Class AAAAAAA

1. Milton
2. Grayson
3. Pebblebrook
4. Berkmar
5. McEachern
6. Norcross
7. Cherokee
8. Newton
9. North Gwinnett
10. Etowah

Class AAAAAA

1. Wheeler
2. Heritage-Conyers
3. Kell
4. Lanier
5. Buford
6. Douglas County
7. Allatoona
8. South Cobb
9. Chattahoochee
10. Richmond Hill

Class AAAAA

1. Tri-Cities
2. St. Pius X
3. Veterans
4. Eagle’s Landing
5. Woodward Academy
6. Warner Robins
7. Chapel Hill
8. Cass
9. Blessed Trinity
10. Mundy’s Mill

Class AAAA

1. Miller Grove
2. Spencer
3. Baldwin
4. Fayette County
5. Westover
6. Stephenson
7. Jenkins
8. Westside-Macon
9. Monroe
10. Mays

Class AAA

1. Sandy Creek
2. Windsor Forest
3. Johnson-Savannah
4. Hart County
5. Upson-Lee
6. LaFayette
7. Cross Creek
8. GAC
9. Dawson County
10. Monroe Area

Class AA

1. Pace Academy
2. Swainsboro
3. Columbia
4. Lovett
5. Laney
6. Thomasville
7. Butler
8. Woodville-Tompkins
9. Vidalia
10. Jeff Davis

Class A-Private

1. St. Francis
2. Greenforest
3. Mt. Pisgah
4. Providence Christian
5. Galloway
6. St. Anne-Pacelli
7. Wesleyan
8. Holy Innocents’
9. Mt. Vernon Presbyterian
10. First Presbyterian Day

Class A-Public

1. Hancock Central
2. Terrell County
3. Drew Charter
4. Manchester
5. Lincoln County
6. Calhoun County
7. Lanier County
8. Taylor County
9. Turner County
10. Wilkinson County

 

Class 7A

What an offseason it was – or wasn’t depending on who you are. We are fortunate to be playing basketball in this current whacky climate. Very little felt normal and regular during the summer months but one thing. One thing that we found out won’t slow down regardless of a social lockdown and a pandemic sweeping the nation: the GHSA’s own pandemic – transfers. With over 100 transfers across Georgia and classifications completely reshaped and rearranged, we will have another unpredictable year of GHSA basketball – just how I like it.With a few years of experience now under their belt, No. 1 Milton takes the top spot to open the year. Coming off a 26-5 season with a 59-47 loss in the Final Four to eventual champ Wheeler, Milton graduates just one key senior in Evan Hurst. All-State junior Bruce Thornton (23 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 6.1 apg, 58.4% FG) is back along with fellow 2022’s Devin Farrell, Seth Fitzgerald and Cam Walker. Sophomores Kanaan Carlyle (12.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg – 7A Freshman of the Year) and 6-foot-5 LT Overton (8.3 ppg, 8.1 rpg) are gamechangers and a year better. With nearly the entire nucleus back, Milton still found the space to absorb two crucial move-ins in Campbell-commit 6-foot point guard Broc Bidwell (14.6 ppg, 4 rpg, 3.2 apg, 2 spg – West Forsyth) and 6-foot-7 forward Kendall Campbell (17.4 ppg, 9.8 rpg – Meadowcreek), a High Major forward that looked great over the summer. The best point guard in Georgia has an alarming amount of firepower to play with this year. Milton is a heavy favorite to make it to Macon but they will see some disciplined foes in Region 5 in No. 7 Cherokee and No. 10 Etowah. No. 2 Grayson’s dream season turned into a nightmare with a heartbreaking 60-59 loss to Wheeler in the state championship, sending shockwaves across the nation. The Rams’ three-headed monster in Deivon Smith (Mississippi State), Caleb Murphy (South Florida) and Toneari Lane (Winthrop) has been replaced this offseason by juniors 6-foot-9 Chauncey Wiggins (15 ppg, 7 rpg – Eastside), 6-foot-5 Robert Cowherd (20.3 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.1 spg – Denmark) and 6-foot-2 Tyrese Elliott (Sparkman, AL). The trio brings diverse offense to a core that already returns 6-foot-8 Clemson-commit Ian Schieffelin (10.7 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 1.7 apg, 2.7 bpg), 6-foot-8 Charleston Southern-commit Taje Kelly and scrappy 5-foot-10 junior Kaden McArthur, a defensive stopper and playmaker. Grayson loses three-point specialist Quinones Corpman to Meadowcreek and 6-foot-8 Kiree Huie to Liberty, NV, but Coach Geoffrey Pierce still has a massive frontline with skilled perimeter scorers. 6-foot-7 sophomore Chad Moodie has major upside and could start on most teams in the state. The Rams might not have as many highlights as last year’s explosive transition team, but they will still be must-see tv this season. No. 3 Pebblebrook disappointed last year going 16-14, losing 67-54 in the Sweet 16 to Grayson. The Falcons had great length at forward, but were a bit redundant with 6-foot-6 Jamall Clyce (Georgia State), 6-foot-6 Tyler Shirley (South Alabama) and 6-foot-8 Kaleb Washington. Clyce, the heart and soul of the team, and Shirley are back while Washington was lured away to Wheeler. Pebblebrook got 6-foot-6 senior Aaron Reddish to move over from Wheeler to replace Washington while high-scoring 6-foot-2 junior Kami Young (21.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.4 apg) has hopped over from North Cobb Christian to join smooth 6-foot Georgia State-commit Danny Stubbs in the backcourt. 6-foot-7 senior power forward Blake Hadley is back to provide physicality in the paint. 6-foot-7 sophomore Jaiun Simon has a great future ahead while junior guards Andre Young and Nile Hillmon could lead most teams in the state. It was a relativity quiet offseason for No. 4 Berkmar after seeing five players move-in last year. Rumor has it that one late move-in from Team Huncho could be on the way however, adding a talented 6-foot-5 guard to the mix if true in junior Destin Logan who initially was set to attend Parkview after moving from North Clayton. The Patriots had plenty of ups and downs but peaked at the right time finishing 18-10 with a 53-43 loss to Wheeler in the Elite Eight after starting the season 1-7. Chemistry and cohesion should be much better in Year 2 as juniors 6-foot-3 Jermahri Hill and 6-foot-10 Malique Ewin (10.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.5 bpg) headline the Patriots.  6-foot-5 senior Cam Blount showed flashes of being able to take over games and will have even more opportunities to do so this year. 6-foot-5 senior power forward Dara Olonade impacts games positively every time he’s on the floor with his toughness in the paint, willing to rebound and defend using his high motor. Keep an eye on 6-foot junior Ahmed Soumahoro who had a strong offseason. It was a weird year for No. 5 McEachern as they finished 22-6 and put up a ton of points behind Sharife Cooper (Auburn) but blowout losses to Grayson (83-57) and Shiloh (82-64) signified that the bloom was off the rose. The Indians played well down the stretch but fell in their rematch with Grayson in the Final Four 82-76. McEachern once again will be a high-scoring team as they are powered by stars 6-foot-6 Chance Moore (Arkansas), 6-foot-5 Camron McDowell (22 ppg, 7 rpg, 5 apg, 3 bpg), 6-foot-5 Bobby Moore and 6-foot-5 Randy Brady. What hurt McEachern last year was the lack of an interior post defender. The way their roster is currently constructed, that same issue may exist but with a year of playing together under their belt and even more shots to go around now, McEachern is one of the scariest teams in the state with how they can match anyone bucket for bucket on the perimeter. Winning a state championship in Georgia’s largest classification is among the toughest things to accomplish in all of high school sports across the nation. No one knows that struggle more than No. 6 Norcross who hasn’t climbed the mountain top since 2013 but has had plenty of chances to do so. The Blue Devils finished 26-4 but faltered at the wrong time, losing 62-58 in the Region 7 Championship to Berkmar, setting up an eventual 65-27 loss to Grayson in the Elite Eight, a shocking demolition to this day. Three new transfers are in to bolster the Blue Devils in 6-foot-4 sophomore London Johnson (Comenius School, SC), 6-foot-2 sophomore Mier Panoam (Bartlett, AK) and 6-foot-7 junior Jerry Deng (Core4). Leading Norcross will be 6-foot-3 senior guard Jaden Harris, who put together a great summer after averaging 7.1 points and 2 assists during the high school season. Ultimately, the success of Norcross this season will hinge on the play of 6-foot-8 reclass senior Kok Yat. In their loss to Grayson, Yat didn’t touch the floor until the Blue Devils were down 20+ late. The DePaul-commit is loaded with talent but will have to shine when the lights are on. 6-foot-5 freshman Jahki Howard will be in the mix to earn some minutes on the perimeter and provides a bright future for a program that never has a shortage of talent. It’s been a long time coming for legendary Head Coach Roger Kvam but he has reason to be excited this season coaching No. 7 Cherokee, his most talented group since 2006-07 when the Warriors finished 25-4 led by future first-round draft pick Chris Singleton. Last year’s 23-5 mark was the best in 13 years as the Warriors captured their first-ever region championship and Kvam his 500^th win. The ceiling is even higher with 6-foot-8 Xavier-commit Elijah Tucker (18.8 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.4 spg) and 6-foot-5 Taihland Owens (19.1 ppg, 4.5 rpg) back for their senior seasons. Zack Vickers’ reliable scoring and rebounding must be replaced but the Warriors had a weakness addressed in the offseason as 6-foot-4 senior Ethan Pickett (8.1 ppg – Richmond Hill) and 6-foot-3 junior DJ Potts-Heard (Woodstock) moved-in to help strengthen a backcourt that struggled to score outside of Owens. Little brother 5-foot-9 sophomore Tayden Owens saw increased minutes as the season went on and really stood out in the offseason as a shifty playmaker that can score from multiple levels. The improvement of Owens coupled with the length and defensive prowess of 6-foot-2 senior Bennett Ulm will give Cherokee some different options at guard. 6-foot-2 sophomore guards Cameron Pope and Mason Waterbor both showed promise over the summer and could find themselves in the rotation. 6-foot-6 junior Caleb Richardson plays with energy and provides length and the ability to guard multiple positions. 6-foot-7 senior Johnny Sweeney is a floor spacer that can add a spark in spots. As good as Cherokee’s season was a year ago, they still have motivation to prove doubters wrong after losing 61-55 in the opening round of the state tournament to 10-20 four-seed Westlake. The Warriors will have multiple measuring stick games this season with No. 1 Milton in their region. No. 8 Newton enters Year 2 under Head Coach Charlemagne Gibbons. The Rams went 21-10 behind electric guard play and fell 68-62 to Milton in the Elite Eight. The Rams will be a young, but experienced team led by 6-foot-4 junior guard TJ Clark and sophomores Stephon Castle, Qua Brown and Jakai Newton. 6-foot-7 junior rim protector MioKaye Grant transfers in from a disintegrated Eastside roster while 6-foot-2 sophomore, a jumping jack, MJ Whitlock slides over from Jasper County. Newton will have a team equipped to play fast and get after it defensively. No. 9 North Gwinnett clicked at the right time once they had all their football players, going 18-12, their best record since 27-5 in 2013-14. As good as their season was, the Bulldogs probably feel like they left a lot on the table as they were unable to close out McEachern in the Elite Eight falling 75-68 in overtime.  The athleticism of JR Martin and Jared Ivey will be missed but 6-foot-7 junior RJ Godfrey (14 ppg, 7 rpg, 3 bpg) is a High Major prospect and a game changer in the paint with his rebounding and shot blocking. 6-foot-3 Alabama Huntsville-commit Brendan Rigsbee (11 ppg, 5 rpg, 3 apg) is a blossoming lefty that’s hyper-athletic and can score from deep. 6-foot-6 junior Thomas Allard should see major minutes this season as a floor spacing wing while 6-foot-7 senior Luke Keller provides a physical post presence. If 6-foot-3 senior Kobe Jackson plays he will bring with him his team-leading 14.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3 steals a night. No. 10 Etowah relies on blue-collar players not blue-chippers. All Coach Jason Dasinger has done in his career is win. With a strict emphasis on team basketball and elite defense, the Eagles are always a threat. They posted a 17-9 record before losing 68-43 to Wheeler in the first round. Seniors 6-foot-4 Colby Flaig, 6-foot-2 Brock Rechsteiner and 5-foot-9 Cole Ellis bring back a hard-working mentality but it’s the younger group that really pushes Etowah to the next level. Juniors 5-foot-9 Dajuan Devonish, an athletic playmaker, 6-foot-5 Josh Hughes, a tough forward that scores inside and out with sneaky athleticism, and 5-foot-11 Jonah Hamilton, an elite shooter, all played together over the summer continuing to build chemistry. 6-foot-3 sophomore Mason Etter set the school record for charges taken as a freshman and shined all summer long, scoring the ball and rebounding in impressive fashion with great consistency. 5-foot-10 sophomore Brandon Rechsteiner is a difference maker. He dealt with injuries all of last season but is now healthy. He’s a sharp point guard that can bomb away from deep and make special plays for his teammates. The future is extremely bright in Towne Lake.

