Class AAAAAAA

1. Brookwood
2. Archer
3. Norcross
4. South Forsyth
5. Carrollton
6. Buford
7. Peachtree Ridge
8. Cherokee
9. Hillgrove
10. Lowndes

Class AAAAAA

1. River Ridge
2. Lovejoy
3. Rockdale County
4. Brunswick
5. Forest Park
6. North Forsyth
7. Langston Hughes
8. Woodward Academy
9. New Manchester
10. Woodstock

Class AAAAA

1. Kell
2. Warner Robins
3. Northside-Columbus
4. Greenbrier
5. Bradwell Institute
6. Hiram
7. Union Grove
8. Arabia Mountain
9. GAC
10. Maynard Jackson

Class AAAA

1. Holy Innocents’
2. Baldwin
3. Griffin
4. Luella
5. Stockbridge
6. Westminster
7. East Forsyth
8. Chestatee
9. Southwest DeKalb
10. Trinity Christian

Class AAA

1. Hebron Christian
2. Lumpkin County
3. Carver-Columbus
4. Wesleyan
5. Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe
6. Cross Creek
7. Pickens
8. White County
9. Monroe
10. Oconee County

Class AA

1. Mt. Paran
2. Landmark Christian
3. Central-Macon
4. Fannin County
5. Josey
6. Laney
7. Murray County
8. Banks County
9. Dodge County
10. Northeast-Macon

Class A D-I

1. Galloway
2. St. Francis
3. Elbert County
4. Woodville-Tompkins
5. Rabun County
6. Swainsboro
7. Heard County
8. Screven County
9. Bryan County
10. Trion

Class A D-II

1. Lake Oconee Academy
2. Taylor County
3. Clinch County
4. Schley County
5. Turner County
6. Montgomery County
7. Mt. Zion-Carrollton
8. Charlton County
9. Telfair County
10. Greenforest

Classification realignment has come, meaning regions across the GHSA will look very different in most sections of the state. Maybe the biggest change is the reintegration of private schools with public schools, something I have plenty of thoughts about but would be better served expressing my opinions through a different medium such as the Spielin’ & Dealin’ Podcast. With that being said, the shuffling around of classifications has enhanced some state title hopes while all but extinguishing others. 

