastly, rising sophomore guard Tyler Johnson looks ready to make even more of an impact in year two. He has put together a strong summer with his scoring prowess. He plays bigger than his size, allowing him to rebound at a high clip and defend multiple positions. Offensively, Johnson can pour it on from beyond the arc. There is a lot to like about the Eagles.
Whenever you have two grown men on your team, you have a great chance to make some noise, especially in Class A-Public. JaQuavius “Tayne” Smith and ZyTavian Hill were named Second Team and Honorable Mention All-State respectively their junior seasons. Smith, 6-foot-5, is a long guard that averaged 17.3 points per game and can gash teams with his drives. Hill stands 6-foot-4 and is a chiseled athlete with great hands. He has a quick burst to the basket but most impressive is his tenacious rebounding. Playing with the Middle Georgia Raptors, the duo has seen elite level talent which will prepare them for their final high school season. Outside of Smith and Hill will be the deciding factor on how far the Hawks will go in the postseason. Central-Talbotton lost at Taylor County in the Sweet 16, 51-41. If Smith and Hill get some help around them and Coach Fred Cotton finds a way to put them in a position to succeed, a trip to the Elite Eight or even Final Four shouldn’t be unattainable.
If there is a Class A-Public team that could get hot and go all the way, look no further than Macon County. Following a 61-47 Final Four loss to eventual state champion Wilkinson County, the Bulldogs got a taste of what it takes to win a title. With unconscionable scorer Clayton Jenkins back for his senior season along with athletic forward Trey Brown and a couple other pieces starting to come of age, Macon County is a dangerous team. Jenkins averaged 22.3 points and isn’t afraid to pull the trigger from anywhere across half court. Brown provides the dirty work at 14.5 points and 8.7 rebounds while rising sophomore Lakeviyon Walker and junior Makevion Bonner could be the two to get the Bulldogs over the hump. Walker, 5-foot-11, brings his football physicality to the hardwood. He averaged 9.5 points, 6 rebounds and 3.3 assists as a playmaker who plays with a chip on his shoulder. His ability to stretch the floor next to Jenkins makes for a lethal combination. Bonner is a long 6-foot-5 wing that is just starting to scratch the surface of his potential. He averaged 6.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.2 blocks. His progression will be uber-important to Macon County’s future. He could develop into a much-needed defensive stopper to slow down the likes of Clarence Jackson (Wilkinson County), Rashun Williams (Calhoun County) and Tayne Smith (Central-Talbotton), just to name a few of Class A-Public’s top wings.
Out of last year’s three sleeper teams, both Lakeside-Evans and Mountain View had their best seasons in school history, winning their respective regions in the process. Alexander improved it’s win total by four games (17-8), but failed to reach the postseason.
While the transfer news hasn’t come in at a rapid pace just yet – and could most certainly change the landscape of the GHSA – here’s an early look at who could be this upcoming season’s most improved teams.
Jalyn. McCreary. Now eligible after having to sit out a season, the 2019 6-foot-6 forward is the ultimate game changer. With the ability to score inside and out and take over games on both sides of the court, the lanky lefty has All-State written all over him. With Houston and Oklahoma State already having shown interest before ever playing a varsity game, McCreary gives Coach Jesse Bonner a hell of a weapon to deploy against region rival McEachern and Isaac Okoro. McCreary joins a roster that graduates just two players and returns bucket-getter and All-Region Second Team selection, Josh Strong, who averaged 22 points per game at the Lake City Classic last season as a junior guard. Marietta is set to return their second and third-leading scorers while Hillgrove graduates eight players. If things go according to plan, it shouldn’t be a surprise to see Kennesaw Mountain battling for a two or three seed come region tournament time.
The South Georgia region turned heads as they swept the paltry Region 3 in the state tournament. Coffee, who had the best regular season record out of the tiny five-team region, scored the most impressive first round victory, 77-71 in overtime against Heritage-Conyers. The Trojans let a double-digit second half lead slip through their fingers in the Sweet 16, falling 90-82 in overtime to South Paulding. In a region where no one stood out from the pack in 2016-17, that could change this upcoming year with Coffee seeming like the early favorite. With their top five scorers set to return, Coffee has an energizing blend of 2018’s and 2019’s now with postseason experience. They can sometimes play like they are wired on caffeine – frantic and out of control – but when they are clicking, the Trojans’ athleticism and quickness can burn teams. Jayce Moore returns for his junior season after powering the offense with team-highs of 16.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. Dalrone Donaldson is a raw 6-foot-3 forward that pounds the glass and averaged 12.4 points and 6.8 rebounds as a junior. Twins Jarquavius and Marquavius Jefferson speed up opposing ball handlers. Coffee is a streaky three-point shooting team, but when they are on like they were in the playoffs, they are a handful to stop.
