Class AAAAAAA
1. Wheeler
2. McEachern
3. Grayson
4. Norcross
5. Newton
6. Pebblebrook
7. Osborne
8. Berkmar
9. Carrollton
10. Buford
Class AAAAAA
1. Grovetown
2. Alexander
3. Etowah
4. Langston Hughes
5. Jonesboro
6. St. Pius X
7. Lanier
8. Marist
9. Paulding County
10. Sequoyah
Class AAAAA
1. Kell
2. Tri-Cities
3. Eagle’s Landing
4. Hiram
5. Tucker
6. Mays
7. Chapel Hill
8. Statesboro
9. Dutchtown
10. Creekside
Class AAAA
1. McDonough
2. Pace Academy
3. Westover
4. Baldwin
5. Lovett
6. Miller Grove
7. Westside-Macon
8. Woodland-Stockbridge
9. Madison County
10. Holy Innocents’
Class AAA
1. Sandy Creek
2. Cross Creek
3. Johnson-Savannah
4. Beach
5. Thomasville
6. Monroe
7. Dougherty
8. Wesleyan
9. Salem
10. Monroe Area
Class AA
1. Westside-Augusta
2. Spencer
3. Thomson
4. Columbia
5. Sumter County
6. Putnam County
7. Drew Charter
8. Washington
9. North Cobb Christian
10. Butler
Class A D-I
1. King’s Ridge
2. Mt. Vernon Presbyterian
3. Mt. Bethel
4. Social Circle
5. Paideia
6. Darlington
7. Woodville-Tompkins
8. Tallulah Falls
9. Chattooga
10. Dublin
Class A D-II
1. Greenforest
2. Christian Heritage
3. Wilkinson County
4. Dooly County
5. Portal
6. Charlton County
7. Calhoun County
8. Manchester
9. Hancock Central
10. Macon County
The 2022-23 season is officially upon us. The shakeup of reclassification has strengthened some classes while watering down others. For the first time since 2012 public schools and private schools are mixed together in the 1A classifications. It will be interesting to see how public schools fare this time around as from 2001-2012, the two split winning six titles apiece. Also new in 2022 is the long-awaited completed integration of the 35-second shot clock. Will it make a drastic difference? Will there be growing pains? We will find out soon enough. And lastly, don’t let anyone tell you there is a recession. With 175 reported transfers and more movement surely to take place even after the season starts, there must be plenty of affordable housing and a robust job market available in certain parts of the state.
Class 7A
As always, there is an arms race in Class 7A. State championships are won and lost in the offseason transfer market. Following an 82-76 loss in the Elite 8 at Grovetown in Class 6A finishing with a 25-5 record, No. 1 Wheeler is back in the state’s highest classification and adds three transfers to an already talented roster. 6-foot-3 point guard Isaiah Collier is a top 10-ranked player in the nation while fellow senior 6-foot-9 Arrinten Page emerged as one of the best bigs in the country over the past 12 months and committed to USC mid-October. 6-foot-4 senior Damion Mitchell is a solid swingman flying under the radar that will have to battle for playing time with 6-foot-4 junior Julian Ormond and 6-foot-3 senior Calvino Stallworth. The Wildcats landed three big transfers that make Wheeler the most talented team in the state on paper. 6-foot-6 Iowa State-commit Jelani Hamilton moves in from Cumberland Christian while 6-foot-10 junior Josh Hill is a skilled forward from Vertical Academy, NC and 6-foot-4 junior Ricky McKenzie averaged 21.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 steals at Walker. The freshman class of 6-foot-3 Kota Suttle, 6-foot-3 Amare James and 5-foot-11 Nathan Earl hold promise. No. 2 McEachern had a disappointing 16-10 season, bounced in the first round by Newton 62-57, but the Indians were much better than their record suggested. The midseason addition of 6-foot-9 junior Ace Bailey reshaped McEachern from being in a slight rebuild into an all-out reload. Three game changers move in led by 6-foot-9 sophomore JD Palm, a four-star post from Dothan, AL. 6-foot-1 senior Jamichael Davis (Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe – 22 ppg, 13.1 rpg, 4.1 apg, 2.5 spg, 1.1 bpg) is a freak athlete while 6-foot-4 Moses Hipps (Archbishop Caroll, PA – 18.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 76 3PT) also holds High Major offers and will replace Michael Jacobs and Braden Sparks (Mercer) in the backcourt. Sophomore guards Christian Curl and Rhys Cotton saw major minutes in Year 1. 6-foot-5 senior Jalen Hilliard is an impactful hustler that crashes the glass. No. 3 Grayson finished 20-9 with a 62-57 loss to Berkmar in the Elite 8. 6-foot-4 Gicarri Harris had a breakthrough sophomore season and is now swimming in High Major offers. Help has been added to the backcourt in 6-foot junior CJ Hyland (Lanier) and 6-foot-2 junior Anthony Alston (Dacula – 9.6 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 1.4 apg). Where Grayson will have an advantage on most teams in the state is their frontcourt. 6-foot-8 Chad Moodie (Alabama A&M) is an excellent rim protector while 6-foot-8 sophomore Amir Taylor is a bruiser inside with a skilled back-to-the-basket game. Juniors Laz Mason and Corey Gatlin should see minutes this year while freshmen Kayden Allen and Kamari Brown have long-term upside, Allen a 6-foot-5 guard that already holds a UGA offer. No. 4 Norcross went 26-6 and was a surprise state champion last year after losing five transfers but managed to capture their first title since 2013, beating Berkmar 58-45 after losing in their previous three meetings. The Blue Devils were able to come together as a team and as 2022 graduate Hezekiah Flagg put it when talking about Coach Jesse McMillan’s previous groups, “His teams just weren’t able to cooperate, but we’re ready to cooperate.” This year’s team’s cooperation will be tested again as state championship game hero London Johnson left for the G-League prompting Norcross to bring in five transfers to play alongside seniors Mier Panoam, Samarion Bond and Michael Zhang. 5-foot-10 Alabama A&M-commit Bilal Abdur-Rahman (WD Mohammed – 26.3 ppg, 3 rpg, 6.4 apg, 3.7 spg), 6-foot-6 UGA-commit Lamariyon Jordan (Dacula – 19.7 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.2 spg, 1.4 bpg) and D-I prospect 6-foot-2 junior Toby Ojukwu (Roman Catholic, NJ) headline the haul; Jordan initially transferring to Legacy Early College, SC before returning to Gwinnett County. 6-foot-2 junior Mykel Valrie comes from Life Christian Academy, WA while 6-foot-3 junior Michael Pace bounced from Mt. Pisgah to Central Gwinnett this offseason before ending at Norcross. The floodgates have opened for No. 5 Newton after the Rams were eliminated by Norcross in the Final 4 58-55, closing the year 25-6. Newton played without their stars all offseason and will be missing some during the regular season as Indiana-commit Jakai Newton’s health status is in question with a rumored knee injury while former UGA/Georgia State-commit Marquavious Brown has left for his hometown of Morgan County. Still in the fold however is UConn-bound guard Stephon Castle. He is joined by experienced backcourt mates MJ Whitlock and Ashton Pennamon. The development of juniors 6-foot-4 Jabez Jenkins and 6-foot-1 Tay Jefferies will be huge in the absence of Brown and possibly Newton. Five transfers have been added to the rotation in 6-foot-6 junior Dwight Brown (Salem), 6-foot-3 senior Ben Hodges (Alcovy), 6-foot sophomore Tim Prather (Eastside), 6-foot-5 senior David Freeman (Peachtree Ridge) and 6-foot-8 sophomore Christian Ingram (Heritage-Conyers). No. 6 Pebblebrook posted a 28-3 mark, falling 72-58 in the Final 4 to Berkmar. 6-foot-6 Dayton-commit Jaiun Simon returns as Pebblebrook’s top option. Seniors Xavier Bell, Craig Adams and Nayshaun Brown provide experience. A potential transfer of Roc Lee slipped through their fingers as he elected to attend Berkmar, but the Falcons did pluck 6-foot-2 senior Jase McCullough (St. Francis – 15.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.4 spg), 6-foot-7 senior Prince Johnson (Combine Academy, NC) and 6-foot-5 sophomore Cameron Smith (Kell) to bolster their roster. No. 7 Osborne got off to a blistering start in Class 6A last year winning their first 16 games but faltered down the stretch, falling to 21-8 with a Sweet 16 departure at the hands of Langston Hughes, 57-53. The Cardinals lose their top four scorers but have talent ready to fill the void headlined by 6-foot-3 sophomore Akai Fleming (5 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.3 spg) who holds multiple High Major offers. Seniors 6-foot-5 wing Justin McCarter (6.1 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.9 apg, 2.5 spg) and 6-foot-5 forward Keshawn McPherson (5.4 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 1.3 spg) are early candidates for Class 7A Most Improved Player with their versatile skill sets. 6-foot-4 senior Kevin Hicks (2.