Class 7A

The days of a seven-classification system are nearly numbered as a consolidation back down to six classes seems imminent. Last year, Class 7A was anything but predictable and once again, it looks like the field is open for a number of teams to seize the moment. No. 1 Brookwood debuts atop the poll following a 23-5 season which ended in the Elite 8 against eventual champion Norcross, 77-60. The Broncos return arguably the best player in the state in Ohio State-commit Diana Collins who averaged 21.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.7 steals per game. Collins’ ability to make everyone around her better, gives the Broncos a puncher’s chance against anyone in the state. Ciera Hall (5.6 ppg) and 5-foot-10 stretch forward Kate Phelan (4 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.8 bpg) are back as Collins’ most experienced running mates. Sophomore Danielle Osho holds promise inside at 6-foot with the ability to block shots, rebound and hit the three on offense, but the transfer of UAB-commit Jade Weathersby is what pushes Brookwood to the top of the rankings. The 6-foot-2 forward moved from Colorado to Parkview last season where she averaged 20.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.7 steals and 2.2 blocks per game. Her size, athleticism and scoring ability paired with Collins could form one of the best inside-out one-two punches in the state. The Broncos also add 5-foot-3 senior Kennedy Daniels from Redan where she averaged 15.3 points per game and netted 79 threes at a 33% rate. With a major target on their back, Brookwood will have to come to play every night in Region 4, the classification’s toughest group when healthy. No. 2 Archer had a rollercoaster season but with the help of a favorable state playoff draw were able to power their way into the Final 4 before losing to eventual state runner-up Harrison 59-52, ending their season at 22-7. An offseason coaching change sees Lamar Harris step in as head coach, formerly at the helm of Dutchtown before serving the last two seasons as an assistant at Lovejoy. Daughter Sanaa Harris, a 6-foot junior, has transferred in from Holy Innocents’ while Taj Hunter moves in from Stephenson where she averaged 10.5 points and 5.8 rebounds as a sophomore. Even with the new faces, Archer should have plenty of familiarity with only three rotational pieces gone. All-State wing Taniya McGowan (12.6 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.5 apg, 3.2 spg), Courtney Nesbitt (9.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.5 spg) and Ashanti Bryant (8.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.8 spg) are experienced seniors while sophomores Mearah Whitehead (8.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.7 spg) and Kyndall Collins (5.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1 bpg) played huge roles as freshmen. On paper, Archer may have the most talented and experienced roster but coming together and buying in will remain paramount. After winning the state title at 26-5, scratching past Harrison 41-37, No. 3 Norcross has seen transfers flood in to stay in title contention as 5-foot-3 senior Veronaye Charlton (Tallulah Falls – 16.5 ppg, 6 rpg, 2.4 apg, 3 spg), 5-foot-9 senior Hayda Toro (Mountain View – First Team All-Region), 6-foot sophomore Mariyah Valrie (Mountain View – Second Team All-Region) and 6-foot junior Shaniya Farmer (Duluth) have all moved in, bringing great athleticism and length to join All-State junior guard Jania Akins. Senior Kayla Lindsey brings back big game experience after starting in the state championship. Replacing Class 7A Player of the Year Zaria Hurston (DePaul) will be most difficult for the Lady Blue. Hands down the most experienced team with the longest tenured chemistry in Class 7A is No. 4 South Forsyth. The 2023 nucleus has been playing varsity minutes since freshman year. Coach Keith Gravitt returns his entire starting five from a strong 20-9 team that fizzled out in the postseason, losing by 19 to juggernaut rival North Forsyth in the region championship, but more disappointingly, upset by three-seed Peachtree Ridge at home 49-41. The War Eagles are battle-tested and have gone through a lot over the past three years. With North Forsyth dropping to Class 6A, South Forsyth is the heavy favorite to finally win the Region 6 title behind seniors Sharon Tolliver (15.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2.7 spg), Clara Morris (12.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.1 apg, 2.4 spg), North Georgia-commit Ava McGlockton (12.1 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 2 bpg) and Maggie Thompson (7.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 5.2 apg, 4.2 spg). Each player knows their role and plays within themselves. South Forsyth’s relentless full court press often smothers opponents and leads to easy transition points. 5-foot-9 junior Jadyn Kniceley (5.