Coming off of a Sweet 16 appearance, the Hurricanes graduate just two players. Three All-Region performers return in Devin Sheats, Isaiah Glasper and intriguing 6-foot-7 wing Elijah Goodman. If Goodman can bring his game to the next level his senior season, Monroe Area should at least be able to grab the second-seed if they don’t overlook plucky teams like Franklin County and Hart County. The Hurricanes have shown glimpses of being able to compete at a high level, pushing Morgan County to overtime on the road before falling 63-59, and other times, they looked like a pretender, getting blown out at home by Morgan County 86-55 three weeks later. Consistency will be key for Monroe Area.
Sean Sweeney saw a steep drop off in his first-year as head coach but it wasn’t his fault. While O’Showen Williams and Quintez Cephus graduated in 2016, Sweeney couldn’t have prepared for a plethora of injuries and 6-foot-7 big man Nate Brooks to transfer out in the middle of the season. With that being said, Stratford Academy still made the postseason, winning on the road in overtime at Darlington 68-67 before losing a defensive battle with Aquinas 40-34. All-Region First Teamer Nathan Hunt is set to return for his senior season. Rising junior guard Devin Butts is an interesting looking ball handler at 6-foot-4. The Eagles still won’t be at the level they were at in 2015-16, but they should finish above .500 and punch another ticket to the big dance.
Here is a rundown of some transfers I have heard through the grapevine and a summary of what the additions mean. With a GHSA ruling looming on transfers, it could be a busy offseason earlier rather than later. If you know of anymore or any that are incorrect, please shoot me a tweet @KyleSandy355, leave a comment or email [email protected]
Thanks!
JR Jared Jones – 6’9” 230 lbs – (Pebblebrook to McEachern)
SR DJ Williams – 6’1″ 170 lbs – (South Gwinnett to Grayson)
SR Justin Spencer – 6’1″ 168 lbs – (Parkview to Shiloh)
JR Truitt Spencer – 6’0″ 160 lbs – (Parkview to Shiloh)
SO Toneari Lane – 6’5″ 203 lbs – (Parkview to Shiloh)
SR Grant Howard – 6’3″ 175 lbs – (Alexander to Pebblebrook)
JR Khalil Shaheed – 6’2″ 200 lbs – (Wheeler to Kennesaw Mountain)
JR Ian Hardy – 6’3″ 178 lbs – (Berkmar to Discovery)
JR Lorin Taylor – 6’1″ 160 lbs – (Crete-Monee, IL to Duluth)
SR Corey Myart Jr. – 6’7″ 200 lbs – (Mt. Vernon Presbyterian to Duluth)
SR Ben Groves – 6’5″ 185 lbs – (Peachtree Ridge to Duluth)
SR Mandarius Dickerson – 6’2″ 160 lbs – (Southwest DeKalb to Collins Hill)
JR Kendall Peabody – 6’3″ 165 lbs – (Shiloh to Duluth)
JR Koby Isaac – 6’2″ 160 lbs – (Southwest Atlanta Christian to Westlake)
SR Bryce Brown – 6’8″ 220 lbs – (Grayson to Archer)
JR Nahiem Alleyne – 6’3″ 165 lbs – (South Gwinnett to Mountain View)
SR Terence Porter – 6’7″ 195 lbs – (Creekside to Grayson)
SO Arik Gilbert– 6’5″ 240 lbs – (Woodward Academy to Marietta)
SR Quincy Carter – 6’0″ 165 lbs – (Southwest DeKalb to Collins Hill)
SR Tony Johnson – 6’3″ 185 lbs – (Eufaula, AL to Berkmar)
JR Elias King – 6’7″ 185 lbs – (Huntington Prep, WV to Shiloh)
JR Issa Muhammad – 6’9″ 225 lbs – (Lakeside-DeKalb to Norcross)
SR Khalil Hawkins – 6’2″ 165 lbs – (Marietta to Pebblebrook)
SO Kevon Eskridge – 6’4″ 180 lbs – (Columbia to Norcross)
SR Ty Lilly – 6’0″ 170 lbs – (Dunwoody to South Gwinnett)
SR Josh Graham – 6’3″ 190 lbs – (Whitewater to Pebblebrook)
JR Taj Anderson – 6’3″ 185 lbs – (Cardozo, NY to Berkmar)
SR Tuhran Thompson – 6’5″ 195 lbs – (South Gwinnett to Archer)