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg) can make a difference with his athleticism while 6-foot-1 junior Farrell Suber brings tremendous energy in the backcourt. The Cardinals have five transfers in the nest with 6-foot-1 senior Marquis Copney (Woodstock), 5-foot-11 junior Nehemiah Stowers (Innovation Academy), 6-foot senior Donovan Herron (Sprayberry), 6-foot-4 senior Taj Ndoye (Douglass) and 5-foot-10 sophomore Andrew Maxwell (Holy Innocents’). Osborne has a sneaky competitive Region 5 to deal with which includes No. 1 Wheeler, the explosive backcourts of Walton and Cherokee and the length of North Cobb, with Kennesaw Mountain much improved. No. 8 Berkmar went 26-5 but couldn’t beat Norcross for a fourth time, losing 58-45 in the state championship. The Patriots graduate everyone that appeared in the title game, seven seniors. The roster overhaul has begun with juniors Justin Mitchell and Jalen Munoz as the most experienced returners. Four transfers will help the Patriots be competitive in 6-foot-5 junior Roc Lee (Solid Rock/Pebblebrook), 6-foot-4 sophomore Eddie Cooke III (Paideia) and 6-foot-9 sophomore Mekhi Ragland who averaged 9.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2 assists at DePaul Catholic, NJ before transferring to Hudson Catholic, NJ this offseason but eventually finding his way to Berkmar. The Patriots also added 6-foot-8 senior Tyson Jones in late October after Jones initially transferred from Clarke Central back to Evans this offseason. No. 9 Carrollton might be a surprise, but they will be dangerous if taken lightly, especially once they are full strength with their football players. The Trojans finished 19-12 last season but got hot in Class 6A, taking a trip to the Elite 8 where they ran out of gas against Buford 62-54, squandering an 11-point first half lead. Now in Region 2-7A, Carrollton will compete with No. 6 Pebblebrook and always talented Westlake, East Coweta and Campbell. The Trojans are a feisty bunch that bring the fight to their opponents with their full court press and underrated guard play. 6-foot-2 junior O’Brien Watkins flirted with a transfer to Greenforest but decided to stick at home. He’s a dynamic athlete that pushes the tempo and scores through contact at the rim when he’s not setting up teammates. 6-foot-2 senior Keshaun Pace is a stat sheet stuffer, a strong rebounder, effective defender and versatile scorer. 5-foot-10 junior Eli Pippins is a consistent scorer with a dangerous outside shot while 5-foot-11 senior Cam Merritt is an energy glue guy. The key piece to the puzzle that pushes Carrollton into the bottom of the poll is 6-foot-6 junior Caleb Odom. The Villa Rica transfer is a four-star football recruit and a smooth combo-forward with explosive leaping ability. He averaged 16.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.8 steals per game and will provide Carrollton with much needed size. No. 10 Buford moves up to the state’s highest classification for the first time after falling in the Class 6A State Championship 66-59 to Grovetown, putting an end to a 25-7 season. The Wolves have a ton of question marks however as outgoing transfers and ineligibility bit Buford right before the first day of practice. Starting point guard Malachi Brown left for Legacy Early College, SC while a handful of incoming transfers are expected to be ineligible. Who we do know will suit up are seniors 6-foot-3 swingman David Burnett, 6-foot-5 power forward London Williams and 6-foot-7 Cameron Kelly. 6-foot-2 sophomore Kyle Carpenter will provide strength and playmaking. 6-foot-2 junior Brennan Wansley could emerge as a crucial member in the backcourt.
Class 6A
No. 1 Grovetown captured their first state title in school history beating Buford 66-59 and finishing the season 29-3. The Warriors enter the season nationally ranked and will receive everyone’s best shot as they enter the year the heavy favorite to repeat as they graduate just one player off the bench. Winthrop-decommit 6-foot-7 Frankquon Sherman proved to be the difference maker after transferring from Lincoln County, winning Class 6A Player of the Year averaging 17 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists while dropping 23 points and 13 rebounds in the title game. 6-foot-4 Georgia State-commit Vashon Ferguson (12.9 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.3 spg) and 6-foot-4 senior Markel Freeman (11.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.9 apg) are a college-sized backcourt. 6-foot-7 junior Derrion Reid (9.8 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.2 spg) holds a slew of High Major offers as a toolsy high-upside forward that can play anywhere on the floor and do a little bit of everything. Seniors Khaleed Heywood (7.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.8 spg) and EJ Kency (5.1 ppg) provide depth at guard, Kency a three-point specialist that can swing momentum in a blink. 6-foot-8 senior Aaron Nomel (2.8 ppg) and 6-foot-10 freshman Kevin Curtis provide impactful size. No. 2 Alexander posted a 24-5 record but had a disappointing end to the season, blown out by Grovetown in the Sweet 16 78-54 after losing the Region 5 championship to Carrollton. The Cougars have all the ingredients needed to make a deep run this season with size, shot makers and experience. 6-foot-7 junior Braedan Lue (10.9 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2 apg, 1.1 spg, 1.2 bpg) picked up D-I offers this summer with his physical versatility. 6-foot-6 guard Noah Melson (7.3 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.4 spg) is a Chattanooga-commit while 6-foot-6 senior Marvin McGhee IV (3.9 ppg, 2.4 rpg) is a major stock riser on the wing. 6-foot-3 senior Milan Kennedy is a good shooter that can create his own offense while 6-foot-6 senior Jazzdon Streeter is an underrated banger that provides good minutes inside. Alexander added one more lethal scorer to the mix in 6-foot senior Jayquan Nelson, a prolific bucket getter that averaged 20.5 points per game at Rome while nailing 65 threes. No. 3 Etowah drops down from Class 7A and may have done so at the perfect time, fielding their most talented team in school history. The Eagles were up and down last year, picking up some impressive wins along the way but faltered down the stretch, slipping to the four-seed and losing 61-39 to Berkmar in the first round, ending the year 16-11. The Eagles have one of the most explosive backcourts in the state led by Virginia Tech-commit Brandon Rechsteiner and Legacy Early College, SC transfer Chase Clemmons, a former Nebraska-commit and originally from Towne Lake before debuting at Mt. Vernon Presbyterian. 6-foot-5 senior Mason Etter is a well-rounded scorer but more importantly a tough-nosed defender and rebounder. 6-foot-2 junior Dimitri Angelakos is a sharpshooter along with senior Kyle Tipper. The development of 6-foot-3 sophomore Aiden Weaver could be an X-Factor as he provides great energy and athleticism. No. 4 Langston Hughes represents the second team out of Region 5 behind No. 2 Alexander. The Panthers once again peaked at the right time, finishing 19-13 with a 68-63 loss to Grovetown in the Final 4. The transfer market has treated Langston Hughes well again, this time adding 6-foot-7 senior Jalen Colbert (SACA – 8.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1 bpg), 6-foot-6 senior Hassane Diallo (SACA – 7.9 ppg, 7 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.4 spg, 1.4 bpg), 5-foot-10 junior Devin Smith (Arlington Christian – 4.4 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.5 spg) and 6-foot-2 junior Christian Walthour (New Manchester). Already in the mix is 6-foot-5 junior John McQueen (8.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg), 6-foot-1 senior Randy Latham (8.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.2 spg) and 6-foot-6 four-star Ohio State tight end commit Jelani Thurman (8.1 ppg, 7.7 rpg) if he chooses to play. Senior Kabrim Roberts (4.8 ppg) and 6-foot-6 sophomore Jaron Lemelle provide experience. No. 5 Jonesboro has enough talent to beat almost anyone in Class 6A, but it will depend on whether they can gel in time. The Cardinals finished 21-9, playing their best ball at the end of the season before losing 67-60 in overtime to Eagle’s Landing in the Final 4. The cavalry has finally arrived with the Forest Park transfers that had to sit out last year now eligible in 6-foot-2 senior Jaquez Akins, a Second Team All-State pick in 2021 and 6-foot-1 junior Montez Redding, the 2021 Class 5A Freshman of the Year. The tandem will mix in with 6-foot-3 Miami (OH) football-commit Devon Rainey (17.8 ppg, 5 rpg, 3.3 apg) last year’s leading scorer. 6-foot-4 junior AJ Horton (6.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg) has added muscle in the weight room and will be important on the perimeter. Jonesboro added 6-foot-4 junior wing Jason Isaac (ELCA – 8.6 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.6 spg) and 6-foot-5 senior Micah Norris (Solid Rock) as useable pieces, especially Isaac who thrived with the team in the summer. 