Class 6A

While it may not have the top-heavy powers that 7A does, Class 6A is by far the deepest most competitive classification Georgia has to offer with the new region alignments. There should be plenty of movement throughout the year in the poll with 15 or more teams capable of earning time in the Top 10. The toughest region 6A has to offer may be one of the toughest groupings in the entire state in Region 6. Four teams debut in the rankings with No. 1 Wheeler, No. 3 Kell, No. 7 Allatoona and No. 8 South Cobb. The Wildcats drop down to 6A after capturing the 7A title in dramatic fashion 60-59 over Grayson. A lot returns from Wheeler’s 24-7 team with 6-foot-7 senior Ja’Heim Hudson (11.9 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 1.5 bpg), 6-foot-2 sophomore Isaiah Collier (11.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 3.9 apg, 1.5 spg) and 6-foot-5 senior Max Harris (7.9 ppg) leading the way. Collier, a five-star guard, is back after breaking his shoulder against East Coweta just 14 games into his career. The Wildcats picked up some fire power to replace leading scorer Sam Hines (Denver) this offseason with First Team All-Region 6-6A guard 6-foot junior Cam Johnson (Harrison), 6-foot-8 Dayton-commit Kaleb Washington (Pebblebrook) and 6-foot-2 sophomore Amir Green-Jones (Walnut Grove). The trio joins other key role players like juniors 5-foot-10 Juvon Gamory (4.2 ppg, 1.5 apg) and 6-foot-1 Kyle Burns along with seniors 6-foot-3 Khedric Oliver (3.4 ppg) and 6-foot shooter AJ Burke (3.3 ppg) to form a deep top 10. No. 2 Heritage-Conyers finished 19-11 but just 4-6 in Region 3 and lost in the Sweet 16 to Chattahoochee 73-68. On paper, the Patriots should be one of the most talented teams in the state led by the high scoring All-State duo of 6-foot-5 Ole Miss-commit James White (24.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.8 apg) and 6-foot-4 Elon-commit RJ Noord (20.2 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 4.1 apg). Key pieces also return in 6-foot-3 215-pound forward Courtney McBride, a Florida Atlantic football-commit, 6-foot-5 junior Jalen Boston and 6-foot senior Dash Boston. 6-foot-2 junior Jalen Tatum has transferred in from Miller Grove to help the backcourt even more. No. 3 Kell rocked and rolled their way to a 26-6 mark, their best record and deepest run in school history, seeing five-star junior 6-foot-2 Scoot Henderson put together a masterful sophomore season. The Longhorns ran out of steam in overtime losing to eventual state champion Dutchtown 62-56 in the Final Four. The mid-season addition of 6-foot-8 Joyful Hawkins never came to fruition as he was never eligible and is now on his fifth high school in three years and is gone from Georgia. The bigger loss is 6-foot-4 Xavier Presley (John Wood CC), the heart and soul of the Longhorns’ grit and energy. Coach Jermaine Sellers will need to replace him and 6-foot-6 Isiah Dubose. Kell will have a major lack of size this year but have tough experienced guards to join Henderson headlined by senior Najhae Colon, a pitbull defender and dangerous three-point shooter that hurt his wrist late in the season. Seniors Jamal Hill and Jaylon Brown – two wide receivers on the football team – and Jaylen Harris, who was ineligible after transferring from North Cobb, are ready for key minutes. 5-foot-10 senior Ramir Chester could carve out minutes as a change of pace guard. 6-foot-4 sophomore Parrish Johnson, who was part of the package deal that moved in with Hawkins from Decatur, is still in the fold and holds an offer from Kennesaw State. 6-foot-4 sophomore Aaron Smith will be this year’s Xavier Presley, battling in the paint for rebounds. He’s a tough high-energy player that defends and cleans the glass. 6-foot-4 junior Manny Duany has moved in from Mayfield, CA to help bolster the rotation. No. 4 Lanier found ways to win close games a season ago. At 26-6, the Longhorns played in four consecutive overtime games in the state tournament going 3-1, but of course the one loss coming 69-66 to Chattahoochee in the state championship. Life without superman Sion James (Tulane) begins but Coach Branden Mayweather has the second head of his devastating two-guard attack back in James Madison-commit Andrew McConnell (15.1 ppg, 3.2 apg, 1.8 spg). He will be flanked by seniors 6-foot Iajah Phillips (12.2 ppg, 2.1 apg, 1.7 spg), 6-foot-6 Makai Vassell and 6-foot Mason Friedel. Right behind Lanier is No. 5 Buford, just nine minutes down the road as a new rivalry emerges in Region 8. Legendary Head Coach Eddie Martin took a team with almost no major experience to a 22-7 record after going 29-2 winning a state championship with a senior-laden cast in 2018-19. The Wolves lost to Kell 57-45 in the Elite Eight, unable to muster enough offense after holding Scoot Henderson to just 14 points. Buford will once again have to replace key players as Sebastian Augustave (17.6 ppg, 3.8 apg – Lander), Caleb Williams (11.1 ppg, 7.8 rpg – North Greenville) and 7-footer James Munlyn (Believe Prep) have graduated. 6-foot-6 junior Jaylon Taylor is a burgeoning star that showed glimpses of greatness throughout the summer. Taylor averaged 8.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2 blocks in his first varsity campaign and has looked a lot more comfortable offensively, being aggressive over the offseason. 5-foot-10 junior Caleb Blackwell (8.7 ppg, 4.1 apg, 1.6 spg) brings experience to the backcourt while 6-foot-5 sophomore London Williams has proven he can change games in the paint after averaging 8 points and 5.5 rebounds as a freshman. Keep an eye on 5-foot-10 sophomore Malachi Brown to make an impact in Year 2. No. 6 Douglas County got bit by the transfer bug this year losing All-State 6-foot-6 wing Jaylen Jackson (16.6 ppg) to Greenforest and 6-foot-4 junior Langston Terry to Lithia Springs, but aside from those two, almost everyone is back for Coach Hollis Bethea. 6-foot-5 senior Omarion Smith is the state’s best shot blocker and one of Georgia’s best rebounders, averaging 10.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and 5.6 blocks. 6-foot-3 senior point guard Omari Fonteno (9.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 3.8 apg, 1.7 spg) is a talented stat sheet stuffer that can do a little bit of everything. 6-foot senior Jermicheal Mahorn returns as the team’s leading scorer after averaging 11.9 points and 2.8 assists. If 6-foot-4 255-pound four-star UGA football-commit Jonathan Jefferson plays, he brings a physical presence in the paint that averaged 6.1 points and 3.7 rebounds. 6-foot-6 junior Mike Kinnard (3.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg) and 6-foot-3 senior Justice Devone (1.5 ppg) should see major upticks in production. No. 7 Allatoona finished 18-11, beating Dacula 63-54 in the first round before falling 57-43 to Tucker in the Sweet 16. The Buccaneers return their top three scorers and have a senior-heavy class with major experience. 5-foot-11 point guard Isaiah Logan averaged a team-best 12.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.8 steals. 6-foot-4 wing Kevin Taylor is as versatile as they come. He was a First Team All-Region 6 selection as a junior averaging 12.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.6 steals. 6-foot-5 senior Marshall Willingham is a skilled forward that pitched in 8.6 points and 3.2 rebounds while 6-foot-6 senior Cameron Baldwin is a high-energy defender that tallied 6.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.1 blocks per game. The core four powers the Bucs. If the supporting cast can step up or if one of the four can bring their game to another level, Allatoona could play spoiler throughout the season as a tough out in the state’s toughest region. The fourth team out of Region 6 to debut in the Top 10 is No. 8 South Cobb. The Eagles were set to open near the top of the poll but a late transfer of 6-foot-2 All-State junior Zocko Littleton Jr. (15.6 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 2.4 apg) to Osborne shakes up the state picture and leaves many scratching their head as he follows former South Cobb Assistant Coach DeMarques Lakes 11 minutes down the road to a program that hasn’t had a winning season since 2013-14. Coach Greg Moultrie will now have to replace his top two leading scorers as All-State forward Emon Washington (Illinois State) the team’s leading scorer, rebounder and shot blocker has graduated. Also gone is 6-foot-2 junior Jameel Rideout (4.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 3.6 apg, 2.2 spg) who moves to Discovery after having a terrific offseason as a two-way guard, earning an offer from Charleston Southern. A lot of pressure will now be on 6-foot senior playmaker Travis Burrus, who really started to come into his own this offseason as a scorer. He averaged 6.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2 steals last season, but will need to help shoulder some more of the scoring burden this year. If he’s unable to up his scoring production, 6-foot-6 junior RJ Dix (6.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg) might be. The talented wing has shown flashes throughout his young career and will be asked to put up numbers night in and night out his junior season. Dix played the best two games of his career when his team needed it most in the postseason, posting 17 points and 6 rebounds in an Elite Eight win over Evans and then scoring a career-high 19 points including a game-tying tip in at the buzzer to force overtime against Lanier in the Final Four. The 28-3 Eagles’ season came to a close that day however, after blowing a 45-30 lead heading into the fourth quarter and falling in overtime 63-57. Seniors 6-foot-3 Da’Quan Riggins (7.7 ppg) and brothers Basit and Baqi Lecky bring great length and athleticism to the defense. South Cobb saw one of the state’s most electrifying athletes 6-foot-4 senior Jens Rueckert move in from McEachern, giving Coach Greg Moultrie plenty of options to choose from. No. 9 Chattahoochee made history last year, capturing their first ever state title in dramatic fashion, 69-66 in overtime over Lanier. The Cougars finished the year 25-7 led by Cam Sheffield (Rice), Franklin Bailey (Oglethorpe), David McDaniel (Jackson State) and of course, 5-foot-9 senior point guard AJ White. White, pound-for-pound the best scorer the state has to offer, will look to add to his legacy with a completely different supporting cast. White poured in 27.4 points, 4 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2 steals as a junior. The accomplished diminutive dynamite will need help from 6-foot-3 senior Keith Murray, who netted a Maryville offer and should see a huge opportunity to raise his stock even more this season. Juniors 6-foot-4 Gil Matondo, 6-foot-2 Tomiwa Adetosoye and 6-foot-1 Avi Haritsa will all be key pieces for Coach Chris Short. No. 10 Richmond Hill enjoyed their best season in the past decade, improving from 16-12 to finish 24-5. The Wildcats fell 61-56 in the Sweet 16 to Sequoyah and lose second-leading scorer Sheldon Lewis (9.8 ppg) to graduation and Region 2 Defensive Player of the Year Ethan Pickett (8.1 ppg) in a surprising transfer to Cherokee to play with travel ball teammates Elijah Tucker and Taihland Owens. Coach Bill Henderson does return leading scorer 6-foot-3 senior Jaeden Marshall however. Built like a running back, the physical downhill guard averaged 12.4 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2 assists as a junior. He had a terrific summer scoring the ball at multiple levels and is a future college guard. 6-foot-2 junior Liam Markgraf (9.5 ppg) and 6-foot-5 junior Brayden Barker (6.4 ppg) provide shot making from the perimeter.