SR Jordan Dinkins – 6’3″ 187 lbs – (Johns Creek to Northview)
SR AJ Curry – 6’6″ 200 lbs – (Stephens County to Habersham Central)
JR Donnie Curry – 6’0″ 170 lbs – (Stephens County to Habersham Central)
SR Jim Barnett – 6’0″ 162 lbs – (Gainesville to Habersham Central)
SR Joshua Archer – 5’11” 150 lbs – (Southwest DeKalb to Heritage-Conyers)
JR Cameron Armstrong – 6’2″ 160 lbs – (Alexander to South Paulding)
JR Richard Rivers – 6’11” 250 lbs – (Philadelphia [Formerly Peachtree Ridge] to Dunwoody)
JR Isaiah Scott – 6’4″ 175 lbs – (First Presbyterian Christian Academy to Bradwell Institute)
JR Simon Steele – 5’6″ 140 lbs – (First Presbyterian Christian Academy to Bradwell Institute)
SO Quincy Ademokoya – 6’6″ 180 lbs – (Normal West, IL to Dacula)
SR Khalyn Weekley – 6’3″ 180 lbs – (First Presbyterian Christian Academy to Bradwell Institute)
SO Tyshun Briscoe – 5’10” 155 lbs – (Richmond Academy to Lakeside-Evans)
JR Desmond Jenkins – 5’10” 145 lbs – (Sanderson, NC to Dacula)
JR Messiah Thompson – 5’9″ 145 lbs – (Pebblebrook to North Atlanta)
JR Andrew Robinson – 6’3″ 180 lbs – (Pebblebrook to North Atlanta)
SR Jon Young – 6’3″ 165 lbs – (New Manchester to Tri-Cities)
JR Brenden Tucker – 6’2″ 175 lbs – (Archer to Dacula)
SR Ron Gibson – 5’6″ 145 lbs – (Alexander to South Paulding)
JR Shane Gibson – 5’9″ 150 lbs – (Alexander to South Paulding)
SR Tyler Smith – 6’6″ 225 lbs – (Panther Creek, NC to Langston Hughes)
JR Rafael Robel – 6’1″ 160 lbs – (Lanier Christian to Gainesville)
SR Jelani Shakir – 5’11” 165 lbs – (Aquinas to Grovetown)
JR Jeremiah Smith – 6’8″ 230 lbs – (Cottage Park, MN to Grovetown)
JR John Cook – 6’5″ 200 lbs – (Lithia Springs to South Paulding)
JR Josephwise Adams – 6’6″ 205 lbs – (Tri-Cities to Mundy’s Mill)
SR Gyanfi Rogers – 6’3″ 195 lbs – (Green Tech, NY to Mundy’s Mill)
JR Justice Hayes – 6’3″ 175 lbs – (Woodland-Cartersville to Cass)
SR Zach Pina – 6’0″ 165 lbs – (Starr’s Mill to McIntosh)
JR Brandon Green – 6’5″ 180 lbs – (Mountain View to Buford)
SO Jalen Jackson – 6’3″ 180 lbs – (Lincoln County to Cedar Shoals)
SR TJ Stargell – 5’11” 165 lbs – (Shiloh to Miller Grove)
SO Quincy Canty – 6’5″ 195 lbs – (Athens Christian to Cedar Shoals)
SR Malech Wilson – 6’2″ 180 lbs – (Pepperell to Rome)
SO Tyler Johnson – 6’0″ 160 lbs – (Athens Christian to Cedar Shoals)
SO JeKobe Coleman – 5’11” 155 lbs – (ELCA to Fayette County)
JR Jalen Mason – 6’3″ 175 lbs – (Miller Grove to Woodland-Henry)
SO Caleb Byrd – 6’0″ 150 lbs – (Heritage-Conyers to Rome)
SR Elijah Brown-Kane – 6’7″ 190 lbs – (St. Paul Central, MN to Paulding County)
SR KJ Shade – 6’1″ 160 lbs – (McEachern to Paulding County)
JR Jervon Morris – 6’2″ 165 lbs – (Wheeler to Paulding County)
SO Demetrius Glenn – 6’0″ 160 lbs – (Clarke Central to Cedar Shoals)
SR Keondre Kennedy – 6’3″ 170 lbs – (North Clayton to Columbia)
SR DJ Brittian – 6’0″ 175 lbs – (Grady to Southwest DeKalb)
SR Raphael Rogers – 6’2″ 175 lbs – (Douglas County to Hiram)
SR Terrance Boykin – 6’7″ 190 lbs – (Columbia to Maynard Jackson)
SR Terrynce Jackson – 6’0″ 150 lbs – (Ola to Stockbridge)
JR Sebastian Mallory – 6’0″ 160 lbs – (South Forsyth to Buford)
SR Tabias Long – 6’5″ 195 lbs – (Southwest DeKalb to Salem)
JR Justin Webb – 6’6″ 175 lbs – (Georgia Military to Baldwin)
JR Zae Simpson – 5’11” 160 lbs – (Georgia Military to Baldwin)
JR Jordan Wilkie – 6’1″ 150 lbs – (Excel Christian to Cartersville)
JR Avante Lederer – 6’6″ 185 lbs – (Heritage-Conyers to Salem)