6-foot point guard Cortez “Diggy” Redding is viewed as one of the best incoming freshmen in the area and will see major minutes early on in his career. No. 6 St. Pius X climbs another classification after going 26-4 in Class 5A, bounced in a rematch with Jonesboro in the Sweet 16, 65-64. 6-foot-9 Tulane-commit Spencer Elliott anchors the paint after winning Class 5A Best Shot Blocker. Hampden-Sydney-commit Blake Wilson and Andrew Oliver will be key cogs in the backcourt with 6-foot-5 junior Liam Mullins a potential breakout player on the wing. No. 7 Lanier missed out on the state playoffs at 14-11. A promising core loses CJ Hyland to Grayson but adds Habersham Central transfers 6-foot-6 Osmar Garcia-Araujo (17.9 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1.1 spg) and 5-foot-11 Landon Suarez who managed to maintain their eligibility. 6-foot-8 junior Jayce Nathaniel holds multiple D-I offers as a stretchy inside-out forward while junior Tahai “Boogie” Morgan is a potent perimeter scorer. No. 8 Marist moves up from Class 4A where they finished 21-10 with a run to the Final 4, losing 44-36 to eventual champion Spencer. The War Eagles graduate just two seniors headlined by leading scorer Quinn Damm (10.3 ppg – Sewanee). The defensive-minded group that allowed just 47.3 points per game in the playoffs is powered by a balanced scoring attack. 6-foot-2 senior Miguel Perea (9.2 ppg), 6-foot-3 junior Luke Harpring (8.7 ppg), 6-foot-4 senior Grant Erickson (8.6 ppg, 6.3 rpg), 5-foot-10 senior Jesse Gaynes (7.3 ppg, 3.8 apg) and 6-foot-5 senior Garrett Ledford (5.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.8 apg) round out the offense. 6-foot-6 wing Ben Ritger is a wildcard, playing in just nine games and averaging 3.3 points per game but has the length and athleticism to become an X-Factor his senior season. No. 9 Paulding County can score with anyone but they have yet to see postseason success, not winning a playoff game in over 20 years and possibly in school history. The Patriots are the third team out of Region 5 to open up ranked after finishing 17-11 but losing five out of their final seven games including a record-breaking 135-112 loss to Sequoyah in the first round of state. Leading scorer Elijah Fisher (15.7 ppg) transferred to Drew Charter this offseason but there is still plenty of firepower in the backcourt between athletic seniors 6-foot Frantzyr Chardavoine (15.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2.7 spg), 6-foot Khalil Jones (13.8 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.2 spg) and 5-foot-11 Javonne Williams (13.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.8 spg). Juniors Momin Chaudhary and Samuel Johnson will provide some outside shooting while 5-foot-10 senior Tyhler Shields brings toughness. Transfers 6-foot senior Ty Collins (Hillgrove) and 5-foot-11 sophomore Keen-yean James (Cumberland Christian) are quality depth pieces. In the frontcourt, 6-foot-6 Nytrez Philpot is a solid interior presence and 6-foot-5 junior Marcson Bataille is a non-stop bouncy hustler. Keep an eye on the development of 6-foot-5 sophomore George Shumpert. The combo-forward has a chance to become a special player with his diverse offensive skill set. No. 10 Sequoyah had their best year in school history, racking up a 25-7 record, falling short to Buford in the Final 4, 73-72. The Chiefs graduate 48.4 points out of their 76.9 per game between the trio of Dylan Wolle (19.6 ppg – Rollins), Kyle Keener (17.1 ppg – Randolph-Macon) and Fisher Mitchell (11.7 ppg – Covenant). 6-foot-5 senior Preston Parker has a big year ahead, the Alabama-Huntsville commit coming off a season in which he averaged 12.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1 steal per game. The Chiefs will be longer and more athletic at multiple positions with 6-foot-4 junior Samuel Ayinla and 6-foot-5 sophomore Brendan Tousignaut playing heightened roles, especially Tousignaut who looks like the next big thing to come out of Hickory Flat with his highly skilled offensive game and length defensively.
Class 5A
With a steady stream of transfers over the past few seasons, No. 1 Kell doesn’t seem like they can go much longer without claiming their first state title. The Longhorns went 19-11 last year in Class 6A, losing 71-70 in the Elite 8 at Sequoyah. Kell graduates just one key performer and brings back 7-foot, 310-pound junior Peyton Marshall, a physically dominant four-star center. Around him are 6-foot-5 Alabama A&M-commit Aaron Smith, 6-foot-5 senior guard Parrish Johnson, 6-foot-1 junior Jaylen Colon and 6-foot sharpshooting sophomore Conor Staphylaris. Kell scored a pair of game changers from Class A-Private, picking up High Major recruit 6-foot-2 junior CJ Brown (Walker – 21.2 ppg, 10 rpg, 3.8 apg, 2.1 spg) and bouncy 6-foot-6 forward Cannon Richards (Whitefield Academy). Defending state champ No. 2 Tri-Cities posted a 23-5 record, beating Eagle’s Landing 67-59 for their second state title in four years. Class 5A Player of the Year Simeon Cottle (Kennesaw State) graduates but Presbyterian-commit Kory Mincy (18 ppg, 4 rpg, 4 apg, 2.7 spg) is back alongside fellow seniors 6-foot-1 Noricco Danner (12.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.9 spg) and 6-foot Kyndon Wilburg (10.6 ppg, 6.2 rpg). Four transfers move in to keep the Bulldogs as title contenders in 6-foot junior Malique Johnson (Our Lady of Mercy – 33 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 3.5 apg, 2.4 spg), 6-foot-7 senior Dayton Richardson (Meadowcreek – 7.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.3 apg), 6-foot-2 junior Shamori Alcindor (Dutchtown) and 6-foot-3 Caden Goins (Discovery). The Bulldogs will be lead dog in a tough Region 5 which boasts No. 6 Mays, No. 7 Chapel Hill and No. 10 Creekside. No. 3 Eagle’s Landing lost 67-59 to Tri-Cities in the state championship, finishing the year 27-4. Mercer-commit David Thomas is back for his final season and has a new running mate beside him in 5-foot-11 junior Clark Mastin (Salem). Look for upticks in production from 6-foot-6 senior Kenneth Brayboy and juniors 6-foot-4 Chris Morris II and 6-foot-2 Tylon Redmond. 6-foot senior Khylan McKennie brings back big game experience having started in the title game with Thomas and Brayboy. 6-foot-3 senior Caleb McCoy could help out after moving in from Creekside Christian as could 6-foot-1 Georgia Southern football-commit Camani Cobbs, who averaged 6.8 points at Woodland-Stockbridge. Once they have everyone intact from the football field, No. 4 Hiram has the upside to play deep into the postseason. The Hornets recorded a 19-10 record last year, losing 70-54 to Eagle’s Landing in the Elite 8. The core of 6-foot-7 four-star junior tight end Walter Matthews, 6-foot-4 junior Chase Tyler and 6-foot-2 Lincoln Memorial-commit Jay Boyd can be as dynamic as they come in Class 5A. 6-foot-2 senior Sekai Lockhart is a veteran in the backcourt while 6-foot-3 senior Aaron Wesley will get a chance to make an impact after moving over from McEachern. No. 5 Tucker drops from Class 6A where they went 22-5, losing 76-61 to Kell in the Sweet 16. DeKalb County leading scorer 6-foot-6 junior Josiah Lawson is back after averaging 16 points and 5.3 rebounds per game while shooting 64% from within the arc. The Tigers lose their top two guards but return 6-foot-4 senior Christopher Whitmore (10.1 ppg, 44 3PT/46%) and 6-foot-5 junior Tahmar Mann. 6-foot-6 junior Jamar Graham moves in from Cedar Grove while 6-foot-1 junior Khayri Dunn slides into the backcourt after averaging 10.7 points and 4 rebounds at Rockdale County. No. 6 Mays is still waiting to break through and reach their potential. The Raiders went 16-11 last year in Class 4A, losing in the first round to North Oconee, 49-44. It’s now or never for Mays as 6-foot-5 Saulamon Evans (15 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.2 spg, 1 bpg) and 6-foot Mykel Williams (14.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 5.6 apg, 2.5 spg) enter their senior seasons. 5-foot-11 junior Derron Lindsey (10 ppg), 6-foot-4 junior JaQorian Wiggles (5.2 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.4 spg), 6-foot-2 senior Jaylen Weems (4.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.5 spg) and 6-foot senior Donovan Davenport (4.6 ppg, 3.3 rpg) round out Coach Desmond Williams’ top returners. New to the team are 6-foot-3 senior Quincy Daniel (KIPP Atlanta) and 6-foot-6 junior Jashon Arrington (Langston Hughes). No. 7 Chapel Hill is the third team out of Region 5 to debut in the Top 10. The Panthers took a trip to the Elite 8, losing 86-81 to Tri-Cities to close the year 25-5. Hiram assistant Mike Artis takes over as head coach and will have three strong seniors to lean on in 6-foot-7 Kelvin Hunter, 6-foot-4 Fort Valley State-commit Khirus Doucet and 6-foot Villa Rica transfer Oray Towns, a consistent double-digit scorer. 