Class 5A

Class 5A felt very open a season ago as Dutchtown was able to capture their first ever title, but with the Bulldogs graduating nearly everyone and reclassification hitting, 5A feels like it’s No. 1 Tri-Cities’ to lose. The Bulldogs are loaded as they return nearly everyone except for Demetrius Rives (Kennesaw State), Lidon Pate (Banneker) and Julius Lymon, who transferred again, this time to Columbia. Led by All-State guard 6-foot-1 Peyton Daniels, a Vanderbilt-commit, the Bulldogs have championship DNA dating back to 2018-19. Last year’s group finished 26-6, losing 78-72 to eventual state champion Chattahoochee in the Class 6A Final Four. Joining Daniels for one last ride are seniors Davon Cottle, Mario McIntosh, Jackson Watson, 6-foot-6 Eli’sha King and 6-foot-8 Davorian Rudolph along with 5-foot-10 junior Simeon Cottle, an All-Region 5-6A Honorable Mention selection a year ago. Tri-Cities is beyond battle-tested, leaving the state’s toughest region over the past four years. Joining the fight will be three transfers: 6-foot-4 senior Chancelor Johnson (Desert Pines, NV), 6-foot-9 junior Will Norwood (East Coweta) and 5-foot-10 sophomore Kyndon Wilburg (Woodland-Stockbridge). Johnson could make the biggest impact out of the bunch. He’s a sharpshooting guard that averaged over 16 points and 5 rebounds per game as a sophomore before transferring to Desert Pines. Seemingly always in the mix no matter who is on the roster, No. 2 St. Pius X looks to build on last year’s somewhat surprising 23-8 Final Four run in Class 4A. With a limited amount back from their two state runner-up runs in 2016-17 and 2017-18 and Elite Eight finish in 2018-19, the Golden Lions scrapped and clawed their way deep into February after getting revenge against previously undefeated Americus-Sumter in double overtime 73-70 before falling to eventual runner-up Cross Creek 51-36 at Fort Valley State. St. Pius X continued to roll even without star Chase Cormier, who jumped ship midway through the season to play at Greenforest. Coach Aaron Parr has been the gold standard of success recording a 197-51 (.794%) mark over his eight years on the job, never losing more than 9 games in a season. He will likely increase his win percentage even more with a slew of talent returning headlined by wizard passer 5-foot-11 senior Brookes Kahlert. The flashy showman is flanked by seniors 6-foot-4 Cal Petersen, 6-foot-2 Trey Acklin and 6-foot-4 Daniel Beverly. Juniors 6-foot-3 Eamonn Kenah and 6-foot Devin Portee bring athleticism and scoring to the perimeter. 6-foot-2 sophomore Parker Smith has shown promise over the offseason and could earn important minutes as well. Outside of Tri-Cities and St. Pius X who both return a ton of continuity, the rest of the Top 10 gets a little hazy. Opening up at No. 3 is Veterans. The Warhawks set school records during last year’s 25-4 season and lost 78-68 in the Sweet 16 to Lithonia. While they lose scorers three through seven, the Warhawks do return their top two players in 6-foot senior DeAngelo Hines (13.5 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.1 apg, 2.1 spg) and 6-foot-6 junior TJ Grant who averaged 11.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 3.4 steals and 1.5 blocks and earned a scholarship offer from Mercer in September. The tandem adds a third piece to the puzzle – a big one. 6-foot-10 sophomore Aaron Jones has moved in from Perry. The big man showed signs of intriguing upside throughout the summer. He averaged 1.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.5 blocks as a freshman and should be able to do even more in Year 2. For Veterans to replicate their success, they will need some role players to step up and score the ball outside of Hines and Grant. Since the 2015-16 season, No. 4 Eagle’s Landing has had some of the best rosters on paper in their classification. While they weren’t state title or bust picks, the Eagles still boasted dangerous teams that should have been in the Elite Eight or Final Four at least once over the past five years, but Eagle’s Landing’s annual postseason nightmare has been a reoccurring one. Under Coach Elliott Montgomery the past five seasons the Eagles have gone 115-28 in the regular season but 3-5 in the playoffs, never advancing past the Sweet 16. The Eagles were locked and loaded for a deep run last season. They beat the eventual state champion Dutchtown twice in the regular season and deployed three All-State players in Keith Lamar (Stetson), Kirshon Thrash (Presbyterian) and 5A Freshman of the Year David Thomas but somehow lost to Clarke Central 55-50 in the second round. Lamar wasn’t 100% healthy for the game adding to the Eagles’ theme of bad luck. This year’s team is not as talented as last season’s but with slightly lower expectations may come less pressure in the postseason to perform. Thomas is a star guard that doesn’t get enough credit in his class. He will have the Eagles fighting for another region title. He’s joined by 6-foot-5 junior AJ Barnes, who could emerge as breakout player to help soothe the losses of both Thrash and Lamar. Fellow junior Fabian DeSilva is a physical 6-foot-2 guard that should see big minutes. Eagle’s Landing has to get the monkey off their back sometime. Could this year be it? No. 5 Woodward Academy will look a lot different. The defending Class 4A State Champions rolled up a 30-2 record and pounded Cross Creek 75-56 in the title game. 7-foot All-American Walker Kessler (UNC), Emory Lanier (Davidson), Jacorrei Turner (Arkansas – football) and Michael Whitmore (Lee) all graduate leaving 6-foot-5 Belmont-commit Will Richard (14.3 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.8 spg) the last of the Mohicans. For the War Eagles to play at a high level and compete in Region 3 with No. 1 Tri-Cities, others will have to step up. 6-foot-2 senior Logan Stephens was banged up last year but he’s an aggressive scorer that has no trouble finding his own shot. He should easily double his 6.2 point-per-game average. 6-foot-6 senior forward Jordan Shoob (1.1 ppg, 2.3 rpg) saw limited minutes last year, but he’s a solid forward that has athleticism and could attract D-III programs. Fellow seniors Jordan Oladapo, Andrew Nye and Nathan Beaulieu will see minutes they’ve patiently waited for since they were freshmen. No. 6 Warner Robins posted a 22-5 record, beating Veterans two of three including winning 52-50 in the Region 1 championship. The Demons fell 60-53 to Kell in the Sweet 16 and will jockey for position with No. 3 Veterans for the top spot in a very physical region which also houses contenders Coffee (15-11) and Wayne County (16-13). Key pieces return for Coach Jamaal Garman in seniors 6-foot-5 Rashaun Tomlin (10 ppg, 4 rpg, 3 apg), 6-foot-3 Greg Jones (10 ppg, 6 rpg, 3 spg) and 6-foot-2 Xavier Hill. 6-foot-5 265-pound sophomore Vic Burley is an enforcer inside and a Power 5 defensive end in football. 6-foot-2 junior Ethan Elliott could steal minutes here and there as a sneaky offensive spark. No. 7 Chapel Hill finished 19-9 in Year 1 under Head Coach Rodney Latham but lost a wild first round matchup with Marist 52-51 in triple overtime, cutting a promising season short. The Panthers must replace the Bell brothers, Mike (12.6 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 3.1 apg – Johnson & Wales) and Micah (19.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg) who transferred to Archbishop Carroll, FL shortly after the loss. Chapel Hill has more than enough talent to continue playing at a high level however with 6-foot-5 senior KJ Doucet back to do damage on the wing. The big swingman averaged 15.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.4 steals. 6-foot-2 senior Jamisen Winters (3 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 1.7 apg) has played exceptionally well over the summer and could see a breakout season leading the Panthers in the backcourt along with Mikai Valentine (5.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.5 apg). 6-foot-7 sophomore Kelvin Hunter may be featured in the offense more. Coming off a season in which he chipped in 4.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.9 blocks, Hunter showed promise over the offseason with an expanded offensive repertoire which grew out to the three-point line. 6-foot-4 junior Chi Shannon is back in purple after bouncing around last season. He’s a super athletic guard that thrives in transition. No. 8 Cass finished 16-13 last year and 9-7 in a tough Region 7. The Colonels lost a heartbreaker in overtime at Columbia 78-75, but proved they could play with the Metro Atlanta schools in the process. 6-foot-6 junior Zaylan Chaney has star potential and earned Second Team All-Region honors while 6-foot-1 senior Braxton Benham, a lockdown defender with above the rim bounce, landed on the Honorable Mention list. The two are joined by seniors CJ Pipkin and Andrew Glaze along with juniors 6-foot-5 Ethan McIntyre and sharpshooter 5-foot-11 Jackson Hale. 6-foot-2 sophomore Jelani Hames provides great energy on the perimeter and can impact games on both sides of the ball. No. 9 Blessed Trinity will be a frontrunner along with Cass to capture the Region 7 crown. Reigning Region 7-4A Player of the Year 6-foot-2 senior Jax Bouknight exploded over the summer months as one of the best guards in the state of Georgia. The blur is an exceptional passer and three-level scorer that can pile in the points. He will see youth surround him with length. Sophomores 6-foot-8 Brigham Rogers, 6-foot-5 Cole Weaver and 6-foot-2 James Connolly have plenty of upside. Rogers should make an immediate impact with his mobility and rim protection. As the summer months went on, his offensive production picked up in back-to-basket situations and even when attacking off the dribble. The Titans finished 18-10 with a 62-59 loss in the second round to undefeated Americus-Sumter. Rounding out the poll is No. 10 Mundy’s Mill. The Tigers finished 16-10 without a playoff berth. 6-foot-2 senior Christian Welcher returns as Coach Dwight Callaway’s go-to guy after posting 10.2 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. 6-foot sophomore Norrico Danner showed potential last year chipping in 4.5 points while 6-foot-2 junior Frank Umeano tacked on 3.8 points and 3.6 rebounds as a sophomore. Help is on the way in 5-foot-9 senior Marcos East (9.2 ppg – New Faith Christian) and 6-foot-3 junior AJ Morris (Eufaula, AL).  The Tigers will have to play well to remain in the Top 10 in Region 3 having to deal with the likes of No. 1 Tri-Cities, No. 5 Woodward Academy, always tough Jonesboro (17-11) and dark horse to make some noise Forest Park who returns a young top six that finished 6-19 but boasts 6-foot-7 D-I prospect junior Daniel Pounds (11.8 ppg, 8.6 rpg), 6-foot-2 sophomore Jaquez Akins (16.1 ppg) and added 6-foot-4 sophomore wing Micah Norris from KIPP Atlanta.