SO Walker Kessler – 6’10” 185 lbs – (Landmark Christian to Woodward Academy)
JR Calep Henry – 6’5″ 190 lbs – (Greenville to Upson-Lee)
JR Jarrett Adderton – 6’2″ 165 lbs – (West Orange, FL to Upson-Lee)
JR Lance Smith – 6’2″ 185 lbs – (Woodland-Henry to Salem)
JR Tay Howard – 6’4″ 165 lbs – (Madison County to East Jackson)
SR Keshun Byrd – 6’0″ 165 lbs – (Maynard Jackson to Cedar Grove)
JR Kylan Curry – 5’9″ 155 lbs – (Johnson-Gainesville to East Hall)
SR Qua Butler – 6’0″ 165 lbs – (Johnson-Gainesville to East Hall)
JR Lamont Sams – 6’7″ 175 lbs – (Johnson-Savannah to Jenkins)
SR Matt Sams – 6’2″ 160 lbs – (Savannah to Jenkins)
SO Demontae Garrett – 5’11” 160 lbs – (Bradwell Institute to Liberty County)
JR Tworn Seals – 6’6″ 250 lbs – (McEachern to Cedar Grove)
SR Isaiah Bauman – 5’11” 160 lbs – (Westside-Augusta to Glenn Hills)
SR Josh Kelly – 5’11” 155 lbs – (Westside-Augusta to Josey)
SR Timothy Williamson – 6’3″ 160 lbs – (Hephzibah to Glenn Hills)
JR Kendall Green – 6’1″ 166 lbs – (Houston County to Northeast-Macon)
SO Josh Smith – 6’3″ 173 lbs – (Rockdale to Holy Innocents’)
SR Daniel Parrish – 6’4″ 190 lbs – (South Aiken, SC to Aquinas)
SO Micah Smith – 5’10” 160 lbs – (Whitefield Academy to Wesleyan)
SO Zy Wright – 6’1″ 165 lbs – (Lincoln County to Aquinas)
SO Chris Williams – 6’7″ 175 lbs – (Grovetown to Aquinas)
JR Trevon Reddish – 6’3″ 175 lbs – (Carrollton to ELCA)
SO Austin Gusaeff – 6’6″ 190 lbs – (Dacula to Hebron Christian)
SR Christian Jackson – 6’3″ 160 lbs – (Fulton Leadership Academy to Greenforest)
SR Cam Chavers – 5’11” 160 lbs – (Parkview to Greenforest)
JR KJ Jones – 6’2″ 150 lbs – (Luella to ELCA)
SO Kaleb Jenkins – 6’2″ 150 lbs – (Shiloh to Greenforest)
SR Jaylyn Clark – 5’11” 180 lbs – (Woodland-Stockbridge to Greenforest)
JR Ryan Greer – 6’1” 170 lbs – (Lovett to Northfield Mount Hermon, MA)
SO Christian Fussell – 6’8″ 180 lbs – (Stockbridge to Holy Spirit Prep)
JR Trae Broadnax – 6’3″ 170 lbs – (Islands to Montverde Academy)
SO Brady Burnett – 6’4″ 175 lbs – (East Coweta to Trinity Christian)
SR Jamie Lewis – 6’3″ 185 lbs – (Westlake to Findlay Prep, NV)
JR Alex Powell – 7’0″ 175 lbs – (Duluth to York Prep, SC)
SR Brevin Ellis – 6’0″ 170 lbs – (McEachern to Cumberland Christian)
JR JaRon Thames – 6’4″ 170 lbs – (South Gwinnett to Trinity Catholic, MO)
SR Drue Drinnon – 6’0″ 165 lbs – (Pebblebrook to University School, FL)
SR Trey Doomes – 6’3″ 175 lbs – (Allatoona to University School, FL)
SR Trevin Wade – 6’0″ 165 lbs – (South Cobb to Montverde Academy, FL)
SR Will Richardson – 6’4″ 170 lbs – (Liberty County to Oak Hill Academy, VA)
JR Yusef Washington – 6’4″ 170 lbs – (Peachtree Ridge to Denver East, CO)
SO Lamar Oden – 6’5″ 180 lbs – (Southwest Atlanta Christian to Holy Spirit Prep)
SR Jamir Williams – 6’4″ 175 lbs – (East Coweta to Trinity Christian)
JR Laqueveus Nelson – 6’0″ 160 lbs – (Quitman County to Eufaula, AL)
JR Colby Rogers – 6’4″ 175 lbs – (Newton to Roselle Catholic, NJ)
JR Erick Valdez – 6’7″ 195 lbs – (Dominican Republic to Trinity Christian)
SR Elijah Dudley – 5’8″ 160 lbs – (Riverwood to St. Louis Christian Academy)
SR Justin Brown – 6’0″ 170 lbs – (Northview to Georgia Prep Academy)
SR Rodney Battle – 6’0″ 170 lbs – (Carver-Columbus to Russell County, AL)
Jared Jones follows the A.O.T. pipeline and will bring his post presence to McEachern to pair up with shot-blocking specialist Babatunde Akingbola to form the most formidable frontcourt in the state with Isaac Okoro starring at small forward.