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.1 spg) put together a great offseason as a habitual hustler while sophomore Amelia Brown (41% 3PT) will be an important three-point sniper. If McGlockton gets into foul trouble or the War Eagles need to go big, 6-foot junior Allie Meyer is a serviceable post presence that blocks shots and rebounds. South Forsyth’s cohesion, pressure defense, ball movement and three-point shooting compose a recipe for success but they must get it done come tournament time, the core advancing past the first round just once in 2020-21. A consistent title contender over the past few seasons, No. 5 Carrollton will try their hand in Class 7A but will have to do so without Georgia Southern-commit Kanija Daniel, who tore her ACL this summer. The Trojans are coming off a 24-5 season in Class 6A which ended with a 59-55 loss to Rockdale County in the Sweet 16 on their home floor. Georgia State-commit Eghosa Obasuyi will see the offense ran through her, the 5-foot-5 point guard a lethal shooter that can also create for others. Sophomore Madison Reese moves in from South Paulding where she was a Second Team All-Region selection in Year 1. Sophomore Madison Swint is an important combo-forward while fellow 2025 Laura Mitchell will be asked to protect the rim. Look for freshman Kimya Jones-Scarborough to make an immediate impact. The 5-foot-3 point guard is fearless and has the ball on a string when probing defenses. It felt like a tale of two seasons for No. 6 Buford, who was really good when healthy but average down the stretch when injuries began decimating the team. The Wolves, who now jump up to Class 7A for the first time, finished 23-5 and outside of the final state rankings losing to Brunswick 68-55 in the Sweet 16; the first time Buford had failed to advance past the second round since 2005-06 – 16 seasons. The Wolves graduate Tamori Plantin (Western Carolina) and Tatum Ozment while losing Jayla Gudz to Flowery Branch. Junior Ava Grace Watson is the straw that stirs the drink. Watson is the best player on the floor every time she suits up, but injuries have haunted her over her first two seasons and ultimately cost Buford once her season was officially cut short. Juniors Betty Nguyen and Alyssa Green will play prominent roles in the backcourt while senior Taylor Romano proved to be a knockdown three-point shooter last year after moving in from Florida. 5-foot-10 freshman Lydia Ledford could see important minutes as a versatile piece in the backcourt. No. 7 Peachtree Ridge could be a sneaky pick to take a deep run if they are able to stay healthy and gel. The Lions upset South Forsyth in the first-round last season 49-41 before falling 48-39 to Brookwood in the Sweet 16, finishing the year at 21-7. Ulysses Haynes slides over a chair to replace Vanessa White who left for Gainesville. Haynes inherits 6-foot-3 Georgia State-commit Aaliyah Hunt, a dominant center who averaged 13.8 points, 14 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game. 5-foot-11 Kennedy Harp is a Florida State softball commit that averaged 11.1 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2 steals as a junior. Nia Anderson (7.5 ppg, 3.3 apg) is a veteran point guard that will be joined by key addition Sanaa Tripp, an All-State junior guard that tore her ACL last season at Newton. When healthy, Tripp is one of the very best players in the state and a game changer with her three-level scoring and playmaking. No. 8 Cherokee graduates six seniors including four starters from last season’s 23-6 Elite 8 team that lost a heartbreaker in double overtime to Campbell, 61-52. Burgeoning star junior Toni Warren is a 6-foot wing who is one of the best scorers in Georgia with her ability to shoot over defenders from the mid-range and her improved downhill attack. While Warren will get the lion’s share of the shots, the next crop of Warriors is ready to put their fingerprints on the program at the varsity level. 6-foot junior Riley Simmons is a deadly three-point shooter with the size and strength to also score in the paint and earn second chances off the glass. Sophomore Alex Whitecliffe had a great offseason and could emerge as Cherokee’s top guard thanks to her quickness, defensive effort and outside shooting. Senior Elle Kenney is a dangerous shooter and junior Hannah Harris has a starting role within her grasp. Freshmen Madison Moody and Lyla Griffith could challenge for varsity minutes. No. 9 Hillgrove comes out of what should be a competitive Region 3. The Hawks finished 18-10 last season, losing 55-46 in the Sweet 16 at Cherokee. Multisport star athlete Lauren Render graduates, but Coach Susan Milam has a deep roster with a lot of talent. That talent helped the Hawks improve from 6 wins the season prior in 2020-21. Throughout last season, the Hawks showed they could hang with some of the best teams in the state, dropping close games to River Ridge (55-52), Harrison (50-47), Woodstock (52-51), McEachern (44-41) and South Forsyth (54-45) with wins sprinkled in over Hiram (52-34) and North Paulding twice. Seniors 5-foot-5 Aryelle King and 5-foot-9 Caylie Long are veterans at their respective positions. Sophomores London VanArsdale, Yolanda Floyd, Amaya Harris, Elena Harden and Amorie Strachan could start on most teams across the state. The freshman class of 5-foot-5 Kierra Jackson, 5-foot-6 Shelby McCall and 6-foot-3 intimidator Kandace Montgomery give the Hawks plenty of weapons to implement on a young team with high upside. Sliding in at No. 10 is Lowndes who recorded a 20-8 record beating defending champion Marietta in the first round 65-55 before losing at home to Archer in the Sweet 16, 48-43. The Vikings return their top six players and are anchored defensively by 6-foot-3 Otaifo Esenabhalu (9 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 1.7 spg, 2.2 bpg) who picked up offers from West Georgia and Longwood this summer. 5-foot-7 Amyah Espanol (12.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.4 apg, 4 spg) and 5-foot-4 Faith Johnson (12.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.1 apg, 2.4 spg) are a pair of dangerous seniors in the backcourt. 5-foot-5 sophomore Kaci Demps was effective in Year 1, averaging 8.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 3.9 steals. Seeing competition outside of the region will be important for Lowndes to test themselves throughout the season.