Class 4A

Class 4A is the state’s most wide-open classification. Some late transfers have helped push a few teams closer to the top, but it’s still not enough to firmly cement a title favorite. A familiar face opens atop the heap in No. 1 Miller Grove. It is the first time under Head Coach Rasual Chester that the 7-time state champions hold the No. 1 ranking. It’s been a rebuilding process but loyal seniors have stuck it out in 6-foot-2 Zyair Greene (16.3 points, 4.1 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.1 spg), 5-foot-10 Tyriek Boyd (8.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3.8 apg, 2.3 spg) and 6-foot-5 Jamarcus Glover (6.2 ppg, 5.7 rpg). Shomik Shahjahan (8.2 ppg) bailed on the program and left for TSF, meaning a spot in the guard rotation is available. 6-foot-4 junior Jahmil Barber plays bigger than his size and can help out at either forward position after posting 6.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. The Wolverines finished 19-11 last season and are more than battle-tested. Miller Grove blew a double-digit lead in the second half and lost in overtime to Kell in the first round 92-91. The Wolverines will be in a competitive Region 6 this season with No. 6 Stephenson and No. 10 Mays along with Marist (18-12) but it’s nowhere near as good as what they are used to in their old DeKalb County grouping.  No. 2 Spencer has been waiting for this season for the longest time. The Greenwave are up from Class 2A where they bullied an overmatched Region 5. Now Spencer will be housed with the big boys of Columbus in Region 2. They finished 23-4 last year and fell 76-69 in the Elite Eight to Glenn Hills. Nearly everyone was supposed to return for Coach Eric Allen but recent Ball State-commit Jaylin Sellers left the program to go play in Alabama, leaving behind what was going to be a state title favorite roster. Though Sellers left, it’s next man up for the Wave with 6-foot senior point guard Jaquez Holt coming back with tons of experience. Filling the void left by Sellers are three move-ins: 6-foot senior Jhalil Parker (11.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.3 spg – Shaw), 6-foot-3 sophomore Jordan Daniels (Washington) and 6-foot-6 sophomore Tycen McDaniels (Jordan). Still in the mix is 5-foot-9 senior Quran Hoskins and physical 6-foot-4 junior James Smyre. Spencer might not break the scoreboard as much as they did last year, recording a season-high of 117 points and scoring over 100 four times en route to averaging 80.3 points per game, but they will still be talented and athletic and able to make opponents uncomfortable with their pace of play. No. 3 Baldwin posted a 14-10 record under first-year Head Coach Anthony Webb who came over from Worth County after a successful run at Hancock Central. The Braves ran into a buzzsaw in round two, losing 84-56 to Sandy Creek. Baldwin is in great position this year to make a deep run as their top five players return in addition to 6-foot-2 sophomore Christian Burnett who averaged 13.3 points, 2 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.4 steals at GMC as a freshman and turned tons of heads this offseason with his play on the circuit. Burnett joins 6-foot-3 senior Will Freeman (16.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.8 spg), 6-foot-3 senior Jermyus Simmons (14.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg), 5-foot-8 sophomore Rudolph Satcher (11.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2 spg) and 6-foot-2 sophomore Jayden Watson (9 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 1.3 apg, 2.2 bpg). Following a 16-11 season that saw a 33-point loss in the first round to Veterans, No. 4 Fayette County is back in contention with the addition of 6-foot-7 junior Kaleb Banks (Spalding) and the drop down a classification. Banks was an All-State selection and Region 2-4A Co-Player of the Year after posting 20.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. Banks has picked up offers from Mississippi State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Xavier and South Florida over the summer. Joining Banks at Fayette County is 5-foot-10 sophomore RJ Kennedy who moves in from Lawton Christian, OK after averaging 11.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.5 steals as a freshman while shooting 49% (53-108) from three. Options three through six return for Coach Andre Flynn led by 6-foot-5 senior Terry Brown (8.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4 apg, 1.2 spg). Seniors Nick Price (6.6 ppg, 1.6 apg), Cardell Bailey (4.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg) and Rashod Rouse (4 ppg) are expected back as well. Coming off a 14-12 season that ended with a 59-38 loss to Baldwin in the first round, No. 5 Westover has bounced all over the Top 10 before officially opening the season in the middle of the pack in the eleventh hour. 6-foot-1 senior Shamir Wingfield runs the offense and has 6-foot-8 freak athlete Isaac Abidde inside to collect double-doubles. 6-foot-5 All-State wing Marius Ellis transferred in from No. 9 Monroe, but was ruled ineligible. Westover was set to open near the top of the poll but with Ellis not being cleared to play, he has decided to move to Lee County meaning both Westover and Monroe will be without the services of possibly the state’s best athlete — a big blow to each program and another move that further opens the Class 4A picture. Even without Ellis Westover will need to play to their strengths. They have been known to prefer a slower pace at times but are at their best when they get out and run. No. 6 Stephenson drops down from 6A and has important pieces back from last year’s 18-11 finish, a season that ended 60-58 in overtime against Lanier. Back to make amends is 6-foot-1 senior EJ Walker. One of the toughest guards in the state that doesn’t get enough credit, Walker scored 18 points in the loss to Lanier and averaged 14.8 points, 3.7 assists and 2.3 steals his junior season and was consistently effective throughout the summer. Second leading scorer Justin Harris has graduated, but 6-foot-2 junior Stephen Lewis looks ready to make a big impact as a high-motor athletic guard with strength. 6-foot-6 junior Jaylen Peterson provides size and activity around the rim, averaging 9.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks. 5-foot-7 senior guard Caleb Parker is a pesky defender that averaged 2.3 steals last year. Moving up from 3A looks like a beneficial move for No. 7 Jenkins as they escape Johnson-Savannah and Windsor Forest. Formerly the premier program in Savannah, the Warriors have been rebuilding since Head Coach Bakari Bryant left the program in 2018. After going 8-18 in Year 1 under Head Coach Derrick Allen, the Warriors improved to 13-13 last year and missed the playoffs but are set to return their top six players, five of which are seniors led by First Team All-Region 3-3A selection 6-foot Charles Williams (16.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.8 apg, 3.3 spg). 6-foot-1 Jerrell Floyd (12.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.8 apg, 2.5 spg), 5-foot-9 Amonte Rivers (10.4 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.9 apg, 2.3 spg), 6-foot-1 Rayqwon Allen (7 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 2.1 apg, 2.4 spg) and 6-foot-1 Antanez McGirt (5.8 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 3.3 apg, 1.3 spg) round out a crucial senior class. The undersized Warriors rely on 6-foot-1 sophomore Juwan Boggs to do the dirty work inside. The strong positionless athlete averaged 9.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.1 steals. As it will be for every team in Chatham County, it will be a challenging year as the city of Savannah has put restrictions as to where teams can travel, prohibiting Savannah schools from participating in any showcase events. The Warriors will likely play all their familiar foes from 3A as Region 3 only houses four teams. For Jenkins to win the region, they will need to identify who will guard New Hampstead’s 6-foot-6 DeAndre Smart, a double-double machine and favorite for Region Player of the Year. No. 8 Westside-Macon was expected to open up at No. 1 but Mercer-commit Javian Mosley (21.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 3 apg, 2.1 spg) jumped to go to Florida State University (yes, it is a high school), leaving 6-foot-6 Florida-commit Kowacie Reeves Jr. to carry the load by himself his senior year with a supporting cast that will need to produce to keep the Seminoles in the hunt for a deep playoff run. Reeves has gotten better and better each year and could go out with a bang his senior season looking to up his robust stat line from a year ago which saw him post 21.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 2.4 steals and 1 block per game. With Mosley gone, Reeves would assumably see more shots this season, but expect him to be double and triple-teamed consistently. It will be up to the likes of seniors 6-foot TaKendre Coats (4.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.7 spg) and 6-foot-3 Tyjuan Clark (3.9 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.6 spg) along with sophomores 5-foot-10 Shannon Fountain (3.3 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1 spg) and 6-foot Daveon Henderson (3.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.1 spg) to take some of the heavy scoring burden off Reeves’ shoulders while still creating scoring opportunities for the star. The Seminoles finished 20-9 last season but saw Reeves and Mosley alternate missing time due to injuries. They would drill Tattnall County 80-59 in the first round but eventually lose 71-66 in the Sweet 16 at home against Monroe Area. No. 9 Monroe clings onto a spot in the Top 10 and was supposed to open much higher before getting bit by the transfer bug, much like Westside-Macon. All-State wing Marius Ellis left for Lee County, giving Coach Michael Hoffpauir a large hole to fill. Luckily for him, 6-foot-4 junior Domonik Henderson returns. One of the brightest gems in South Georgia, Henderson is an elite athlete with a non-stop motor. Now being the unquestioned number one option on offense, his development could take off. Even though he lost Ellis, Hoffpauir has been known to get the most out of his kids. 5-foot-11 senior Kareem Nixon and 6-foot-2 junior Boss Diallo could benefit from their newfound scoring opportunities. Getting a crack at the final spot is No. 10 Mays. The Raiders should improve in Year 2 under Coach Desmond Williams as they escape the toughest region in the state, Region 5-6A and return two standout sophomores from last year’s 9-17 team. 6-foot-4 Saulamon Evans earned Third Team All-Region honors, a prestigious recognition for such a young player. The big guard poured in 15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.6 steals. He carried over his strong play into the summer and looks like a potential D-I guard in due time. Back with him is shifty playmaker, 6-foot Mykel Williams who tacked on 13.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.1 steals. Four important seniors have graduated around them, making it officially their team. 6-foot-3 junior Joseph Greene (3.5 ppg) and 5-foot-11 junior Dreion Williams (2.5 ppg) will likely see increased roles in support of the duo. The Raiders picked up a pair of sophomores to deepen their nucleus in 6-foot-4 Jaylen Weems (Carver-Atlanta) and 6-foot-4 David Freeman (Grayson).