6-foot-3 junior Jaiden Glenn could see an increased role in the offense. No. 8 Statesboro is down from Class 6A where they went 24-4, losing to Buford in the Sweet 16, 62-51. Region Player of the Year 6-foot-6 Leslie Black enters his senior season. 6-foot-3 junior Kam Mikell is a four-star athlete on the football field and a First Team All-Region swingman. 6-foot junior Raylin Grant was a Second Team selection while junior Jarquez Garrett brings back experience in the backcourt. No. 9 Dutchtown posted a 15-14 record, losing 60-37 to Loganville in the Sweet 16. Coach Wallace Corker takes over the program coming in from Salem. Dutchtown has great size up and down the roster. All seniors, the Bulldogs are expected to bring back their top six scorers led by 6-foot-5 Braxton Cooley (16.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.2 spg, 1.1 bpg). The backcourt consists of 6-foot-4 Jeremiah Edwards (10.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2 apg) and 6-foot Davarri Barthell (10.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 3.2 apg, 1.8 spg). 6-foot-4 Adrian Avery is a physical wing (6.8 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.7 apg) and 6-foot-4 Roger Williams (5.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg) is another sizeable perimeter player. Look for 6-foot-7 senior Austin Fortune, 6-foot-6 junior Joah Chappelle and 6-foot-9 junior Matthew Hinton to help anchor the interior. No. 10 Creekside is the fourth team out of Region 5 to get the initial nod for the Top 10. While the Seminoles failed to make state, they did improve from 9-14 to 18-8 and graduate only two seniors. 6-foot-1 senior Melquan Jackson earned All-State honors after averaging 15.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.8 steals as a junior. 5-foot-9 junior Carter Hicks (9.2 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.8 apg, 2.5 spg) and 6-foot senior Davion Brown (6.2 ppg, 1.5 apg) are experienced members of the backcourt. 6-foot-6 senior Ethan Walker is a physical presence and potential stock riser coming off a season in which he averaged 4.7 points and 5.2 rebounds.
Class 4A
No. 1 McDonough debuts atop the poll after recording a 26-3 record, losing 42-39 to Westover in the Final 4. The War Eagles return defending Class 4A Player of the Year 6-foot senior Da’Avion Thomas after he averaged 17.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 3.4 steals per game in his first year of eligibility at McDonough after having to sit out a season due to transferring from Eagle’s Landing. He is joined by fellow seniors 6-foot-2 Amon McDowell (14.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.1 apg, 2.1 spg) and 6-foot-3 Avante Nichols (8.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg). The junior class is anchored by 2021 Class 4A Freshman of the Year 6-foot-2 Keenan Gray (10 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.5 spg) and 6-foot-6 Caden Totten who moves in from Salem. Sophomores 6-foot-7 Nigel Thomas and brothers Zaiden and Zion Greene are expected to take big leaps forward. The War Hawks are in the classification’s toughest region, Region 5 which also holds No. 2 Pace Academy, No. 5 Lovett and No. 8 Woodland-Stockbridge. Pace Academy is coming of a disappointing 25-5 season which saw the Knights bounced in the Class 2A Sweet 16 by Butler, 60-56. Aside from losing Josh Reed (20.5 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 3.2 apg – Cincinnati) to graduation, Coach Sharman White also saw 6-foot-8 rising sophomore Bryson Tiller (12.2 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 1.3 bpg), the team’s second-leading scorer and rebounder, leave for the Overtime Elite League. 6-foot-3 junior Kyle Greene (8.6 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 6.5 apg, 2 spg) holds multiple High Major offers while 6-foot-6 junior LJ Moore (7.3 ppg, 5.7 rpg) is a tenacious rebounder and blossoming double-double threat. Senior Kendall Evans (6.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg) provides experience while sophomores 6-foot Eric Chatfield, 6-foot-3 Jackson Ferry and 6-foot-4 Chandler Bing all have bright futures. 6-foot-5 freshman MJ Madison should earn minutes early in his career. No. 3 Westover fell in the state championship 62-42 to Spencer, closing a 25-4 season. The Patriots graduate their top two scorers but have a bevy of experienced options back led by 6-foot-4 senior Kemari Leverette (10 ppg, 3.4 rpg), a three-level scorer that can create his own offense in a variety of ways. 6-foot senior Kavon Johnson (7.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg) along with juniors 6-foot-2 Anthony Milton (5.9 ppg, 3.4 rpg) and 6-foot-7 Traveion Wheeler (4.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg) are developing pieces. 6-foot-4 sophomore Jeremiah Waters (3.3 ppg) could take a significant step forward in Year 1. Everyone returns for No. 4 Baldwin except for second-leading scorer Christian Burnett who left for SPIRE Institute, OH, his third school in four years. The Braves posted a 22-4 record but were hammered at home in the Sweet 16 by Marist, 60-40. 5-foot-10 senior Rudolph Satcher (14.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.1 spg) leads from the backcourt, a tough shot maker from the mid-range. 6-foot-1 junior Quamond Dennis (7.7 ppg) and tough-nosed 6-foot-3 senior forward Jacobi Nixon (6 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.7 spg, 1.1 bpg) help set the tone on defense. No. 5 Lovett will go as far as Michigan-commit Christian Anderson takes them. The 5-foot-10 junior averaged 30 points, 2.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.4 steals last year while hitting 119 threes and carrying the Lions to the Sweet 16 where they were blasted at Vidalia 93-68, finishing the year 17-12. 6-foot-4 senior Kyle Walters is second in command, averaging 16.8 points, 9 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game. 6-foot-2 senior Nikh Edupuganti (8.5 ppg) is the third scoring option while 6-foot-2 senior Cameron Foster-Martez (5.3 ppg, 5 rpg) is a physical powerhouse that can defend 1-5. No. 6 Miller Grove missed out on the state playoffs for the first time since 2006-07, finishing 14-11. The Wolverines lose Kaidyn Monfort (Southwest DeKalb) and DeShaun Vassar (Lithonia) to transfer, but 5-foot-10 junior Taison Mathis is a breakout candidate in the backcourt, a smooth scorer and distributor that could be among the most improved players in the classification. 6-foot-4 senior Seydina N’diaye is a hard-working post presence that has an uncanny nose for the ball while 6-foot-5 senior Nicholas Burton is a versatile swingman. No. 7 Westside-Macon went 18-12 with a trip to the Sweet 16, losing in overtime at Jefferson 64-62. The Seminoles are set to return their top six players sans Tobias Rice who left for Washington. The high-octane backcourt of seniors 6-foot-1 Daveon Henderson (21.4 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 3 apg, 1.7 spg) and 5-foot-10 Shannon Fountain (15.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 4.9 apg, 2.6 spg) has played big minutes since freshman year. 6-foot junior Marcus Hood (7.4 ppg) and 5-foot-10 senior Terrell Cordy (7.2 ppg) will be asked to hit shots around the dynamic duo. No. 8 Woodland-Stockbridge represents the fourth and final team out of Region 5 to open in the Top 10. Dwight Callaway comes in from Mundy’s Mill and takes over a program that went 24-6 in Class 5A, losing in the Elite 8 at Calhoun 66-56. The Wolfpack lose their leading scorer but return 6-foot-4 junior Mason Lewis (13.9 ppg) and 6-foot-1 senior Kyree Brown (6.8 ppg) to lead the way. 6-foot-2 senior Ryan Grace had a strong showing at GBCA Live and could emerge as a third scoring option. No. 9 Madison County went from 11-13 to 20-6 but missed the state playoffs after being upset by Chestatee 56-52. The Red Raiders return nearly everyone, paced by a high scoring backcourt which features 5-foot-8 junior Jay Carruth, 6-foot-3 junior Mason Smith, and sharpshooting 6-foot-3 sophomore Grant Smith. Madison County also has physicality inside with 6-foot-5 senior Chris Rhodes, a wiry forward that scores around the rim and blocks shots. No. 10 Holy Innocents’ is young but talented. The Golden Bears missed the playoffs at 9-11 but boast possibly the best sophomore in the state in five-star 6-foot-8 forward Caleb Wilson who averaged 16.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.4 blocks per game as a freshman. The High Major inside-out combo-forward is joined by 6-foot-5 junior wing Will Hopkins (7.7 ppg, 3 rpg, 2.3 apg) who holds offers from Georgia Tech and Kennesaw State. 5-foot-11 senior Bryce Chinn (7 ppg) returns with experience as does 6-foot-1 senior PJ Mace (3.8 ppg). 6-foot-3 freshman Devin Hutcherson will make an immediate impact scoring the ball. Hutcherson has a D-I ceiling with continued development.