Class 6A

Class 6A was the strongest, deepest classification in the state a season ago and not much has changed as the 58-team field now houses 14 teams that finished in their respective classification’s Top 10 including three defending state champions (6A-4A) along with two state runner-ups (6A-5A). Opening up as the team to beat is No. 1 River Ridge who returns nearly everyone from last season’s record-setting 28-2 team. The Knights fell in the Elite 8 to Lovejoy on the road 71-59 after trailing 45-40 heading into the fourth. River Ridge checks all the boxes with length, dynamic guard play, experience and fresh faces that will help in Year 1. Penn-commit Mataya Gayle firmly established herself as one of Georgia’s elite point guards, averaging 16.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 3.5 steals per game. Reigning Class 6A Freshman of the Year Sophia Pearl averaged 14.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.8 steals while nailing 82 threes at a 35% rate and now holds multiple D-I offers. 6-foot sophomore Kayla Cleaveland (8.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg) is an inside-out threat while 6-foot-1 junior Allie Sweet (9 ppg, 9.8 rpg) is a double-double machine. Role players Ayanna Blanco, Avery Gaw and Alyssa Farmer have plenty of experience. If the Knights get into foul trouble inside, 5-foot-11 sophomore Joy Tchamabe is a physical bruiser that can provide steady minutes. Freshman Makayla Roberson is regarded highly, the 5-foot-9 guard is a skilled perimeter scorer that brings athleticism and three-point shooting. Depth shouldn’t be an issue as the Knights can go 10 deep to stay fresh throughout the course of the season. Defending state champion No. 2 Lovejoy posted a 28-3 record, knocking off Sequoyah 54-38 in the title game. The Wildcats will be challenged nightly in Region 3 which holds semifinalist Rockdale County, state runner-up Forest Park and two-time Class 5A defending state champion Woodward Academy. Two-time state championship winning head coach Cedric King boasts junior point guard Bryanna Preston as his star. Preston averaged 15.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 2.4 steals and holds multiple High Major offers. Seniors La’Nya Foster (13.8 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 1.5 apg, 2.1 spg) and Ayana Boyd (8 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.7 apg, 2.6 spg) are difference makers on the perimeter. Lovejoy opens slightly behind River Ridge due to four key seniors graduating including the collegiate frontcourt of 5-foot-10 Keyra Peterson (9.1 ppg, 5.7 rpg – Shorter), 6-foot Layla Hood (8.8 ppg, 7.4 rpg – Mercer) and 6-foot-2 Bryana Hardy (8.3 ppg, 6.9 rpg – UCF). Juniors India McIntosh and Jahilya McDonald provide length and should see major increases in playing time. 5-foot-6 sophomore Camiah Muldrow is a candidate to take a major step forward after averaging 4.6 points per game. No. 3 Rockdale County returns everyone from last year’s 21-8 team that took a run to the Final 4, losing 71-56 to Lovejoy. Defending Class 6A Player of the Year Danielle Carnegie was unstoppable in the postseason and finished her sophomore season averaging 21.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 3.4 steals. Seniors Lia Edwards (12.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.2 spg) and Nylah Williams (10.2 ppg, 8.5 rpg) give the Bulldogs a strong core. Rockdale’s addition of 5-foot-9 junior Tre’Miyah Berry gives Coach Sean Turley a big-time shot maker on the perimeter. Berry was a Second Team All-Region pick last year and holds multiple D-I offers. No. 4 Brunswick has their Top 4 back from their Elite 8 team that went 27-2, eliminated at home by Rockdale County 64-56. The Pirates have size and athleticism, anchored by seniors 6-foot-3 Shane’ Jackson (11.1 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 1.7 spg, 2.4 bpg) and 5-foot-11 Shamya Flanders (13.2 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 2.3 spg). Guard play will be important for Brunswick as 5-foot junior Jermiyah Ramsey (7.4 ppg) and 5-foot-8 senior Jamya West (7 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.2 apg) return as lead dogs. Finding ways to challenge themselves in the regular season will be important as the Pirates will likely run the table with ease in a much weaker Region 2 than what they saw last year. No. 5 Forest Park didn’t put up much of a fight in the state championship game against Woodward Academy, a nightmare performance losing for the fourth time to the War Eagles and by their largest margin 72-44, completing the season at 22-7. The good news however is that only three seniors graduate. The dynamic duo of 6-foot junior Yasmine Allen (19.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.8 spg) and St. John’s-commit Jayda Brown (14.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 6 apg, 3.6 spg) is back alongside intimidating posts 6-foot-2 senior MaKayla Arnold (3.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg) and 6-foot junior Hannah Willis (3.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg). 6-foot sophomore Nicora Patrick (4.