DJ Williams transferred to Grayson during the school year’s second semester. He adds an athletic lead guard that can push the tempo in transition and has the body to become a plus-defender his senior season.
The mass exodus has begun at Parkview as Shiloh pilfers the Panthers for brothers Justin and Truitt Spencer along with Class AAAAAAA Freshman of the Year, Toneari Lane. The Spencers give coach Kim Rivers interchangeable pieces in the backcourt which provide depth and replace TJ Stargell while Lane is a cornerstone player over his final three seasons. Lane’s versatility on the wing and high ceiling will help a Shiloh team which lost it’s direction last year with a disappointing 16-13 finish. For Parkview, it is a tough pill to swallow for a young group that looked prime to breakthrough over the next two seasons.
Known for landing good guards, Pebblebrook attempts to reload and replace Collin Sexton with Alexander combo guard Grant Howard. Howard, 6-foot-3, possesses good size and scoring touch. He averaged over 17 points per game with the Cougars. Howard is a popular name among Low Major and Mid-Major programs. In Pebblebrook’s free flowing offense, Howard may be a fine fit to flourish his senior season.
Ian Hardy brings versatility and athleticism to the Discovery backcourt. Hardy began his career at Berkmar and now will be asked to play a big role with the Titans.
Mandarius Dickerson leaves Southwest DeKalb for Collins Hill after leading the Panthers in scoring at 14 points per game while adding on 4.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.8 steals. Mandarius is part of a four-man group of 2018 seniors who have decided to leave Southwest before their final season. Dickerson has been on a tear with Heat Check over the summer months. Dickerson is a good shooter from deep and has worked on slashing to and finishing around the basket.
With a chance to take over at Southwest Atlanta Christian after a large 2017 graduating class including DeAundrae Ballard departing, Koby Isaac is now on the move to his third school in three seasons. Isaac has shown flashes of promise over his career and averaged 6.3 points per game at SACA as a sophomore.
Coming off their best season in school history which included a Region 6 championship, Mountain View looks to carry their momentum by returning their starting backcourt and adding Nahiem Alleyne. The former South Gwinnett guard provides a versatile high-upside piece to relieve the scoring load placed on Spencer Rodgers and Miles Long. The Bear backcourt bolsters one of the state’s best cohesive groups flaunted experience and chemistry. A true sizable post presence is the one element Mountain View currently lacks.
Terence Porter has all the intangibles to have a breakthrough senior season at Grayson. At 6-foot-7, the athletically built Porter is a combo forward. He can rebound the ball but must improve on his ability to finish through contact at the rim. He has spent the summer with Team Power where he primarily worked the high post on offense. Porter provides Coach Geoffrey Pierce more length to pair with junior Kenyon Jackson inside after graduating Gerald Buncum. If Porter can buy into his role and continue to improve, the Rams once again could have one of Gwinnett’s best one-two combos on the glass.
Currently ranked a three-star point guard by 247Sports and the No. 5 prospect in Alabama by HoopSeen, Tony Johnson is heading to Berkmar after starring at Eufaula, AL. Johnson played this offseason with the Southern Stampede, coached by recent Patriot graduate and current Indiana Hoosier, Al Durham’s father. Johnson is an aggressive scorer that will have an opportunity to take the reigns at Berkmar, who seeks a new leader after a large graduating class.
After spending a year away at Huntington Prep, Elias King returns to his home school of Shiloh for his junior season. Currently ranked as a four-star recruit by 247Sports, King is a 6-foot-7 guard that thrives in transition when making decisions with the ball in his hands. Already a skilled passer, King can also fill it up from all three levels. He instantly becomes one of Georgia’s top 2019 prospects and returns to a talented Shiloh roster which already has added 2016-17 Class AAAAAAA Freshman of the Year Toneari Lane along with Parkview teammates Justin and Truitt Spencer.
Norcross has replaced the outgoing duo of Rayshaun Hammonds and Lance Thomas with Issa Muhammad. Muhammad, 6-foot-9 with an interesting skill-set, is tabbed as a three-star recruit by Rivals. With a Georgia Tech offer already in hand heading into his junior season, as a sophomore Muhammad appeared on the scene at Lakeside-DeKalb and averaged 11.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. He parlayed his play into a spot on the powerful Game Elite 2019 team which played up on the Adidas Uprising circuit. With Game Elite, his playing time and production fluctuated. Now heading into 2017-18, Muhammad will have an opportunity to continue to grow his game and find his niche with one of Georgia’s most consistent programs.