Class 3A

No. 1 Sandy Creek is the heavy favorite to win the state title after dropping down a classification and picking up some key pieces. The Patriots went 25-5 last year but lost 58-56 to eventual state champion Woodward Academy in the Elite Eight. Five-star 6-foot-10 Auburn-commit Jabari Smith II is back after hanging 24.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.8 blocks per game as a junior. The future All-American sees Atlanta Celtics teammate 6-foot-2 senior Myles Rice transfer in from Eastside after pouring in 22.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4 assists a night. 6-foot-5 senior Deshon Proctor (11.3 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.5 spg, 1 bpg) provides major toughness in the paint while seniors Shane Erkins and Jordan Garner could see heightened roles in the backcourt. Keep an eye on newcomers 6-foot-7 freshman Micah Smith and 6-foot-7 junior Jordan Brewer. Smith is loaded with High Major potential on the wing while Brewer is back after a two-year hiatus. 6-foot sophomore Victor Newsom already holds an offer from Kennesaw State and will learn alongside Rice. The race for best in Savannah is on as No. 2 Windsor Forest gets the slight edge over rival No. 3 Johnson-Savannah. The Knights pieced together a sparkling 25-5 record, beating Johnson two out of three. Windsor Forest saw a sour end to their season however as they fumbled away a late 10-point lead as they were unable to stop 6-foot-7 Mercer-commit Quay Primas (who is out for the season with an ACL and meniscus tear) losing to Central-Macon in overtime in the Elite Eight 79-76. The Knights return their top four to try and erase the memory of last season’s mini-collapse. Co-Region Player of the Year 5-foot-11 senior Shamar Norman is a professional scorer that can catch fire in the blink of an eye. He piled in 16.8 points, 4 assists and 2 steals per game. 6-foot-7 junior D’ante Bass brought the Knights to new heights after transferring in from Bethesda Academy. The bouncy three-star forward is on the verge of exploding. He pitched in 13.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.9 blocks as a sophomore. 5-foot-10 senior Ray Williams (8.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.6 spg) and 6-foot junior Mike Cabellero (7.2 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.7 spg) will play huge roles in the backcourt. No. 3 Johnson-Savannah has renewed excitement surrounding the program as Chuck Campbell has been tabbed to replace legend Utaff Gordon on the sidelines. The Atomsmashers finished 23-8 advancing all the way to the Final Four where they ran into juggernaut Pace Academy, losing 75-46. Reigning Region 3 Co-Player of the Year 6-foot-2 senior Emondre Bowles is back as Savannah’s most electrifying player. The do-everything guard pumped in 21.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2.3 steals per game. He will have some more help this year as 6-foot-6 265-pound senior JaHeim Robinson is now eligible after having to sit out following a transfer from Groves. Robinson provides Coach Campbell with some much-needed size, but he’s more than just a post. Robinson is a playmaking point-forward with a unique array of skills that allows him to play all over the floor. If he is able to be as effective as he was over the summer, it brings Johnson’s ceiling to another level. 6-foot-2 senior Micah Johnson is a reliable defender on the perimeter while 6-foot-5 senior Dylan Boone brings some football physicality with him, but the Atomsmashers’ young backcourt members may be the most important ingredient this year and beyond. 6-foot-2 sophomore Antonio Baker has great skill as a three-level scorer while 5-foot-9 sophomore Larry Pounds has some jitterbug quickness to his game. Both saw big minutes as freshmen and are ready to contribute even more. 5-foot-7 sophomore Stephon Frazier is a shifty little facilitator. Who was the last team to beat Pace Academy in the state playoffs? That would be No. 4 Hart County. The Bulldogs are once again loaded with skill, length and experience. They put together a 23-6 mark last year before losing 55-43 in the Sweet 16 to Central-Macon after falling to the four-seed. The Bulldogs lost five of their final six games as a grueling Region 8 finally wore on them. Hart County’s big three of 6-foot-4 senior Shone Webb (18.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 3.2 apg, 3.4 spg), 6-foot-7 sophomore Tahj Johnson (12.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.4 bpg) and 6-foot-3 junior JC Curry (6.6 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.1 spg) is one of the best trios in 3A. Webb might be the best two-way player in Georgia that no one talks about, while Johnson is a highly touted sophomore and Curry is in line for a breakout season as an athletic guard that scores at all three levels. Seniors Ben Edwards, Trae Teasley, Claude Gaines and Micah Swint round out the backcourt rotation. No. 5 Upson-Lee returns four starters from last year’s 21-8 team that narrowly lost to Denmark in the Elite Eight 71-68. 6-foot-3 senior Milique Smith was named Class 4A Most Improved after he won Co-Region 2 Player of the Year averaging 17 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks per game. Joining him is fellow football standout 6-foot-6 250-pound sophomore TJ Searcy, who didn’t play last season and will give opponents flashbacks of current UGA Bulldog defensive end and two-time state champion Travon Walker. 6-foot senior Ketavious Quiller, 6-foot-2 senior three-point shooter Jy’kevious Searcy and 6-foot-5 senior Jareden Kelly return with major experience as starters. 6-foot-3 sophomore Nemo Scott will provide key minutes as well for Coach Christopher Owens, who won Region Coach of the Year in his first year on the job after coming in from Montgomery County to replace Darrell Lockhart (Valdosta). Though they are still hesitant to challenge themselves outside of Northwest Georgia, No. 6 LaFayette is officially legit, now in 3A. The Ramblers rolled up a 25-3 record pounding lightweights along the way but bucked up in the postseason riding their homecourt advantage to beat Oconee County 61-46 then McDonough 56-51 in the Sweet 16 before blowing a 15-point halftime lead and losing eventual Class 4A State Runner-up Cross Creek 58-55. LaFayette returns four starters highlighted by 6-foot-6 junior forward Aidan Hadaway and 6-foot-6 senior forward DeCameron Porter, whom Coach Hank Peppers loves to use in dribble handoffs on the wing. Hadaway has the state’s best motor. The athletic lefty runs the floor non-stop and is a habitual double-double, averaging 21 points, 11.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks. Playing up in 17U this summer with the Atlanta Timberwolves, Hadaway piled in team-bests 16.9 points and 10.3 rebounds for the 27-7 group. Porter is equally as effective. He’s a gangly long forward with a funky shot but he’s got a nose for the ball and is consistent. The highlight dunker averaged 15.8 points, 13.4 rebounds and 3.2 blocks during the high school season. With the interior well secured, Coach Peppers returns quick junior playmakers 5-foot-8 Jaylon Ramsey and 5-foot-11 Junior Barber. Depth may be an issue as the season wears on, but over the past few years the Ramblers have continued to develop young players to keep their momentum going. They’ve gone 97-14 over the past four seasons. LaFayette’s new region will be a little tougher, but still comparably weak in the grand scheme of things. Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe has a bright future with sophomores Brent Bowman (14 ppg) and Jamichael Davis (10.7 ppg) while Murray County returns everyone from their 18-8 team including reigning Region 6 Player of the Year 6-foot-4 senior Haden Newport and 5-foot-11 All-Region senior Athan Hicks. If they handle their business, LaFayette has a legitimate shot at heading into the state tournament undefeated depending on who they play non-region. No. 7 Cross Creek put together their best season in school history at 25-7 in Class 4A, losing 75-56 to Woodward Academy in the title game. Gone are 6-foot-6 Kobe Stewart (18.8 ppg, 6.4 rpg – Presbyterian), Makhi Climons (9.2 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 3.1 apg) and key pieces Andre Herbert and 6-foot-6 287-pound Markell Ware. 6-foot-6 senior Corey Trotter is an underrated post presence that averaged 11.6 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.2 blocks. He is a college player but will need to trim up his body to play to the best of his abilities. Seniors 6-foot-1 Devin Pope (8.1 ppg) and 6-foot-4 Josh Dorsey (6.1 ppg) will see bigger roles this season. Coach Lawrence Kelly saw his backcourt solidified with the addition of 5-foot-9 senior Richard Visitacion (10.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.7 spg) who comes over from Butler. No. 8 GAC played a tough schedule and finished 21-9. They edged Lovett in the first round 71-70 before falling on the road at Monroe 59-52. The Spartans dealt with injuries throughout the year, the biggest blow coming to 6-foot-5 wing Josh Fulton who now enters his junior season. A nagging ankle injury limited him to just eight games, but when healthy, he was a handful scoring 46 points over his first six quarters of the season and then returning for the final six games of the year, hanging 30 points twice over that span. He will be joined by 6-foot-2 senior LaMarr Randolph and 6-foot-8 junior Eddie Page to form a versatile trio with great length. 6-foot-9 junior Dominic Cooks has transferred in from Tucker to bolster the front line. No. 9 Dawson County felt like an airport this offseason, landing three Atlanta Wolfpack transfers in 6-foot-1 senior Jake Craft (11.2 ppg – Forsyth Central), 6-foot-2 senior Joakeim Celestin (8.5 pgp, 3.6 rpg – Forsyth Central) and 6-foot-3 senior Tyler Lane (West Forsyth) while seeing top guard 5-foot-10 senior Mason Barnes transfer over to Lambert. Also new to the program is Head Coach Todd Cottrell who had a wildly successful run at Lakeview Academy. He replaces Coach Eric Herrick who slides back over to the girls side to replace legend Steve Sweat after seeing a dream season end in nightmare, going 25-2 over the regular season before inexplicably losing at home to a 5-win Cedar Grove team in the first round 72-69, the Tigers rallying from 17 points down in the fourth quarter but coming up short. The three new additions will have big shoes to fill replacing All-State guard Jasper Gibson (Emmanuel), 6-foot-5 Eli Burruss (Covenant College) and shooter Campbell Reed. 6-foot-5 senior Max Tierney will provide length while 6-foot-2 sophomore Jaden Gibson looks to make an impact after football season. No. 10 Monroe Area survived the brutal Region 8, posting an 18-13 record with a 7-5 mark in region play before they got hot at the right time and won eight of 10 to finish the year. In his first year on the job, former Chestatee Head Coach Kevin Strickland led the Hurricanes to an Elite Eight finish, losing 65-40 to Pace Academy. Once they are at 100%, Monroe Area will no longer sneak up on anyone and could skyrocket up the rankings. Led by 5-foot-11 LaKendric Lyles (18.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 40% 3PT) and 6-foot-6 Derrick Brown (13.7 ppg, 9.8 rpg), the Hurricanes have experienced firepower that can contend with nearly anybody in the classification. Role players will need to step up in the absence of Scooby Partee and AJ Bell. 6-foot-3 junior Damareon Whitner is a space-eater inside while freshman guard Vonte Newell could be in the mix to see some early minutes.