Class 3A
Savannah and the CSRA dominated Class 3A last year, all four semifinalists coming from the east side of the state but for the third consecutive season, No. 1 Sandy Creek will open as the team to beat. The Patriots put together a 26-4 record but once again couldn’t get over the hump in the postseason, losing 47-37 at home in the Sweet 16 to eventual state runner-up Windsor Forest. The Patriots have the most talented team in the state on paper yet again and are in what looks like the shallowest classification they have contended with in years. Juniors 6-foot-7 Micah Smith and 6-foot-2 Amari Brown are All-State players and should lead the Patriots to another region title, now in a tiny four-team Region 5 that doesn’t have another team in the group that won more than nine games. The Patriots are guard-heavy. 6-foot-1 senior Vic Newsom is back after earning First Team All-Region honors while 6-foot-1 senior Jaren Alexander is another veteran. 6-foot-1 junior PJ Green is a baseball standout that brings three-point shooting and more depth to a talented backcourt. 6-foot sophomore Jared White has high upside. No. 2 Cross Creek has won back-to-back state championships, getting major contributions from transfers along the way. The Razorbacks finished 26-6, edging Windsor Forest 60-53 in the title game. Seven seniors graduate including their first, second and fourth-leading scorers. 6-foot-7 senior Antoine Lorick is back after averaging 11.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1 block per game. 5-foot-10 senior Dontrel Smith (7.6 ppg) is the most experienced guard. Cross Creek picked up 6-foot-4 senior De’Kel Hobbs (Jefferson County – 14.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2.1 apg), 5-foot-10 senior Isan Anthony (Burke County – 7.2 ppg), 5-foot-11 junior Quavon Henry (Richmond Academy) and 6-foot-2 junior Kylen Clark (Butler) in order to reload. No. 3 Johnson-Savannah racked up a 17-11 record, losing 79-66 in the Elite 8 at Thomson. 6-foot-3 senior Antonio Baker elevated his play, averaging 19.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.4 steals and now holds a Kennesaw State offer. Graduating Ted Hurst hurts but 6-foot-2 junior Joshua Quarterman moves in from Bethesda Academy where he averaged 11 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals per game. 6-foot-4 senior Malachi Robinson (6.1 ppg, 9.9 rpg) is a physical presence that likes to step outside and shoot the three regularly. Sophomores Kadin Davis and Favion Kirkwood could emerge as key pieces in the backcourt. Region 3 rival No. 4 Beach enters the Top 10 right behind Johnson-Savannah. The Bulldogs were a Cinderella story, making it to the Final 4 as a four-seed, losing 52-44 to Cross Creek and finishing the year 16-9. Beach could have opened as a potential favorite to win it all but Larry Johnson transferred to Huntington Prep, WV. The Bulldogs remain in the Top 5 however thanks to 6-foot-5 senior Shamarrie Hugie, a dynamic do-everything star that averaged 16 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.8 steals and 1 block per game. Inside is 6-foot-5 senior James Leach, a springy shot blocker that posted 7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. 5-foot-10 sophomore Chandler Reid (6.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.3 spg) got great experience as a freshman while 6-foot-1 senior Tyrese Bellamy (6.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg) is a seasoned vet. No. 5 Thomasville will have their work cut out for them in a competitive Region 1 that got hit hard by graduation. The biggest loss for the Bulldogs is 6-foot-6 senior Harris Jackson, who transferred to Brewster Academy, NH after averaging 15.1 points per game. Thomasville posted a 23-5 mark, but were upset at home in the Class 2A Sweet 16 by Model, 69-53. Seniors 6-foot-6 AJ Dent (11.6 ppg, 8.7 rpg) and 6-foot-2 Jeray Randall (7.5 ppg) have to produce every night in order for the Bulldogs to stay afloat. The second team from Region 1 in the poll is No. 6 Monroe. The Golden Tornadoes went 24-4 but fell 56-47 to Marist in the Class 4A Elite 8. The loss of Domonik Henderson (17.6 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 3 apg, 2.4 spg, 2.6 bpg – Columbus State) is a crushing blow, but Coach Michael Hoffpauir returns his second and third-leading scorers in 6-foot-1 senior Andrico Jackson (11.6 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2 spg) and 6-foot-4 junior jumping jack Justin Burns (7.7 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.6 spg). The third consecutive team from Region 1 to be ranked is No. 7 Dougherty. The Trojans collected a 15-12 record but got hot down the stretch, winning seven of their final nine games before losing to eventual state champ Spencer in the Elite 8, 56-34. Dougherty graduates their top two scorers but return a young nucleus between 5-foot-11 sophomore Kaleke Singletary-Jinks (5.8 ppg), 6-foot-4 junior Markelle Jones (5.8 ppg), 5-foot-10 junior Jai’on Burns (5.2 ppg) and 5-foot-11 sophomore Jawuan Jinks Jr. (4.1 ppg). No. 8 Wesleyan is a dark horse, moving up from Region 5-A-Private where they were stuck with Galloway (20-8), Providence Christian (19-9) and Mt. Vernon Presbyterian (16-11). Wesleyan went 8-18, missing out on the postseason. The Wolves are most certainly battle-tested and now find themselves in an extremely winnable region up in North Georgia. Wesleyan loses Tate Gilley but has a strong core in tact with Second Team All-Region pick 6-foot-6 senior Thomas Chipman and Third Teamer 6-foot-2 junior Josh Kavel (14 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.2 apg), a Preseason All-State selection. Coach Jeremy Oliver has other weapons in 6-foot-6 junior James McGriff and 6-foot-6 sophomore Derwin Hodge, giving the Wolves great length defensively. Former New Manchester head coach James Bailey takes over No. 9 Salem following Wallace Corker’s departure for Dutchtown. The Seminoles went 21-6 but were upset by White County in the first round, 62-58. Transfers and graduation reshape the roster, but there is still quality talent in Conyers. 6-foot-4 senior Amir Watkins, 6-foot-1 junior Jakorri Arnold, 6-foot-1 junior Jamir Russell and 5-foot-10 senior Julian Brown should have enough experience to guide Salem to a winning record in Region 4 which is led by No. 2 Cross Creek. The four other members of the region combined to go 28-66, all with losing records. No. 10 Monroe Area’s season was a true roller coaster ride with inconceivable lows and unfathomable highs. The high point of the season for the 12-17 Purple Hurricanes was knocking off undefeated-in-region Hart County 44-43 in the Region 8 semifinals before outlasting Franklin County 61-56 to capture the one-seed heading into the state tournament, Monroe Area’s first region championship in 18 years. Unfortunately, disaster struck soon after, upset by 11-21 Ringgold, possibly the biggest shock in all of the GHSA’s first round matchups. If the Purple Hurricanes can avoid pitfalls away from the court, they have chance to contend for another region title with three full-time starters back in 6-foot-3 senior Jeremy Anderson (12.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg), 6-foot junior Vonte Newell (8.6 ppg, 4.7 apg) and 6-foot senior Dre Newell (6.6 ppg). 5-foot-10 senior Jakyri Jones is a steady guard while 6-foot-6 senior Larry Crawford is a bruiser inside and 6-foot-7 junior Jaiven Todd is stretch-forward with a dangerous three-point shot.