One of the best shooters in the 2020 class, Kevon Eskridge, is heading to Norcross after spending his freshman season at Columbia. In Year 1, Eskridge wasted no time making an impact, ranking third in DeKalb County in three-point shooting, nailing 63-of-141 attempts for a 45% mark. Eskridge is a fearless shooter that can take over games when hot. He will join fellow sophomore Brandon Boston in the Blue Devils backcourt, possibly the best 2020 guard duo in the state.
Dunwoody loses its leading scorer, 6-foot senior Ty Lilly, to South Gwinnett. Lilly led the Wildcats at 11.6 points per game, while adding on 5.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2 steals a night. He was instrumental in upsetting Alpharetta in the Region 7-AAAAAA semifinals, scoring 22 points, collecting 7 rebounds and dishing out 5 assists. Lilly should provide Coach Ty Anderson with an experienced ball-handler to pair with South Gwinnett’s improving backcourt.
Pebblebrook adds Region 3-AAAAA First Teamer Josh Graham to the mix. The wing averaged over 15 points per game at Whitewater.
Habersham Central gets a shot in the arm in new head coach Jeremy York along with three transfers who will make most of their impact on the football field, but still will add value on the hardwood. Brothers AJ and Donnie Curry come over from Stephens County. At 6-foot-6, AJ is a wiry athlete that can protect the paint and chip in on offense thanks to his ability to get out and run. Jim Barnett joins from Gainesville and brings a new dimension of toughness to the 1-23 Raiders.
Joshua Archer heads to Heritage-Conyers after the Patriots graduate a handful of college guards. Archer has big game experience from his time at Southwest DeKalb and should see plenty of opportunities to flourish his senior season under coach Vernon Denmark.
South Paulding receives a boost in the scoring department as Region 5 rival Cameron Armstrong moves in from Alexander. The 6-foot-2 combo guard can put the ball in the basket. He has put up big numbers over the past two summers with Team Forrest and started to show flashes of his capabilities this year with the Cougars. With a large 2017 class filing out of South Paulding, Armstrong could slide in and become one of coach Gil Davis’ leading scorers right away. Armstrong is a streaky three-point shooter that can carry a team at times, but he will have to lock in defensively over his final two seasons to reach his full potential.
6-foot-11 center Richard Rivers is rumored to be on the move to Dunwoody. Rivers lacks varsity experience, but he is a big body that can clog up the lane. He played for BCB last year before joining the Atlanta Xpress this season.
After winning a state title with First Presbyterian Christian Academy in the GISA in 2015-16, All-State wing Isaiah Scott and point guard Simon Steele move over to try their hand at the GHSA with Bradwell Institute. The Tigers won 6 games in 2015-16 and flashed major signs of improvement early on last year with a 5-1 start, but ultimately finished the season missing out on the Class AAAAAA playoffs with an 11-12 mark. Scott is a wiry scorer that should be among the Tigers’ leading scorers from Day 1 while Steele adds ball handling and team chemistry. The two will join Coastal Crew Rebels teammate Javonte LeCounte who averaged 12.1 points as a sophomore.
First Presbyterian Christian Academy is officially drained as Khalyn Weekley becomes the third player to move to the GHSA at Bradwell Institute. Weekley exploded onto the scene with his play at the Norman Parker Showcase. He is an aggressive point guard with college size. Weekley attacks the basket going downhill while still maintaining a respectable three-point shot and also the ability to get his teammates involved. Weekley’s will to win coupled with some familiar faces could help him cement himself as a D1 player and one of the best 2018 guards in Georgia all while thrusting the Tigers into the postseason picture.
In a potential state altering move in Class AAAAAA, 6-foot-6 sophomore Quincy Ademokoya is off to Dacula after spending his freshman season at Normal West High School in Chicago. Scouts from the area love his potential and say his motor runs hot. He projects to be an advanced defender and already holds an offer from DePaul. He is visiting both Illinois and Southern Illinois in June. His versatile size added to an already strong returning backcourt makes Dacula interesting contender for 2017-18.
Lakeside-Evans bolsters its backcourt firepower with the addition of Tyshun Briscoe. Briscoe comes in from Richmond Academy with a similar scoring mindset to that of lead dog Kalen Williams. Briscoe is a microwave from beyond the arc that can score in bunches. He will start alongside Williams his sophomore season.
Messiah Thompson returns to North Atlanta after seeing limited time at Pebblebrook. Thompson instantly becomes the number one option. He is the engine for the Warriors and will have everything run through him. Thompson has good court vision and can create his own shot. His size will hurt his recruitment, but Thompson has an advanced feel for the game.