Class 2A

On paper, Class 2A is an open and shut case, almost unfair. No. 1 Pace Academy returns their entire starting five from last year’s 28-4 Class 3A State Championship team that woke up in the second half to win a defensive struggle against Jefferson 48-35. The Knights are led by 6-foot-7 Florida State-commit Matthew Cleveland (22.3 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 2.9 apg, 2.9 spg), 6-foot-6 Cleveland State-commit Cole Middleton (12.3 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 1.7 bpg), 6-foot-4 senior Madison Durr (9.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 6.1 apg, 1.5 spg) and 6-foot-6 junior Josh Reed (9.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 6.1 apg, 1.5 spg), who has exploded over the summer with High Major offers pouring in. Senior point guard Josh Mininberg (5.6 ppg) is a trustworthy guard that has played important minutes since Day 1, even before the influx of talent found its way to Pace. 6-foot-5 freshman LJ Moore is a highly touted forward that should see minutes early on in his career. If they stay healthy, there’s not much opponents can do at the 2A level to be able to compete with Pace Academy for the full 32 minutes. Jefferson may have given teams a glimmer of hope with their first half in the championship as they led 20-13, but the Dragons couldn’t score enough down the stretch. Housed in Region 6, Pace Academy won’t have a complete cake walk as No. 3 Columbia, No. 4 Lovett, Therrell (25-8) and South Atlanta (16-12) all have talented individuals. Defending 2A State Champs No. 2 Swainsboro will try to recapture last season’s magic. The Tigers were dominant, posting a 30-2 record holding off Therrell 69-65 in the title game. Swainsboro graduates major firepower from the backcourt including leading scorer Immanuel Hackett (19 ppg, 7 rpg) but welcome back the dynamic forward duo of twins Fredrick and Cedrick Seabrough, two North Carolina State football commits. Fredrick came up huge in the title game with 18 points and 8 rebounds. The 6-foot-4 star tight end averaged 14 points and 11 rebounds on the year while Cedrick chipped in 10 points and 5 rebounds a night. Leading an aggressive and athletic defense that can trap full court is 6-foot-1 senior Derrick Jones. The energetic guard flies all over the floor and can make momentum changing plays. He averaged 8 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks. 6-foot-1 senior Tyler Kelly should see big minutes in the backcourt as a lanky three-point shooter while 6-foot-2 senior Demonte Smith and 6-foot-4 senior Juan Brown can help around the basket. Region 2 was a gauntlet a year ago and it will still be tough with four teams in the Top 10 to start with No. 8 Woodville-Tompkins, No. 9 Vidalia and No. 10 Jeff Davis filling the bottom of the poll. Trying to combat the frontline of Pace Academy and Lovett, No. 3 Columbia saw a pair of 6-foot-6 forwards move in with junior Mason Lockhart (Carver-Atlanta) and senior Julius Lymon (Tri-Cities). Lockhart was a Region 6-5A First Teamer after averaging a double-double while Lymon was a Third Team pick in Region 5-6A. The duo will should see plenty of scoring opportunities as DeKalb County’s assist leader returns in 5-foot-10 senior Kawasiki Ricks (5.4 apg). 6-foot-3 junior Daquavious Harrison led the county in three-point shooting at 60% (25-42) while 6-foot senior Julius Coleman was third at 50% (32-64). The Eagles drop all the way down from Class 5A where they went 18-12, losing on a last second buzzer beater from near half court to eventual state champion Dutchtown in the Elite Eight, 73-72. No. 4 Lovett follows Pace Academy down to 2A after a 19-8 season saw the Lions fall 71-70 to GAC in the opening round. 6-foot-11 Georgetown-commit Ryan Mutombo took his game to the next level last year, winning Most Improved after upping his output to 24 points, 12 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per game. The All-State center has his key supporting cast back headlined by Region 5-3A Third Teamer 5-foot-10 senior Jay Joshi. 6-foot-3 sophomore Kyle Walters, 6-foot-5 senior Alex Walters and 6-foot-3 senior Tyson Brown round out an experienced roster. Graduation has hit Glenn Hills hard, meaning No. 5 Laney may be able to climb back atop the heap in Region 4, although No. 7 Butler isn’t far behind. The Wildcats went 21-9, losing to Therrell in the Sweet 16, 65-56. Laney graduates their top three scorers but have a lot back from a deep roster. Seniors 6-foot-2 Jordan Stringer (7.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.3 spg), 6-foot-8 Matt Jones (6.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg) and 6-foot-1 DJ Collins (5.7 ppg) along with 6-foot-3 junior James Nipper (4.6 ppg, 3 rpg) pace a balanced attack. No. 6 Thomasville handled their business in a weak Region 1, racking up a 22-5 record and should do the same this season as their top 10 players return. The Bulldogs fell in the Sweet 16 to Chattooga 66-60 as a four-point third quarter did them in. Region Player of the Year and All-State guard 6-foot-2 senior Clifford Davis is one of the most electrifying scorers South Georgia has to offer. He has three-point range out to 25-feet and is an explosive athlete that can rip down rims. Fellow seniors 6-foot Jeremiah Tillman (11.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg), Will Cook and Sean Jester mix in with juniors Tyson Anderson (9.9 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.4 apg) and Amarion Banks to form a strong nucleus. No. 7 Butler had an impressive year finishing 19-7 with a handful of nice wins sprinkled throughout. They beat Vidalia 60-56 in the first round of state but then were torched by Young Harris-signee Carl Cleveland’s 26 points in a 61-58 loss, the Bulldogs rallying from down 32-8 but falling short of a comeback on the road. Second-leading scorer Richard Visitacion has left for Cross Creek while 6-foot-8 sophomore Tyson Jones is now at Evans. Coach Cervantes Boddy still has an experienced core however with Second Team All-Region selection 5-foot-10 senior Ronnie Striggles (13.3 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.9 apg, 1.8 spg) and Honorable Mention picks 6-foot-3 junior Kedar Bodie (10.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1 spg), 6-foot-4 senior Tray Perry (10.2 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.7 spg, 1.1 bpg), 5-foot-8 senior Adrian Hatcher (9.1 ppg) and 6-foot-8 senior Zabriel Boozer (5.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.8 bpg) who has received offers from Livingstone College and East Georgia College. It was a rebuilding year for No. 8 Woodville-Tompkins finishing 15-14 after going 29-1 in 2018-19. The young Wolverines fell 72-58 in the first round to Glenn Hills and now return with enough experience to make some noise. Coach Lenny Williams has six key contributors back led by All-Region Honorable Mention selections 5-foot-11 sophomore Alfonzo Ross (14 ppg, 3 spg) and 6-foot-3 junior Antonio Hunt (12 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 apg). 6-foot-6 sophomore Wes Walker has shown promise as a rugged rebounder and finisher inside while 6-foot-2 junior Lukas Platauna is a solid scorer on the perimeter. 6-foot-3 junior Zion Powers provides great energy on both ends of the floor and 6-foot-2 senior Larry Chipman is a steady glue-guy. No. 9 Vidalia was dumped 60-56 by Butler in the first round of state. First Team All-Region selection 6-foot-4 junior Ty Dalley suits up for another season under the tutelage of Head Coach and father Tommy Dalley who has amassed a record of 195-44 since 2012-13 but has yet to climb the mountain top, losing in the title game back in 2018-19. 6-foot-3 senior Matt Hill is coming off an All-Region Honorable Mention campaign and will be an important piece for the Indians. Development of others will be integral for Vidalia’s success as they will try to continue their run of winning 20+ games like they have in seven of the past eight seasons. The fourth Region 2 team to debut in the rankings is No. 10 Jeff Davis. The Yellow Jackets will either sink or swim now that two-time Class 2A Player of the Year Ja’Queze Kirby is at Murray State. Jeff Davis went 19-9 and saw foul trouble negate Kirby’s impact in a 64-44 loss to Laney in the first round, ending a historic career. Though they don’t have anywhere near the star power they had with Kirby, Coach Bo Boatright does have continuity and has built a winning culture. 6-foot-2 junior CJ Parker will have a chance to showcase what he can do as the primary option. He’s a very good scorer that hurt his wrist last season, an injury that really affected Jeff Davis. With Parker healthy, the Jackets beat Swainsboro 71-68 their only Class 2A loss all season as CJ poured in 25 points and 8 rebounds. The Preseason All-State Third Teamer will be joined by All-Region Honorable Mention picks juniors 5-foot-8 Brantavious Swain, Michael Dotson and Brandon Sturgis. Senior Ti King has seen big minutes throughout his career and supplies plenty of experience.