Class 2A
A whopping 14 teams that finished the season ranked in the Top 10 in their respective classification a season ago now find themselves in a power-packed Class 2A. The 60-team field holds three state champs (4A, 2A, A-Public). No. 1 Westside-Augusta is the defending Class 2A State Champion, finishing the year 28-3 capturing their first title since 1995. The Patriots met Butler for the fourth time after losing their first two meetings but winning when it mattered most, beating the Bulldogs 52-38 for the Region 4 Championship and once again for the state title 64-55. The Patriots return their entire starting five headlined by 6-foot-5 senior Khalon Hudson (17.6 ppg, 8.5 rpg), a breakout performer that excels in the high post and on the wing. Fellow seniors 6-foot-2 Jalexs Ewing (16.4 ppg, 5 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1 spg) and 6-foot-1 AuMauri Tillman (15 ppg) are electric in the backcourt. 6-foot-1 junior DeMarco Middleton (8.6 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.5 spg) and 6-foot junior Xavier Goss (3.1 ppg) round out the starting five. 6-foot-6 junior Bobby Blackwell transfers in from Westminster-Augusta where he averaged 11.3 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1.3 steals and 1 block per game. The Patriots will be tested nightly in the classification’s toughest group, Region 4 which features No. 3 Thomson, No. 6 Putnam County, No. 10 Butler and 23-5 Washington County. No. 2 Spencer finally claimed their first state title, running roughshod over the competition in Class 4A, posting a 30-2 record crushing Westover 62-42 in the title game. Abraham Holloway steps in as head coach after Quantavias Allen left for Brookstone. It has been an eerily quiet offseason for the champs, considering how active they have been in the transfer market over the past few years to build a winner. 6-foot-7 senior Tycen McDaniels averaged 16.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.2 steals and 2.9 blocks and tallied 11 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 5 blocks in the state championship. McDaniels is one of many Greenwave expected to return after the deep roster graduated just four seniors this offseason. 6-foot-2 senior Ryan Mobley, 5-foot-11 senior YD Scott and 5-foot-11 sophomore Tony Montgomery help overwhelm opponents in Spencer’s aggressive press. 6-foot-2 senior Vasean Moody is a powerful wing while 6-foot-5 senior Antonio Cochran and 6-foot-7 senior Jhalieene Drake bring muscle in the paint. No. 3 Thomson finished 23-3, making a run to the Class 3A Final 4 before falling 60-53 to Windsor Forest. The Bulldogs are set to return six of their top seven players headlined by juniors 6-foot-1 Lavonta Ivery and 5-foot-11 Jahkiaus Jones (15.2 ppg, 8 apg, 4 spg). Seniors 6-foot-3 Marcellus Brigham, 6-foot-2 JaQuan Hart and 6-foot-1 Timmy Steed give Coach Michael Thomas balance along with 6-foot junior Tramon D’Antignac. No. 4 Columbia was knocked off by Westside-Augusta 82-72 in the Sweet 16, closing the year 25-5. The Eagles lose their top four players and major length. Columbia will have plenty of athleticism in the backcourt however with seniors 6-foot-2 Rashad Headges and 5-foot-10 Kevin Bruce, who played well in GBCA Live. Juniors 6-foot Jadan Baugh, 6-foot-3 Jamarcus Hatcher and 5-foot-11 Trevian Callaway are expected to play big roles. 6-foot-9 senior Terrell Wright is a blossoming prospect that picked up a handful of JUCO and small school offers this summer. The long-armed post led DeKalb County in blocks per game at 3.1 and averaged 6.4 rebounds in a crowded frontcourt while shooting 58%. The Eagles will present twin towers this year with the addition of 6-foot-10 senior Cassidy Golden from Burke County. No. 5 Sumter County took a trip to the Class 3A Elite 8 where they were edged by Windsor Forest 47-41. The Panthers lose their top scorer but bring back options 2-5, all seniors. 6-foot-3 Brandon Pope (11.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.8 apg, 2.4 spg), 5-foot-9 Demtrice Hurley (9.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.8 apg, 2.1 spg), 6-foot-3 Cameron Evans (9.8 ppg, 5 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.6 spg) and 6-foot-1 Devon Dowell (6.9 ppg) are trusted commodities with invaluable experience. No. 6 Putnam County is the third team ranked out of Region 4. The War Eagles put together a 19-10 season while battling injuries and were eliminated in the opening round of the state playoffs by Woodville-Tompkins, 60-57. Putnam County has serious perimeter scoring threats headlined by 6-foot-2 Georgia Southern-commit Eren Banks who averaged 22.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.8 steals while missing time in the middle of the season. Seniors 6-foot-3 Keyni Crawford (13.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.9 apg, 2.5 spg) and 6-foot-2 Payton Ellison (8 ppg, 4.1 rpg) helped keep the season afloat with their shot making. 6-foot-3 senior Detravius Smith (5.9 ppg, 6.9 rpg) provides physicality inside weighing 225 pounds. Putnam County replaces three graduated seniors with the additions of 6-foot-2 sophomore Cameron Stephen (Locust Grove) and 5-foot-11 junior Landon Bonner (Jasper County). No. 7 Drew Charter won their first-ever state title in Class A-Public, 51-50 over Warren County but it didn’t come without incredible controversy in the Final 4. Nonetheless, the Eagles finished 31-1 and will now have to replace JaKobe Strozier (Clark Atlanta) and Cam Johnson (Blackburn) who proved to be the missing piece, leading all scorers in the state title game with 17 points after transferring from Wheeler, stepping up once JaQuez Thornton (Western Texas) was dismissed from the team. Coach Kenyatta Bennett takes over the program, sliding over a chair with Samir St. Clair leaving for Clark Atlanta. The anchor for Drew Charter and the most important player through their title run was 6-foot-6 senior Cedric Taylor, a long-armed Swiss Army Knife that protects the rim and can score from all three levels. Taylor, one of the state’s most underrecruited stars, holds offers from Anderson and Voorhees. Seniors 6-foot Israel Meggett and 5-foot-9 Michai Reid are experienced but will likely have to shoulder more of the scoring load. 6-foot-2 junior Kenyatta Bennett should see an uptick in production after starting and netting 8 points in the title game. The addition of 6-foot senior Elijah Fisher looms large. Fisher led Paulding County in scoring last year, averaging 15.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1 assist and 1.7 steals. Expect him to provide a similar scoring lift to what Cameron Johnson brought off the transfer market last year. No. 8 Washington has loads of talent with multiple D-I level prospects but it has not translated into wins yet, going just 7-17 out of a tough Region 6. Now upperclassmen and in a much more manageable region, the Bulldogs should start to live up to the moniker “The Powerhouse on Whitehouse.” Juniors 6-foot-6 Kameryn Fountain (9.5 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 2.1 bpg), 6-foot-2 Daylon Johnson (9.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2 apg, 1.6 spg), 6-foot-3 Noah Treadwell (8.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg), 5-foot-10 Tyrek Woods (8 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.6 apg, 2.2 spg) and Westside-Macon transfer 6-foot-8 Tobias Rice (6 ppg, 6.6 rpg) compose as good a 2024 nucleus on paper as possible. 6-foot-8 sophomore wing Chane Bynum holds offers from Georgia State and Xavier after averaging 9.3 points and 3.6 rebounds as a freshman. No. 9 North Cobb Christian finished 19-8, losing in the Class A-Private Elite 8 to Heritage School 52-51. The Eagles are the third team out of Region 6 to debut in the poll behind No. 7 Drew Charter and No. 8 Washington. Graduation zaps North Cobb Christian of their third and fifth-leading scorers while All-State guard Josh Dixon transferred to Milton after averaging 20.3 points per game as a freshman. The Eagles still have hope to compete however behind 6-foot-6 All-State senior forward Albert Wilson III, who averaged 16.7 points and 10.7 rebounds his first year in Georgia. 5-foot-10 senior CJ Wallace (7.6 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.2 spg) has heavy experience while 6-foot senior Christian Hernandez (4.5 ppg) is a deadly three-point shooter and 6-foot-6 senior Samuel Ayegunle (2.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg) is an active interior presence alongside 6-foot-7 senior Carson Bontrager. The move-in of 6-foot-3 junior Jordan Brabham (Sprayberry) should help while 6-foot-2 junior Gabe Bolden (River Ridge) may be ineligible after transferring which would be a major blow. No. 10 Butler fell in the state title game to Westside-Augusta 64-55, ending the year 22-7. The Bulldogs graduate six of their top seven players which could lend to some early growing pains. One stater returns in 5-foot-10 senior Zy’Quan Grant who averaged 6.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.9 steals. 6-foot-2 senior Jashaun Belton (4.2 ppg) played well at GBCA Live while 5-foot-10 sophomore Marcus Scurry (4 ppg) and 6-foot-2 junior Roosevelt Brown (2.6 ppg) are candidates to play big roles. As the fourth team ranked out of Region 4, Butler has the most question marks with their lack of key returners.