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg) has a growing inside-out game. 6-foot sophomore Jaleia Robinson transfers in from Woodland-Stockbridge where she averaged 5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. Locating a true point guard that can handle pressure will be crucial for the Panthers. Last year felt like it was No. 6 North Forsyth’s year in Class 7A, a senior-laden group that hadn’t lost a game in-state heading into the state playoffs. What was shaping up to be a dream season ended abruptly losing 51-40 to Grayson in the Sweet 16 closing the year at 24-4. The Raiders drop to Class 6A and are a heavy favorite to continue their string of region championships now housed in Region 8 with unfamiliar foes. Even with a large 2022 class out the door, the Raiders are still a threat to play into March. Valdosta State-commit Erin Whalen was arguably the Raiders best player last season, coming off the bench to average 9.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.8 steals while shooting 60.9% from inside the arc, leading her to win Class 7A Most Improved Player. 6-foot sophomore London Weaver is becoming a mismatch on the perimeter with her three-point shot and now ability to attack the rim as a lefty. Senior guards Kamryn Gardner and Meredith Franklin are tough in the backcourt while 6-foot-1 junior Lindsey Pirkle is growing in confidence as a post presence that can also step outside and hit the jumper. No. 7 Langston Hughes could quickly climb up the rankings if they are able to mesh early. The Panthers recorded a 23-7 mark with a 57-50 loss to Kell in the Sweet 16. Coach Xavier Trice loses some huge pieces, notably Raven Thompson (Chattanooga), Tamia Stargell (Edward Waters) and Taylor Caldwell (Northwest Community College), but replaces them with sophomore Savannah Robinson-Holmes (Mt. Vernon Presbyterian) and 5-foot-9 junior Michell Besong who averaged 18.6 points and 4.7 rebounds at Creekside. Still in the fold is All-Region junior Kyla Greene along with senior Sydney Smith and sophomore Taylor Harris. 6-foot-1 senior Mallory Holmes will be important inside. 6-foot-3 sophomore McKayla Taylor is still awaiting her high school debut after missing her freshman season and could be an immediate game changer when healthy. No. 8 Woodward Academy begins life without Texas A&M-signee Sydney Bowles who led the War Eagles to back-to-back state championships, scoring 2,465 points in her career. Woodward Academy posted a 29-3 record, stomping region rival Forest Park 72-44 in the title game before getting beat by Lake Highland Prep, FL 81-57 in the State Champions Invitational. Coach Kim Lawrence turns to George Washington-commit Sara Lewis to exchange her Robin costume for Batman’s cape as she becomes the go-to player for the War Eagles after averaging 14.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.9 steals. Woodward Academy graduates a lot of their length and will rely heavily on a talented trio of sophomore guards in Kameron Herring (6.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg), Kayla Whitner (4.3 ppg) and Delaney Cooper (3.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg) along with freshman Lauryn Cooper. No. 9 New Manchester put together a 19-10 season, taking a trip to the Final 4 in Class 5A where they were defeated by Forest Park 60-38. The Jaguars lose their Top 3 scorers headlined by Auburn-signee Kharyssa Richardson (18.3 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 1.9 spg, 1.9 bpg), but have welcomed in three transfers and highly touted 5-foot-9 freshman guard Andrea Guilford to remain dangerous. 6-foot junior Ashantes Lewis (Pebblebrook – 3.9 ppg, 3.8 rpg ), 5-foot-11 junior Amaya Broadus (Therrell) and 5-foot-10 sophomore Kyara Lawrence (Alexander –10.1 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.8 apg, 2.1 spg) bring length to the frontcourt. Broadus, a double-double machine, was a First Team All-Region selection while Lawrence made Honorable Mention in their respective regions. The four new faces join juniors Taniya James (7.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg) and Naya Herrera (4.2 ppg) along with playmaking sophomore Paige Fears (3.5 ppg). If Guilford can make the immediate impact that she’s expected to, the Jaguars could challenge Langston Hughes for a Region 5 title in what will be a two-team race. No. 10 Woodstock rounds out the Top 10, coming out of a tough Region 6 which holds No. 1 River Ridge, state runner-up Sequoyah, quarterfinalist Rome and an improving Creekview team with size. The Wolverines will have to find a way to replace heart and soul Bridget Utberg who is at Central Michigan following a historic career. Woodstock has two D-I commits anchoring their lineup with Karson Martin (Quinnipiac) and Casey Miller (Hampton). Martin averaged 15.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4 assists and 2.6 steals and 6-foot-2 banger Casey Miller posted 15.1 points, 10.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks as a junior. Sophomores Bree Rogers (6.7 ppg) and Lily Conkell (6.4 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.4 spg) will be asked to step up in the backcourt while freshman Emily Jacobs could see early minutes in her career.