Brenden Tucker makes an in-county move from Archer to Dacula for his junior season and in the process bolsters the Falcons’ backcourt, making it possibly the strongest on paper in Class AAAAAA. Tucker used an electric first-step to average a team-best 14.2 points per game with the Tigers while adding 3.2 assists and 1.7 steals a night. Tucker will fit in alongside point guard Mekhail Bethea, Class 6A 2016-17 Most Improved Player Arusha Hunter and Reggie Horton.
After losing Malachi Rhodes back to ELCA, Langston Hughes instead gets the second scoring option they’ll need to repeat as state champs in the form of Team Wall forward Tyler Smith. Smith comes in from Panther Creek, NC where he averaged 13.1 points and 5.4 rebounds as a bruising 6-foot-6, 225-pound junior forward. Smith spent his final summer traveling the nation with Team Wall where he showcased his physicality and nimble footwork along the baseline. His jump shot is still improving as he currently butters his bread in the paint and attacking the rim from the mid-range and in, with the ability to knock down the open shot. Smith enters one of Georgia’s more competitive regions where toughness will win games.
After taking a trip to the Sweet 16 in Class AAAAA, Starr’s Mill will look to replace Zach Pina who makes the 6.5 mile move to play at neighboring rival McIntosh. Pina won Freshman of the Year his first season with the Panthers and followed up by averaging 15.9 points as a sophomore and 12.3 as a junior. He brings experience and a knack for scoring the ball to a McIntosh team which should be much improved after undergoing a rebuilding season.
For the second season in a row, a Mountain View Bear transfers to Buford. This time it is Brandon Green. The 6-foot-5 forward has yet to make a major impact on the varsity level and will try to put his versatile skill set to use in coach Eddie Martin’s system. Green averaged 3.1 points and 2.3 rebounds as a part of Mountain View’s Region 6-AAAAAAA championship team.
Jalen Jackson brings over size and plenty growth to Cedar Shoals after seeing quality minutes as a freshman at Lincoln County. Jackson, who is expected to grow upwards of 6-foot-6 when all is said and done, is a tough rebounder who averaged 7 points and 6 rebounds in Region 7-A.
Miller Grove adds veteran lead guard TJ Stargell to handle the point guard duties. The Wolverines went through some growing pains at times last year with a young backcourt and should be better for it this season. Stargell brings a true pass-first mentality to the roster with plenty of big game experience already under his belt from his days at Shiloh.
Athens Christian will try to survive a devastating blow as Quincy Canty departs for Cedar Shoals. At 6-foot-5, Canty was an All-Region performer and the Eagles’ leading scorer as a freshman forward. Athens Christian was set to open the season as one of Class A-Private’s top programs, but with the bouncy and physical forward gone, they will now seek a new No. 1 option. For Cedar Shoals, they get an impact player to build around after graduating an important senior class which included Charleston Southern-signee Phlan Fleming.
Tyler Johnson has followed Quincy Canty to Cedar Shoals after initially the duo looked like the long term answer for Athens Christian and seemingly had the ability to thrust the Eagles deep into the state playoff picture. Instead, they will suit up for the Jaguars. Johnson is a talented guard who plays much larger than his size, often leading to stuffed stat sheets. He can get red-hot from beyond the arc, but also can do damage in the paint. The sophomore is a very good rebounder for his size and is a pest on defense.
Jalen Mason returns home to Woodland-Henry and has a chance to immediately make the team his and truly cement himself as a Division I point guard. At 6-foot-3, Mason is an explosive athlete who has played against elite level competition while at Miller Grove and with the Georgia Stars. Mason averaged 6.3 points per game with the Wolverines while sharing time in a crowded backcourt. Now at Woodland, Mason should see his production skyrocket heading into his upperclassman seasons. Mason possesses quick lateral movements and can get into the lane. He has a quality three-point shot and has the intangibles to become a high-caliber perimeter defender.
The No. 12 ranked small forward in Georgia, Terrance Boykin, will suit up for Maynard Jackson his final season after starring at Columbia. At 6-foot-7, Boykin has shown the ability to play point-forward. The versatile D-I prospect averaged 5.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists (second in DeKalb County). At Maynard Jackson, Boykin will be expected to showcase his scoring more consistently in Coach Travis Williams’ system.
After winning just 2 games at Ola last season, scoring guard Terrynce Jackson has transferred from the outhouse to the penthouse by joining Stockbridge. Jackson garnered Region 4-AAAAA Second Team honors as he led the Mustangs in scoring at 18.9 points per game. The lefty will provide Stockbridge with more scoring around D-I recruit Kavonte Ivery.
Salem lands a physical piece to the puzzle in former Southwest DeKalb Panther Tabias Long. The 6-foot-5 forward has an athletic build that he uses to bully opponents or rise over them for clean looks. He averaged 4.4 points and 4.4 rebounds in Southwest’s balanced offense. While at Salem, he may be asked to score the ball more and stuff the stat sheet.