Class 1A D-I
The newly formed Class 1A D-I is a mishmash of 2A, A-Private and A-Public. To no surprise, private schools enter the year as heavy favorites, the top three teams in the state all private schools and all from the same region, Region 6. In total, six of the 10 spots in the poll belong to private schools. No. 1 King’s Ridge posted a 28-5 record in Class A-Private, losing to Greenforest 61-52 in the state championship. The Tigers return their top three scorers led by seniors 6-foot-1 Isaac Martin (15.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 4.5 apg, 1.4 spg), 6-foot-5 Micah Hoover (15.6 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 1.9 spg), 6-foot Zak Thomas (10.1 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1 spg) and 6-foot-4 Jack Thomas (7.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.8 apg). The Tigers can stroke it from three, going 281-728 from beyond the arc, good for a blistering 39%. Martin (90 3PTM – 42%) and Zak Thomas (49 3PTM – 40%) are the team’s best shooters but Jack Thomas (17 3PTM – 46%) is efficient, as is 6-foot-1 sophomore Jaydon Cole (18 3PTM – 43%) a capable young guard that will see major minutes in Year 2. 6-foot-10 junior William Jobe moves in from Frederica Academy. The stretch-forward loves to shoot the three and has a handful of High Major offers. The Tigers are a nightmare to guard with four players able to stretch the floor at all times while now implementing elite length defensively. Chasing King’s Ridge is new Region 6 rival No. 2 Mt. Vernon Presbyterian. The Mustangs survived Region 5 last year with a 16-11 overall record, losing to First Presbyterian Day 68-58 in the Sweet 16. The transfer market has treated Mt. Vernon well, building their program with move-ins. 6-foot-6 junior Xavier Shegog (Goodpasture Christian, TN – 9.6 ppg, 5.7 rpg), 6-foot-4 junior Sha’Yah Goba (Campbell – 3.8 ppg, 2.7 rpg) and 6-foot-3 sophomore Pace Bottoms (St. Pius X) are the latest to join the mix. 6-foot-9 junior Dennis Scott III made an impact in his first year with the program after moving from Riverwood, averaging 13.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. 6-foot-8 senior Keith Williams posted 11.8 points, 10.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks, giving the Mustangs the biggest frontcourt in the classification. Coach Tarrik Mabon has experienced underrated physical senior guards in 6-foot-3 Kenneth Southall (10.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg) and 6-foot-3 AJ Patterson (8.6 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 5.5 apg, 1.8 spg). All the pieces are in place for a title run if the Mustangs can gel and remain healthy. No. 3 Mt. Bethel represents the third team out of Region 6A. The Eagles enter the season coming off a 13-12 year ended with a 59-39 first round loss at Tallulah Falls. Mt. Bethel is no longer just a two-man show as they return their core and add to it. The senior duo of 6-foot-3 Roanoke-commit James White (20.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3.2 apg) and 6-foot-3 Jackson Bell (18.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.5 apg) forms one of the very best statistical backcourts in the state. 6-foot-6 junior Cole Buker came on strong down the stretch as a versatile low block scorer that can also serve time on the wing. The Eagles jump into the rankings thanks to the pick ups of 6-foot-8 junior Mo Diao and 6-foot-2 junior Will Kuimjian, a Region 6-6A Honorable Mention selection at Pope last year. Diao represents an active, athletic blossoming inside-out scorer that can anchor the paint defensively while Kuimjian brings with him the ability to both score and facilitate on the perimeter. No. 4 Social Circle was robbed of a bid to play for the Class A-Public state championship, losing in the Final 4 in overtime to eventual champ Drew Charter 70-66 after the Eagles were gifted two phantom points in regulation which proved costly. The 30-1 Redskins graduate a potent senior class but still have firepower with this year’s group of seniors. 6-foot Lamarius Jackson (11 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.3 spg) was outstanding in the summer, looking like a potential 20-point-per-game scorer. Twin Quindarius is equally as explosive as an athlete and more so known for his rebounding and defensive acumen. 6-foot-4 Phillip Baynes is the head of the press with his 6-foot-7 wingspan and non-stop motor. His offensive game has improved over the offseason, looking more comfortable as a perimeter scorer. 6-foot-6, 270-pound AJ Vinson is impossible to move off the block and has a soft touch that extends to the three-point line. The Redskins might not be as deep as they were a season ago but the Kings of Walton County will have something to prove coming out of a tiny four-team Region 5 which shouldn’t be able to keep pace. No. 5 Paideia, the fourth team out of Region 6, recorded a 17-13 record narrowly losing to St. Francis in the Class A-Private Sweet 16, 55-52. The Pythons have size in the frontcourt which will create mismatches between seniors 6-foot-7 wing Kenan Orlovic and 6-foot-8 forward Soloman Mustafa-Reid. Orlovic is a tough cover with his ability to shoot off the dribble from deep, but also take his man down to the block while Mustafa-Reid is a high-energy rim runner that will catch lobs and alter shots. Eddie Cooke III is a major loss after transferring to Berkmar but 6-foot-2 freshmen guards David Smith and CJ Harper have a chance to be special and lead from the backcourt Day 1. Playing deep in the football state playoffs could be an issue, but once their full team is intact, No. 6 Darlington has a chance to rack up a lot of wins in a weak Region 7 which will be a two-team race for the one-seed with No. 9 Chattooga. The Tigers went 20-8 out of a gauntlet of a region but lost 72-54 in the opening round to Providence Christian. Star Patrick Shelley (UVA-Wise) is an enormous loss but Coach Nathan West returns the rest of his roster. 6-foot junior D’Marion Floyd (13 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 spg) is a dynamic playmaker with great athleticism. The junior class as a whole will be where a bulk of Darlington’s production comes from between 6-foot-1 Joe Womack, 6-foot-2 Jack Bell, 6-foot-3 Asa Shepard and 6-foot-2 Mackay Rush. Seniors 5-foot-10 Braden Bell and 6-foot-4 Szymon Paluch are experienced starters. 6-foot-5 senior Charlie Shaw is a stretch-forward while 6-foot senior Quin McClarity makes an impact with his hustle. 6-foot-2 freshman Brent Bell has good physical size on the perimeter and could be an important piece in Year 1. No. 7 Woodville-Tompkins got healthy at the right time and surged into the Class 2A Final 4 before losing 66-45 to Butler, ending the season 18-11. The Wolverines lose two out of their top five players but return 6-foot senior Alfonzo Ross, a physical guard that excels at getting to his spots. Also back is 6-foot-7 senior Wes Walker, an important interior presence when available. 5-foot-9 senior Terrence Bush has experience while 6-foot-3 junior Tyler Grant, 6-foot sophomore Zyaire Smart and 6-foot sophomore Jonathon Pickering are next in line to step up. No. 8 Tallulah Falls rounded up a 20-6 mark in Class A-Private, ending their season in the Sweet 16 against Greenforest 80-34. The Indians return their top two players in seniors 6-foot-5 Anfernee Hanna (17 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.3 spg) and 6-foot-2 Devonte Allen (10.9 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.7 spg, 1 bpg). 6-foot-2 junior Zakhar Valasiuk and senior Lincoln Hall will see major minutes in an extremely winnable Region 8. No. 9 Chattooga saw their season come to an end in heartbreaking fashion in Class 2A, losing at the buzzer to Early County in the Sweet 16, 70-68 to finish a 21-7 campaign. Region 7 Player of the Year Jaylon Johnson (Shorter football) has graduated, but a steady core is back and should click by the second semester. 5-foot-7 senior Damien Smith is a dangerous scorer from well beyond the arc and a four-year key contributor. Fellow seniors 5-foot-11 Trey Smith, 6-foot Bowden Heathcock and 6-foot-7 Brady Groce will be asked to play bigger roles. 6-foot-3 sophomore Xaviar Gray was a double-double machine as a freshman and will be asked for an encore performance in Year 2. New to the program, junior Duke Brown could make a positive impact once off the football field. No. 10 Dublin seemingly will be hitting the reset button after another improbable devastating postseason loss. After losing in the Final 4 on a halfcourt buzzer beater in 2021, the Irish saw their 28-2 season end at home against Warren County in the Class A-Public Elite 8 61-60 as Lorenzo Johnson shot a jumper that hit the back iron, bounced straight up, hit the top of the backboard and dropped in to eliminate Dublin. Now Coach Ben Smith graduates his first, third, fourth, fifth and sixth-leading scorers leaving huge voids to fill. 6-foot-6 senior Dayshun Peacock is the most experienced player back after averaging 11 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. 5-foot-7 sophomore Isaiah Philyaw pitched in 4.3 points as a freshman. 6-foot-2 senior Malik Smith and 6-foot senior Gavin Greene played well at GBCA Live and could emerge as reliable starters.