Class 5A

Class 5A is open for some atypical suspects to make deep runs and potentially vie for a state title, making this season exciting with the chance for new blood to make noise. The heavy favorite entering the season however is No. 1 Kell who opened the season ranked atop Class 6A last year before going 27-3 with a disappointing 40-38 loss to Sequoyah in the Final 4. What was once a young core that was a no-brainer to win a state title and possibly even multiple over the course of their career, is now a group of seniors still hunting their first ring after finishing 32-1 in 2019-20 with a 66-63 championship loss to Buford and 25-4 the following year, losing 55-46 to four-time state champion Westlake in the Elite 8. Kell’s senior class is headlined by prolific scorer Crystal Henderson, a three-time All-State pick. She is joined by Jamiah Gregory, Jada Green, Jada Peterson and Marietta transfer MaKayah Harris (10.2 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.8 apg, 2.3 spg) who won a state title as a sophomore. Sophomore forward Sydney Moss brings more experience to the table while junior Aiya Dudley provides three-point shooting. Housed in Region 6 with last year’s Class 3A State Runner-Up GAC, Kell’s explosive backcourt should keep the Longhorns in the driver’s seat for most of the year. No. 2 Warner Robins took a trip to the Final 4 at 25-6, but lost 67-35 to two-time defending state champion Woodward Academy. The Demonettes return their top five players including last year’s Co-Region Players of the Year Jada Morgan (South Carolina State) and Tasia Agee along with First Team selection Nevaeh Mack, a playmaking junior point guard. Junior Tori Davis was a Second Team pick while senior Kynnadi Howard brings length and athleticism to the frontcourt at 5-foot-10. Keep an eye on senior Chelsea Thomas and freshman Kennedy Bradshaw to pick up some crucial minutes in a competitive Region 2 that holds No. 7 Union Grove, Eagle’s Landing, Dutchtown and Jones County. There is no denying the amount of talent on No. 3 Northside-Columbus’ roster. The Patriots posted a 21-8 mark, making it to the Sweet 16 after slipping to the four-seed and upsetting Union Grove in the first round 53-42. The Patriots’ season ended at New Manchester 38-36. Northside-Columbus returns nearly their entire roster outside of fourth-leading scorer Erica Rodriguez, a three-point specialist. Seniors Ayonna Durand (12.1 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2 apg, 2.9 spg) and Mya Giles (12 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.9 spg) lead from the backcourt. Durand stepped away from the team in the region tournament but is back with the program after leading the Patriots in scoring. Junior guard Morgan Thomas is physically strong and a well-rounded scorer that averaged 7.7 points. The X-Factor for Northside is 6-foot combo-forward McKayla Hosley. Longwood, North Carolina A&T and South Alabama have all offered the versatile inside-out threat that averaged 9.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2 steals and 1.3 blocks per game as a freshman. Hosley can take over games with her athleticism and ability to score in multiple ways. Coach Jarquella Woods also welcomes in 6-foot-2 junior Za’Kyra McGee who averaged 5.9 points and 4.8 rebounds at Kendrick, adding size to the frontcourt. No. 4 Greenbrier will have their work cut out for them in Region 1, a gauntlet of coastal Georgia powers like No. 5 Bradwell Institute and Sweet 16 teams Statesboro (22-6) and Ware County (19-8). The Wolfpack posted a 26-4 record but lost 63-56 to Warner Robins in the Elite 8. Greenbrier loses scoring options 3-6 highlighted by sharpshooter Brooklyn Begley (9.8 ppg – Piedmont) along with head coach Ryan Morningstar who stepped down, but returns their top two in seniors Trinity Barrow (11.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 5.7 apg, 4.1 spg) and 6-foot-3 Caitlin Staley (10.9 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 3.1 bpg) who holds numerous D-I offers. Zakeya Goldsberry takes over the reins as head coach after leading Midland Valley, SC and brings with her Zuri Goldsberry who posted 11.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.2 steals per game at South Carolina powerhouse North Augusta. With a talented big three in place, look for players like 5-foot-9 senior Morgan McMurray (3.7 ppg, 1.9 rpg), a stretch forward, to help out wherever they can. 5-foot-4 sophomore Neela Lamar will provide scoring from the perimeter after averaging 10.6 points per game at Hancock Central. Coming in right behind Greenbrier is No. 5 Bradwell Institute, the second team out of Region 1 to debut in the poll. The Tigers drop a classification after going 22-6 in Class 6A, losing 53-44 at Sequoyah in the Elite 8. Bradwell Institute returns their top three in senior Taniyah Bowman (15.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.1 apg, 3.3 spg), 5-foot-10 sophomore Parris Parham (9.8 ppg, 6 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.3 spg) and 6-foot-3 Vanderbilt-commit Bailey Gilmore (8.3 ppg, 7.4 rpg). Bowman’s electrifying speed coupled with Parham’s inside-out game and Gilmore’s length and athleticism gives Coach Faye Baker a reliable nucleus. No. 6 Hiram took a trip to the Elite 8 at 18-10 where they fell to New Manchester 41-33. The Hornets are deep at the guard position and have major experience. 5-foot-11 senior forward Kalisha Phillips is a dynamic game changer on defense that averaged 10.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 2.5 steals and 1.8 blocks. Senior guards Camryn O’Neil (5.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 3.8 apg, 2.2 spg) and Kai Bullock welcome North Paulding transfer Janaya Evans into the backcourt. Junior Hadiya Kennerly is a steady scorer and solid rebounder while sophomore Taylor Crawford could be a breakout candidate after averaging 8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 3 steals a game as a freshman. No. 7 Union Grove racked up a 21-5 season but lost to Northside-Columbus 53-42 as the one-seed in the first round. The Wolverines return four out of their top five producers led by juniors Jordan Brooks (12.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.6 apg, 3.3 spg), Julia Baker (9.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.7 apg, 4 spg) and 6-foot power forward Nadea Smith, a strong and bouncy big that put up 8.8 points and 6.6 rebounds a night. Juniors Mariah Miller (4.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg) and Skylar Patten (2.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg) could play important roles, Patten a D-III prospect already with a Piedmont offer. No. 8 Arabia Mountain moves up a classification after going 19-7, slipping to the three-seed and losing in the first round at Chestatee 45-41. The Rams lose 6-foot sophomore Jah’Naesia Spiers to Southwest DeKalb but still have a potent backcourt trio in junior reigning Region Player of the Year Malaya Jones (15.7 ppg, 2.6 apg) and seniors Sierra Burns (15.3 ppg, 6.1 rpg) and Myori Pruitt (9.8 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 7 apg, 5.9 spg). While the Rams have major individual talent, they have struggled against Top 10 caliber teams, failing to record a win last year and their last coming two seasons ago in January 2021 against Marist. The Rams find themselves in a weak Region 6 and will have to establish their legitimacy outside the region while relying on three players to do the heavy lifting. No. 9 GAC’s season ended with a heartbreaking loss in the Class 3A State Championship to Lumpkin County 51-47. The Spartans have a lot of production to replace after graduating Kaleigh Addie (22.9 ppg – Xavier) and Jaci Bolden (16.5 ppg – Biola) from last year’s 25-7 team. 5-foot-9 senior Trinity Thomas came up big down the stretch in the postseason and will look to improve upon her 9.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2 steals per game. Juniors Sydney Lucas (5 ppg, 3.8 rpg) and Myla Benton (4.5 ppg, 6 rpg) will have increased roles in the offense. GAC will need to find someone that can pack a punch behind the three-point line as Addie (75) and Bolden (47) graduate 122 of the team’s 185 made three-pointers. The next big thing at GAC will be freshman Asia “Scoop” Johnson. She’s a lightning quick playmaker that can create her own shot. Her addition will keep the Spartans competitive and a threat come February. No. 10 Maynard Jackson went 18-5 and lost in the Elite 8 to Woodward Academy 84-58 after handing the eventual state champions their only in-state loss of the season 54-50 back on November 26.  Dominant game-changer Xaviera Dyer is now at Georgia State after the 6-foot-3 forward averaged 18 points and 14.1 rebounds. Junior 5-foot-6 point guard Taliah Cornish is the straw that stirs the drink, averaging 19.3 points per game. Juniors Shakira Gresham (9.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg) and Shamaria Arnold provide versatility and toughness when healthy. Sophomore guard Aliyah Weaver is a sparkplug on defense.