Class A-Private

There were a ton of transfers into Class A-Private schools over the offseason, the most I’ve ever recorded over my six years of tracking with 15 known moves. Last season, the middle of the pack cannibalized itself, creating a lot of shuffling as everybody beat everybody. As new teams emerge and look ready to compete for a title, the state championship trail still runs through No. 1 St. Francis, who has always found itself above the madness in the middle of the poll. The Knights repeated as champs after posting a 29-3 record and drilling bigger Greenforest 76-55, leading the entire way. St. Francis will look much different however as cornerstones Dwon Odom (Xavier) and Chase Ellis (Berry) are gone, but 6-foot-6 Alabama-commit Jusaun Holt has come into his own and should increase his output even more after averaging 12.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.4 steals as a junior. Junior guards 6-foot-2 Seth Hubbard (9.6 ppg) and 6-foot Jordan Brown (9.2 ppg, 2.5 apg) are very skilled scorers. Add into the mix 6-foot-4 junior Keith Robbins from GMC and the backcourt is back among the state’s best. Robbins earned a Xavier offer over the offseason and is coming off a sophomore season that saw him average 11.7 points, 5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.8 steals. 6-foot-5 freshman guard Jalen “Roc” Lee could be the next impactful guard to develop at St. Francis. 6-foot-8 senior Kai Simmons will see big minutes his final season and will need to provide a consistent presence rebounding and blocking shots. He averaged 5.5 points and 4.9 rebounds. On paper, No. 2 Greenforest looks loaded again. The Eagles had to forfeit their first four games after using ineligible players and finished 20-10 with a forgetful performance in the state title game. Those ineligible players should be good to go now and they are impactful ones in sophomores 7-foot Gai Chol, 6-foot-11 DK Manyiel and 7-foot-2 Madel Deng. Chol is the best of the bunch, able to score efficiently and protect the rim. Manyiel isn’t as filled out as Chol, but he has a soft touch and loves to shoot the jumper. He’s mobile for his size and can really alter shots inside. The trio joins 6-foot-6 North Carolina A&T-commit Jaylen Jackson (16.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg) who moves in from Douglas County and looked great over the summer with an expanded offensive arsenal. He replaces Drexel-signee Lamar Oden (18.5 ppg, 8.2 rpg) while the three-headed monster in the paint slides in for 6-foot-11 Middle Tennessee State-signee Christian Fussell (14.2 ppg, 13.9 rpg, 3.4 bpg). With their only two graduates more than accounted for, Greenforest also has all their guards back led by 6-foot-1 junior Chase Cormier (11.2 ppg), 6-foot-2 junior Jalen Forrest (10.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg), 6-foot-4 junior Florian Tenebay (6.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg) and 5-foot-9 senior floor general Khi Cook (5.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 4.9 apg, 4.5 spg). No. 3 Mt. Pisgah is on the cusp of being a legit title contender. Coach Matt Hixenbaugh led the Patriots to a 22-8 record as they battled with St. Francis throughout the year but lost all four times, the final meeting a close 63-58 Final Four battle. Two new pieces could put the Patriots over the top in 6-foot-2 junior MJ Winter (Peachtree Ridge) and 6-foot-3 senior Kasheem Grady (Decatur). Both are versatile guards on the perimeter that can defend at a high level and score when needed. They join seniors 6-foot-4 IPFW-commit point guard JoJo Peterson, 6-foot-7 rebounder and shot blocker Nate Gordon, 6-foot-1 shooter Chase Tucker and 5-foot-10 sparkplug Nick Speros. Below Mt. Pisgah, things get a little fuzzy as to who will secure the final spot among the top four with plenty of teams in the mix. In Year 1 on the job, Head Coach Joey Thacker quickly turned No. 4 Providence Christian around, winning Most Improved Team and shattering school records after improving from 3-24 to 24-3. A big reason for that immediate change were the additions of Region 8 Player of the Year 6-foot-6 senior Elijah Williams (18.1 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.9 spg) and son 6-foot-4 junior Chance Thacker (17.9 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 3.1 apg, 2.2 spg). The duo beat up on a weak schedule that held Providence back from ever climbing high in the polls, peaking at No. 7 in Week 12. The Storm would be upset by 12-13 Athens Christian 61-57 in the region tournament and then fall 64-53 to Pinecrest Academy in the Sweet 16. Two of Providence’s three losses came to under .500 teams from Athens, the other being 9-11 Athens Academy 54-49. A year older with experience winning now under their belt, the Storm are ready for a tougher schedule and postseason success. They have a challenging Region 5 in front of them which holds No. 5 Galloway, No. 7 Wesleyan, No. 8 Holy Innocents’ and No. 9 Mt. Vernon Presbyterian. Providence Christian will be without 6-foot-4 shooter Davis McCarn who decided to play home school ball with the Georgia Force, a big loss, but 6-foot senior Jathan Williams (Loganville) and 6-foot-8 junior Tony Carpio (Pinecrest Academy) will help out immensely. Carpio is the big haul, coming over after averaging 8.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks. He provides toughness inside with a growing offensive game that extends to the three-point line. No. 5 Galloway has steadily improved under Coach Andrew Tulowitzky. He’s implemented an efficient offensive structure that is powered by First Team All-State guard 6-foot-2 junior Anthony Arrington. Arrington isn’t as flashy as others in his class, but he’s a high IQ player that can light up teams from the mid-range and beyond, deftly picking his spots. He poured in 21.6 points, 9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 3 steals as the Scots set a school-record with 23 wins before losing to Greenforest 59-49 in the Sweet 16. 5-foot-11 junior Quentin Alterman is second in command, averaging 10.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5 assists and 1.6 steals. For Galloway to continue their upward trajectory, role players will need to step up and fill the void left by reliable Will Winn (7.5 ppg) and Jacob Ripps (6.1 ppg). 6-foot-1 senior Andrew Munroe (4 ppg, 2.2 rpg) and 6-foot-2 junior Mark Sguilaro (3.1 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.9 spg, 2.2 bpg) will be asked to score a little more. Keep an eye on 5-foot-9 sophomore Amir Arrington. He can help stretch the floor when Coach Tulowitzky goes to an all Arrington backcourt. A lack of impactful size could be an issue come February. Playing in the baby four-team Region 4, No. 6 St. Anne-Pacelli will have plenty of opportunities to challenge themselves in non-region play. In region however, they will have to fend off Trinity Christian (20-11) and Heritage-Newnan (22-7) who will apply pressure. Coach Corry Black has patiently rebuilt the program upon take over in 2016-17. The Vikings have improved each year going 0-22, 5-21, 13-14 to 18-10 last season, losing 73-54 to North Cobb Christian in the first round. 6-foot-6 senior Travis Harper II has emerged as one of the best players the state has to offer outside of Metro Atlanta. The freakishly bouncy wing with great length poured in 18.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.7 steals as a junior and has taken his game to new heights over the offseason earning offers from Catawba, Clayton State, IUPUI, NJIT, North Carolina A&T, Tennessee State, Columbus State, UT Permian Basin and Miles College. Fellow seniors 6-foot-5 290-pound Ian Mathews (16.6 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 2 apg) who is a budding star defensive lineman, 6-foot-3 athlete Keyshawn Fleetion (11.2 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.7 apg) and 5-foot-7 senior Joshua Douglas (4.4 ppg, 3 apg) all return with great experience. 6-foot-1 senior Justin Taylor slides over from Calvary Christian where he contributed 5.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.8 steals. 5-foot-8 sophomore Da’shaun Kates showed promise last year at the Sandy’s Spiel Showcase as a quick shifty playmaker. No. 7 Wesleyan won some tough games en route to a 16-8 record but faltered in the state playoffs with an upset loss to 21-seed WD Mohammed 61-46. With a multitude of dual sport stars ranging from baseball to football, if everyone is able to suit up and stay healthy for basketball season the Wolves should be in the hunt for a Region 5 title. 6-foot-3 senior Jalen Fulwood was a First Team All-Region selection after averaging 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.6 steals. 5-foot-11 junior Tate Gilley was a breakout star battling his way to 11.7 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. If 6-foot-3 baseball star Druw Jones takes the floor for his junior season, he represents the team’s third leading scorer from a year ago at 8.7 points to go with 4 rebounds per game. 6-foot-3 senior Beau Brown is a trusted veteran while 6-foot-6 sophomore Thomas Chipman is a physical specimen that is a mismatch at forward. Cabral Huff left at the last second to take the Voorhees College job, one day after the Golden Bears’ first practice, leaving Mario Mays as interim head coach for No. 8 Holy Innocents’ who earns a Top 10 ranking after a 12-17 season. The Golden Bears loaded up their non-region schedule and took their lumps early. They lost Chance Moore (Arkansas) to McEachern after nine games but hit their stride without him going 11-9 and 7-1 in region. Holy Innocents’ fell in the Elite Eight to overwhelming favorite St. Francis, putting a scare into the Knights before bowing out 62-56. The senior trio of 6-foot-4 Garrison Powell (17.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.9 apg, 1.5 spg), 5-foot-9 Justin Wilson (12.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 5.4 apg, 2.3 spg) and 6-foot-4 Landon Kardian (8.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.2 spg) does extreme heavy lifting for a thin Golden Bears team. Holy Innocents’ returns a plethora of sophomores and juniors that saw limited minutes here and there. Someone will need to emerge from the pack and step up in a newfound role for Holy Innocents’ to have sustained success. No. 9 Mt. Vernon Presbyterian slides into the Top 10 after finishing 13-10 a year ago with some competitive losses to ranked opponents. The Mustangs missed out on the postseason and see brothers 6-foot-6 Jordan and 6-foot-7 Brenden Wicker transfer to Roswell but the rise of 6-foot sophomore Chase Clemmons will give Mt. Vernon a chance to win every game. The dynamo scorer poured in 13.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.8 steals earning him Class A-Private Freshman of the Year honors. He’s parlayed his play into a big offseason that has seen Kennesaw State, Tennessee State, Houston, Nebraska and Georgetown all offer. With the Wickers leaving and third leading scorer Alex Morge graduating, the question was who would help support Clemmons and 5-foot-6 junior Syncere Harris (7.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.5 apg, 2.7 spg)? The Mustangs got their answer as 6-foot-8 240-pound Keith Williams rolls in from McEachern. The big bodied post has good hands and nimble feet for his size. He touts an offer from Kennesaw State. Williams has the ability to potentially dominate stretches of games with his skill inside. Also moving in is 6-foot-3 sophomore Kenneth Southall Jr. who provides athleticism on the perimeter with his transfer from Westminster. A rare team outside of Metro Atlanta joining only St. Anne-Pacelli (Columbus) in the poll, No. 10 First Presbyterian Day gets first crack at the 10-spot. The Vikings out of Macon finished 20-7 with a 64-55 win over Calvary Day in the first round of the playoffs before getting rocked by St. Francis 96-57 in the Sweet 16.  They will greatly benefit from avoiding the traditional public school powers that used to be a thorn in the old Region 7. Now in the newly formed Region 1, the Vikes look like an early favorite to win the region but will need to still challenge themselves if they want to win some games in the state tournament. Coach Gavin Chapman’s top five return headlined by All-State senior guard 6-foot Jordan Jones. Quietly, Jones has put up prolific numbers averaging 25.4 points per game – among the state’s elite. He is joined by sophomores 5-foot-6 Jaylun Goodrum (11.9 ppg) and Gavin Greene (9.1 ppg) to form a sneaky good backcourt. Seniors Noah Johnson (7.2 ppg) and 6-foot-3 Andrew Correa (5.8 ppg) round out a now experienced group. 6-foot-2 junior Julius King has been rumored to have transferred in from Warner Robins. If true, he would be a tremendous help and immediately be among FPD’s best. He averaged 8 points, 4 assists and 3 steals a year ago as a well-rounded guard.