Class 1A D-II
The heaviest favorite to win a state title out of all the classifications this year is No. 1 Greenforest in Class 1A D-II, essentially Class A-Public minus Region 7 which holds multiple private schools. The Eagles went 28-4, beating King’s Ridge 61-52 in the Class A-Private State Championship. With Greenforest’s international pipeline of size and transfers from across the state, it would truly be a David vs. Goliath script if a rural public school could topple the giants. Guard play has won Greenforest titles in the past and will need to be addressed with multiple key pieces gone including Jalen Forrest (18.2 ppg – Presbyterian). 7-footers Gai Chol (9.7 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.3 spg, 2.7 bpg – Mississippi State) and DK Manyiel (6.7 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.3 spg, 4.7 bpg – Georgia State) should flirt with triple-doubles nightly. 5-foot-11 junior Elijah Lewis (7.5 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.9 spg) and 6-foot-1 senior Isaiah Lloyd (5.5 ppg, 2 rpg, 3.4 apg, 1.9 spg) return with the most experience in the backcourt. 6-foot-8 sophomore Daniel Daramola (4.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg) has a chance to cement himself in the rotation as a bouncy high-upside defender while juniors 6-foot-6 Jonathan Crayton (Norcross) and 5-foot-8 Michael Robinson (Drew Charter) transfer in. No. 2 Christian Heritage finished 19-7 in Class A-Private, losing 56-51 to Mt. Vernon Presbyterian in the first round. The Lions should challenge Greenforest for the Region 7 crown behind prolific scorer 6-foot-4 junior Jax Abernathy. The incredibly efficient shooting guard poured in 24.8 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals per game while shooting 60% from inside the arc and 40% from three. Abernathy has experience piling in points against big high major frontlines, scoring 53 in a 73-70 win over Hamilton Heights, TN outscoring four-star 7-foot Overtime Elite pro Somto Cyril by 47 points. While Abernathy is the focal point, Coach Tyler Watkins has more weapons at his disposal. 6-foot-4 junior Cash Hare is a rugged rebounder and a skilled passer that can serve as a point-forward when delivering assists on backdoor cuts. Replacing Zundra Jackson (Chattanooga Christian) is 5-foot-10 sophomore Isaac Plavich, a knockdown three-point shooter. 6-foot-4 sophomore Dontae Crowder is a physical wing, 6-foot-4 sophomore Charlie Idom brings strength on the low block and 5-foot-11 sophomore Carson Simuro is another dangerous floor spacer. Coming off the football field to provide some versatility in the frontcourt will be 6-foot-4 senior Braden Koneman and 6-foot-3 sophomore Carter Triplett, a Sonoraville transfer. The Lions’ constant motion and cutting on offense along with their unselfish passing and three-point shooting will challenge teams’ defensive discipline. 10-time state champion No. 3 Wilkinson County is in the midst of a four-year title drought. The last time Class 1A was combined with public and private schools from 2001-2012, the Blue Storm won two titles. Wilkinson County went 15-12 in Class A-Public last season, losing in the Elite 8 to Drew Charter 52-49. Only one key piece graduates and will be immediately replaced by 5-foot-10 senior DeKarteyia Craig, a 2021 All-State selection that was ineligible last year after moving from Twiggs County. Craig is the engine that will make the Warriors go on both ends of the floor. The playmaker has major weapons around him in First Team All-Region picks seniors 6-foot-5 Kwaveon Hill, a double-double threat and 6-foot Justin Stanley, a sniper from beyond the arc. Coach Xavier Whipple has an extremely veteran group with seniors 6-foot-4 Jordan Jackson, 6-foot-3 Ke’Unjae Jackson and 5-foot-10 Jaden Williams all back along with 6-foot-5 junior Treveon Evans. No. 4 Dooly County flew under the radar at 18-7 but hung tough in a 64-60 Sweet 16 loss at eventual state champion Drew Charter. Everyone returns but the team’s third-leading scorer. 6-foot-1 junior Jalen Hall emerged as an All-State guard and one of the top scorers in the state averaging 26 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals. 5-foot-7 senior John Brown (9.1 ppg) and 6-foot-1 junior Antwaun Clayton (6.7 ppg, 3.1 rpg) round out the Bobcats’ top options. No. 5 Portal never hit their complete stride, going 17-8 with a 55-54 Sweet 16 loss to Wilkinson County. A brawl with Treutlen early in the season caused the Panthers to stagger their suspensions, leading to a few uncharacteristic losses. With that being said, expectations are high again with a dynamic 2024 core. 5-foot-8 Elijah Coleman (18.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 4.9 apg, 3.6 spg) and 6-foot-5 Amir Jackson (15.7 ppg, 13.3 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.5 spg) are already two-time All-State selections heading into their junior seasons. 6-foot-1 junior Joseph Thomas (13.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.9 apg) is an X-Factor when he’s hitting shots. Finding any source of production around the big three will be crucial. 6-foot-2 senior Chandler Grooms averaged 5.5 points and 3.8 rebounds as an undersized forward. No. 6 Charlton County opened eyes with their freshman class, posting a 22-8 record with a Sweet 16 loss against Towns County, 58-51. 6-foot guard Jarvis Wright was named Class A-Public Freshman of the Year and Best Shooter after averaging 19.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 2.5 steals while leading the state in three-pointers made shooting a scorching 123-323 (38%). 6-foot-8 sophomore Elyiss Williams is a five-star football recruit that averaged 14.1 points, 13.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. The Indians graduate their second-leading scorer and will need a few pieces to surface around Wright and Williams. 5-foot-11 junior Jamari Hamilton proved serviceable averaging 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.8 steals. No. 7 Calhoun County was named Class A-Public Most Improved Team after improving from 3-6 to 26-1, ousted at home in the Elite 8 by Social Circle 88-77. The Cougars graduate heavy duty scorers Tellies Wiley and Dejaun Enocher, Region 1 Co-Players of the Year. Calhoun County’s system should still pose problems however as they press the entirety of the game and play lightning fast on offense, looking to push the ball and get corner threes. 6-foot-2 senior Quincy Edwards and 6-foot-1 junior Jasiyah Suber return as First Team All-Region selections. 5-foot-9 sophomore Dallas George and 6-foot-2 senior Jaquon Timpson were Honorable Mention picks. 6-foot-7 sophomore Amajion Figgins is an imposing presence inside while 6-foot-3 sophomore Zechariah Candidate is a potential stock riser with his athleticism and motor. 5-foot-10 sophomore Zion Suber is another name to watch for. No. 8 Manchester ran up a 28-3 record but fell 49-48 to Warren County in the Class A-Public Final 4. The Blue Devils graduate their first and third-best scorers but are still powerful in the frontcourt with 6-foot-4 senior Zy’Juan Gray (13.2 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 2.3 spg). 6-foot senior Elijuan Wright (11.7 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.3 spg) is a trusted source of offense. 6-foot-1 sophomore Darius Bryant (5.6 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.1 spg) and 6-foot-2 junior Jayden Washington (2.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1.6 spg) bring energy. No. 9 Hancock Central finished 13-8 with a first round exit in the Class A-Public state playoffs, losing 71-58 to Macon County. The Bulldogs are an experienced team. 5-foot-9 senior Deonte Lowe is an explosive scorer that averaged 23.3 points per game. 6-foot-3 senior Devin Watkins (10.2 ppg), 5-foot-9 senior Javaris Morris (9.2 ppg) and 5-foot-9 senior Aareon Stephens (7 ppg) represent Coach Ricky Chatman’s four top returners from a group that loses just four rotational seniors. No. 10 Macon County finished 17-12, losing to Calhoun County in the Sweet 16, 97-65. The Bulldogs bring back their first, second and fifth-leading scorers. 6-foot-3 senior Derrick Lester averaged 14.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1 steal and 1.1 blocks as a junior while 5-foot-9 sophomore Frankie Raines is a sparkplug guard that pitched in 13 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3 assists, 2.6 steals and hit 42-111 threes (38%) in Year 1. 6-foot-4 junior Dontavious Collier (9.2 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2 apg, 1.1 spg) rounds out the attack.