Class 4A

Class 4A feels completely reshaped after Marist won a game for the ages to capture their first ever state title, 56-54 in double overtime but now moves up to Class 6A. Jumping up from Class A-Private a season ago where they put together a 27-3 record and looked like the best team in the entire state during the regular season but lost 53-50 in the Final 4 to eventual state champion Mt. Paran, is No. 1 Holy Innocents’. Transfers have hurt the Golden Bears this offseason, losing Sanaa Harris to Archer, Brooke Suttle to Campbell and Ciara Alexander to Mt. Paran but Coach Nichole Dixon still has the best trio in the classification in sophomore Hailee Swain (Stanford), junior Zaynah Preston and senior Olivia Hutcherson (Princeton). The Golden Bears will have to build around their core as they likely won’t have as much depth as in seasons past. Juniors Harmony Chennault and Jailynn Smith could see increased roles. No. 2 Baldwin powered their way to a 26-3 record, losing in the Final 4 to Luella 63-53. Everyone returns except for second-leading scorer Tamia Smith, hands down their best shooter who hit 43 of the team’s 92 threes. While outside shooting will be a major concern, the Bravettes do have the size to overwhelm almost anyone led by 6-foot-3 sophomore Janaye Walker who averaged 11.4 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. 6-foot sophomore Kassidy Neal (9.1 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.8 spg) is another big body but has a diverse skill set able to handle the ball and shoot from the perimeter. 6-foot-5 sophomore Kyla Levester is a space eating post that can spell Walker throughout the game. The guard position will be key for Baldwin. Leading scorer Madison Ruff averaged 12.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 3.8 steals as a sophomore. She’s an explosive athlete that looks to get out in transition with her defensive instincts and will attack the rim at will in the half-court. Juniors Jasmine Williams (4.9 ppg) and Zykeria Paschal (3.1 ppg) will have to help space the floor. No. 3 Griffin drops down a classification after a disappointing season saw the Bears finish 22-7 but lose in the Sweet 16 to Loganville 54-52. Roy Johnson takes over the program after success at Woodland-Stockbridge and will go to battle in Region 2, opening right behind Baldwin, the two heavy favorites to win the seven-team group. Coach Johnson inherits a loaded roster that will finally be anchored by 6-foot-3 senior Samiah Puckett who appeared in just two games last year after initially being ruled ineligible and then tearing her ACL upon her return. In her two games, Puckett was dominant averaging 18.5 points and scoring 26 against Top 10 opponent McIntosh. The former High Major prospect could raise her stock quickly with a healthy season. She is joined by reigning Region 2 Player of the Year 6-foot-1 senior Zy Thompson, a multi-time track and field state champion that averaged 12.9 points per game and holds offers from Howard, Hampton and Bethune-Cookman. 5-foot-9 senior Aaliyah Duranham (15.3 ppg) is a bouncy southpaw forward with offers from Southern Miss and Kennesaw State while senior Leah Turner (12.4 ppg) is an invaluable floor spacer with a Southern Miss offer as well. Outside shooting was a major issue for the Bears a season ago as they relied too heavily on offensive rebounding and using their size and leaping ability to out-athlete opponents. Having Puckett healthy could allow for more high-low opportunities between her and Thompson but more importantly the ability to play inside-out to get Turner open looks from three. It will be crucial for the junior backcourt duo of Kimora Martin (3.6 ppg) and Zamiyah Hosley (2.7 ppg) to step up and hit outside shots. No. 4 Luella led for 32:38 minutes out of a possible 40 in the state championship against Marist but somehow lost in double overtime 56-54, blowing an 11-point second half lead as Avery Fantucci hit a buzzer-beating half-court three to send the game to overtime before winning with a layup at the horn, their first lead since the 2:30 mark of the second quarter. Evelina Davlakou (13.6 ppg – Jacksonville State) and Natalie Martin (7.3 ppg – Coastal Alabama) graduate but the bulk of Luella’s production from a 27-4 roster returns paced by Mercer-commit 6-foot-1 post Arianna Dyson (13.7 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.6 apg, 2.1 spg, 1.4 bpg). 5-foot-9 junior Miliani Smith averaged 11.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 3 steals and posted 20 points and 10 rebounds in the state championship. 5-foot-11 Trinity Layton (9.4 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 2.6 spg) is long and athletic while Camryn Berry (7.3 ppg) is a South Alabama-commit. No. 5 Stockbridge is a young team on the rise, hoping to challenge Luella in Region 5. The Tigers move down a classification after going 21-7 in Class 5A, losing 39-38 at Greenbrier in the Sweet 16.  Junior Carrington Wilson is a multi-time All-State performer coming off a season in which she averaged 15.