Baldwin plucks away two of Milledgeville’s better players in Georgia Military College’s Justin Webb and Zae Simpson. Webb is a 6-foot-6 combo forward entering his junior season. Last year with the Bulldogs he averaged 11 points and 5.2 rebounds. Webb is a sleeper in the 2019 class, but with Buck Harris coaching him up, Harris may be able to pull out his potential. Webb will need to get tougher as he has had a tendency to shy away from physicality. Simpson saw limited minutes at GMC, but could provide good rotational minutes for the Braves.
The future of Class AAAA potentially has changed if not this year but for the long-term as Landmark Christian legacy Walker Kessler has transferred to Woodward Academy, who already has reigning Class AAAA Freshman of the Year, dual-sport standout 6-foot-5 Jacorrei Turner, in place. While at Landmark Christian, the 6-foot-10 rising sophomore averaged 15.1 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3 blocks per game on his way to earning All-State Honorable Mention. Kessler is widely regarded as the most skilled 2020 big man the state has to offer. Kessler’s father, uncle and older brother all played for the Georgia Bulldogs, his dad drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers. Kessler spent the summer with the 15U Atlanta Celtics where he showcased his soft touch which extends to beyond the three-point line and his ability to alter shots and rebound at a high clip. The Woodward Academy Eagles now have an accumulation of young talent that could be ready to come to fruition in a classification which is wide open behind reigning state champion Upson-Lee and runner-up St. Pius. A frontline of Kessler, Turner and 6-foot-8 2019 forward Kevin Powell is the best the class has to offer.
Tay Howard makes the move from Madison County to East Jackson to help out on the perimeter. Howard was an All-Area Honorable Mention selection last year. His 6-foot-4 length on defense causes problems for smaller guards, leading to steals and transition opportunities. He will have two seasons to continue to grow his game as East Jackson takes the next step during their rebuild.
Cedar Grove gets help at point guard in the form of rising senior Keshun Byrd. Byrd averaged 10.1 points and 3.4 assists at Maynard Jackson. He will share the ball handling duties with junior Devon Barnes.
Savannah-power Jenkins adds senior guard Matt Sams from Savannah High and 6-foot-7 junior Lamont Sams from Johnson-Savannah. Matt led the Bluejackets in scoring at 14.9 points per game while Lamont averaged 3.1 points backing up Amanze Ngumezi. Lamont is still raw but he has length and confidence to shoot from three in the corners. Both Sams will have an immediate opportunity to contribute for the Warriors.
The addition of Isaiah Bauman strengthens a Glenn Hills backcourt that takes a hit with graduation. Bauman moves 9.7 miles to join a Spartans group that saw a 13-game win increase this past season. Bauman is an aggressive scorer with a dog mentality. Bauman has had a strong summer with Sports Academy South as the team’s leading scorer and consistent All-Tournament performer at HoopSeen events. He and Eric Farmer could compose of one of Augusta’s better backcourts which still has 6-foot-8 Timmy Sellers anchoring the paint.
Daniel Parrish brings confidence and versatility to the Aquinas frontcourt with the ability to play positions 3 thru 5. Though he has an unorthodox left-handed stroke, Parrish can knock down threes when left open, hitting a a 35% clip while averaging 13.6 points and 8 rebounds.
Zy Wright heads to rival Aquinas after spending his freshman season at Lincoln County. Wright came on strong when his team needed him the most, averaging 24 points per game in the postseason, dropping in 26 points in a Sweet 16 loss at Treutlen. Wright comes from good bloodlines, his mother the leading scorer in Lincoln County history and a D-I player herself.
Trevon Reddish moves from Carrollton to ELCA. The rising junior is a talented guard that plays above the rim and can hunt his own shot. He can score from all three levels and likes to use his size to his advantage on the block against smaller defenders. Reddish has seen major minutes over his early career and brings experience into his final two seasons. The Chargers are on the rise in Class A-Private after winning 20 games with a young team.
With their roster in flux, the two-time defending Class A-Private state champs Greenforest have added Parkview sharpshooter Cam Chavers. The 5-foot-11 senior averaged 8 points per game as a junior after leading the Panthers as a sophomore at 10.3. Chavers provides an off-ball floor stretcher that can open up the interior for Greenforest’s bigs down low.
Trinity Christian over in the GISA gets a good one in Brady Burnett. The 6-foot-4 forward comes over from neighboring East Coweta and brings with him a diverse skill set at the stretch position. With the ability to put the ball on the deck and finish with both hands, Burnett also possesses a soft touch which can extend out to the three-point line in time.
Lovett’s Ryan Greer heads up north to Massachusetts to Northfield Mount Hermon. Greer was possibly the state’s most underappreciated guard, a scorer and leader of the Lions.