Class A-Public

Dating back to 2013 when Class A-Private and Class A-Public were initially split into two individual state championships, only three programs have won titles. Wilkinson County (5), Calhoun County (2) and last year’s champ No. 1 Hancock Central (1). It was the Bulldogs’ second title, their first coming in 2008. Finishing 28-3, Hancock Central returns their top two players in seniors 6-foot-3 Leroy Wilson and 5-foot-10 Jamal Taylor. The two took turns playing Superman throughout the season as the Bulldogs racked up big win after big win. The Bulldogs were the dream crushers in the postseason, ending two undefeated bids to close the season drilling Wilcox County 83-59 in the Final Four and concluding with a 61-58 overtime thriller over Treutlen in the championship where Taylor finished with 13 points, 8 rebounds and 4 steals while Wilson added 12 points, 8 rebounds and 5 steals. Wilson led Hancock throughout the season at 16.1 points per game while Taylor added 15.5. Undersized 6-foot senior post Marquavious Lawrence chipped in 12 points and 7 rebounds in the title game and is back after averaging 7.8 points per. Into the fold is 5-foot-10 junior Jabari Dixon. The athletic guard comes over from GMC where he averaged 8.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.8 steals. The Bulldogs will be the favorite in the newly shaped Region 7 along with No. 10 Wilkinson County as private school rivals and Lincoln County depart. No. 2 Terrell County had a special season racking up a 25-3 record before falling 68-63 to Treutlen in the Final Four. Though they lose their top two leading scorers, it was a balanced effort for Coach John Davis who sees Preseason All-State picks seniors 6-foot-5 Kentravion Grier (11.6 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 1.7 spg, 2.3 bpg) and 5-foot-10 Keborian Stephens (10.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 5.1 apg, 3.4 spg) return. Quarterback Jamarkeis Allen is expected to suit back up for his senior season after tallying 8.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3 assists and 2.9 steals as a 6-foot guard. The Greenwave will feel pressure in Region 1 as No. 6 Calhoun County and Mitchell County (19-6) will open close behind; the Eagles unranked to begin the year but boasting possibly the best player in the classification in Mannie Harris, an elite scorer that could lead Mitchell County deep into the playoffs if his young supporting cast is ready for the ride. No. 3 Drew Charter set school records finishing 18-9 before falling 60-51 at Terrell County in the Sweet 16. Coach James Williams took a job at Rust College leaving Kenyatta Bennett in charge. First Team All-State 6-foot-3 junior JaKobe Strozier is coming off winning Region 5 Player of the Year, a prestigious honor in what was the state’s toughest region which housed private schools such as Greenforest, Trinity Christian, Galloway, Holy Innocents’, Wesleyan, ELCA, WD Mohammed and Mt. Vernon Presbyterian. The Eagles don’t have to worry about murder’s row anymore and will be housed in Region 6 with North Georgia programs. Drew Charter will be a heavy favorite to run the table and go undefeated in region play, potentially setting themselves up for a nice playoff run. Strozier has plenty of help coming back headlined by 5-foot-11 junior Ja’Quez Thornton, a Preseason Second Team All-State selection. 6-foot-5 sophomore wing Cedric Taylor showed major flashes over the summer of being a difference maker this upcoming season. Seniors 5-foot-9 Jalen McCurty and 6-foot Isiah Meggett are key contributors. No. 4 Manchester ran up a 19-8 record and scored a 69-55 win over Jenkins County in the first round before falling 73-64 to Wilkinson County in the Sweet 16. Coach Anzy Hardman is set to return his top three players and seven of his eight biggest contributors. 5-foot-10 junior Tra Jackson was tabbed as a Preseason Third Team All-Stater after averaging 17.6 points and 4.7 rebounds. Accompanying him is 6-foot-3 junior Camron Long (13.3 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 1.5 spg) and 6-foot-2 senior Travious Hollis (8.6 ppg, 7.1 rpg). 6-foot-3 sophomore Zy’Juan Gray will look to build off his 6.5 points and 5.1 rebounds. Much like Drew Charter, No. 5 Lincoln County should seriously benefit from escaping Region 7. The Red Devils tout Class A-Public Freshman of the Year 6-foot-6 Frankquon Sherman who is a Preseason First Team All-State selection after averaging 19.5 points per game and leading Lincoln County to an 18-8 record. The Red Devils took down Lanier County 56-51 before losing a heartbreaker against Treutlen in the Elite Eight, 78-77. Year 3 under Coach Charles Folger could be another record setter. 6-foot-4 senior Caleb Willis should return after football season is over and would bring with him 14.4 points per game and some physicality. Role players like 6-foot-3 senior Keenan Lampkin will be asked to do more this upcoming season in support of Sherman. The Red Devils will have to contend with Social Circle (20-8) and Towns County (18-9) in Region 8. The Redskins narrowly missed out on debuting in the Top 10, but could emerge quickly. They drop down from Class 2A and have a key core coming back headlined by Preseason Third Team All-State pick junior Tyrhell Branch. Sprinkle in junior KJ Reid, sophomore post AJ Vinson and newcomers Johnathan Hooker (Eagle’s Landing), 6-foot-6 sophomore Logan Cross and 6-foot-4 sophomore Mason Moore and Coach Taylor Jackson has a nice rotation to compete with. Towns County could play spoiler as well behind Preseason Second Team All-Stater Kolby Moss (23.1 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 3.7 apg), Aidan Berrong (15.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.5 apg) and Collin Crowder (13.3 ppg, 7.2 rpg). No. 6 Calhoun County has been a picture of consistency under Head Coach Marcus Shaw. The Cougars posted a 24-4 record after going 32-0 in 2018-19. They were eliminated in the Elite Eight by Hancock Central 68-53. All-State senior guard 6-foot-2 Tykevious Curry and 5-foot-6 junior Dejuan Enocher return with the most experience but veterans Malik Moore and Jahmad Wiley must be replaced. It may not be a state title year on paper for Calhoun County, but you can never count them out. The Cougars have gone 185-24 over the past seven seasons. At 22-6, No. 7 Lanier County fell 56-51 to Lincoln County in the Sweet 16. The loss of 6-foot-8 double-double machine and shot eraser Amaree McGriff (Core4) is a huge loss but 6-foot-5 All-State junior wing EJ Brown is a veteran coming off a season in which he tacked on 15.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals. 6-foot-4 junior Quan Pope also has big game experience after averaging 11.2 points and 5.2 rebounds. A third scorer will need to emerge for Coach Ty Randolph. 5-foot-10 senior point guard Rashard Brockington (5 ppg) could be a logical answer. First-year Head Coach Christopher Jones helped guide No. 8 Taylor County to a 15-13 record and the Darrell Lockhart disciple should have the Vikings even stronger in Year 2. A first round loss to Warren County 71-64 leaves room for improvement for a team that has its top three players back. 6-foot-1 senior Jabin Ford was a First Team All-Region selection after averaging 13.9 points while 6-foot-4 senior Ladarius Johnson (13.9 ppg) and 6-foot-5 junior Nickolas Woodard (11.6 ppg) were Second Teamers. Woodard had a good summer and may be on the verge of taking his game to the next level. He’s a big wing that can stretch the floor and attack the rim. No. 9 Turner County never has a shortage of athletes. Coach Shedric Office has been rebuilding and has the Rebels back on the right track moving from 9-18 to 12-14 to 20-9 last year, losing 87-50 to Hancock Central in the Sweet 16. 5-foot-11 sophomore Javell Kimble led the Rebels in scoring at 11.3 points per game to go with his 5.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.2 steals. He won Region 2 Freshman of the Year honors while 6-foot senior Keonvay Clark (9.1 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.9 apg, 2 spg) earned Second Team All-Region. Demarrion Wilson was effective as a sophomore, pitching in 5.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.6 blocks per game. Without a Lamar on the roster for the first time since 2016, Head Coach Xavier Whipple will have to develop the next great star for No. 10 Wilkinson County, still the most feared program in Class A-Public. As they have in recent years, the Warriors loaded up with a difficult non-region schedule to prepare themselves for the postseason. Wilkinson County went 20-10 but saw no hardware for the first time since 2014-15 as the Blue Storm was shutout of a region title and state title. Wilkinson fell 73-64 in the Region 7 Championship to eventual state champ Hancock Central before losing 96-94 in overtime to undefeated Wilcox County in the Elite Eight. The Warriors will attempt to replace Class A-Public Player of the Year Christian Lamar (Morehouse) and skywalker Jacob Crockett (Florida Tech) with Region 7 Honorable Mention selections seniors 5-foot-9 Trayquan Fox and 5-foot-11 Jamauri Day. It will be interesting to see who emerges outside of the two experienced guards to help lift Wilkinson County back to a championship level.