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 5 steals and 2 blocks. Janiyah Jones had a big freshman season in the backcourt, averaging 14.1 points while fellow sophomore Kahli Ingram chipped in 7.9 points and 4.3 rebounds in Year 1. No. 6 Westminster took a trip to the Class 3A Final 4 and had their season ended at the hands of Lumpkin County for the second consecutive year, 64-42. The Wildcats finished 17-11 and will take one last stab at a state title run behind Stanford-commit Courtney Ogden (18.4 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.5 apg, 2.3 spg, 1.2 bpg). George Washington, Navy and Elon have all offered 5-foot-9 junior Stella Chartrand who averaged 14 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 2.5 steals as a sophomore. Once again, it will come down to finding a consistent third scorer to pair with Ogden and Chartrand. UGA soccer-commit Kiera Staude is the lead candidate after posting 6.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.6 steals per game. Although not top-heavy like other regions, hands down the deepest region in Class 4A is Region 8. The 11-team region is both the biggest and the most well-balanced with a multitude of teams with a realistic chance at grabbing the coveted one-seed. No. 7 East Forsyth gets the slight advantage over the rest of a tightly packed group. The second-year program came on strong down the stretch in Class 3A, finishing 20-9 with a 68-51 loss at Pierce County in the Sweet 16. The entire roster returns including West Georgia-commit Alison Hiddema who was named Class 3A Most Improved Player, averaging 17 points and 10 rebounds while hitting 75 threes at a 38% rate. Ella Holbrook is a highly sought-after D-III point guard while Adeline Rosebush is a double-double threat that is effective in the pick-and-roll. Junior Nora Swafford had a strong Fall as a distributing point guard while sophomore Hailey Hiddema emerged as one of the better three-point shooters in Forsyth County. Sophomores Ayla Heard and Addison Rouse provide depth in the backcourt with solid IQ. No. 8 Chestatee doesn’t quite have the scoring balance that East Forsyth has but they aren’t far off. The Lady War Eagles graduate two starters from last year’s 21-9 team that toppled Arabia Mountain 45-41 before falling in the Sweet 16 at Carver-Columbus without their starting point guard, 62-36. While toughness and defense are their pillars and they will have to replace two starters, make no mistake Chestatee will go only as far as reigning Gainesville Times Player of the Year 5-foot-8 junior Riley Black takes them. Black had a breakout year, averaging 18 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.3 steals while drawing 26 charges. She overpowers opponents when driving to the basket with an aggressive physicality. Chestatee is at their best when they are hitting threes around Black. Sophomores Addison Boyd and Caroline Bull quickly made themselves irreplaceable in the backcourt with their catch-and-shoot skill. Junior Sierra Yarbrough is a defensive specialist while 5-foot-9 sophomore Payton Cable is a crucial anchor to the defense who draws charges and has an expanding offensive game. Look for freshman Blakely Boyd to force her way into the rotation quickly with how hard she plays. Don’t be surprised if Region 8 becomes a revolving door with a variety of teams spending time in the Top 10 as they cannibalize themselves with the likes of North Hall, Walnut Grove and Cedar Shoals possibly making appearances. No. 9 Southwest DeKalb pieced together a 20-10 record in Class 5A, but lost 59-32 in the Sweet 16 to Forest Park. Dropping down a classification, the Panthers will find themselves in a tougher top-heavy Region 6 chasing No. 1 Holy Innocents’ and No. 6 Westminster. The Panthers return everyone but leading scorer Alexandria Jackson. Undersized sophomore point guard Janiya McCoy (3.6 spg) was a First Team All-Region pick while junior Brooklyn Scrubb (6.2 rpg) garnered Second Team honors. Sophomore point guard Camille Files (2.9 apg) is an impressive athlete with a tight handle while sophomores Aalon Turner and Londyn Durden saw heavy minutes as versatile pieces.  The addition of 6-foot sophomore Jah’Naesia Spiers (10 ppg, 8 rpg, 1.3 bpg) from Arabia Mountain pushes Southwest DeKalb into the Top 10. A steady stream of international players have propelled No. 10 Trinity Christian into the Top 10 since they’ve joined the GHSA and now they jump from Class A-Private to Class 4A, but find themselves in a very winnable Region 4 with a solid core back although Kansas-signee Zsofia Telegdy has graduated. Coach Joe Daniels will rely on 5-foot-8 senior Madison Morge and 5-foot-8 junior Julia Susla to provide firepower in the backcourt. Morge has been a consistent double-digit scorer over the course of her career while Susla is now eligible after moving from Poland where she was a part of their U16 National Team. Susla will quickly gain traction with college coaches with her ability to make plays off the dribble as a scorer and facilitator. Her three-point shot will help space out the defense and allow single coverage inside for junior forward Aliyah Shaffer to work around the basket. Junior Lalah Logan will bring quickness and strength on the perimeter.

Class 3A

The top of Class 3A is as good as you’ll find in the smaller classifications with some teams relying heavily on transfers while a few others have stuck with a simple homegrown approach. No. 1 Hebron Christian climbs to Class 3A after a 26-6 finish in Class A-Private, losing 54-49 to Mt. Paran in the state championship. 5-foot-10 sophomore point guard Aubrey Beckham is back alongside juniors Nickyia Daniel, Amiya Porter and Kayla Lane, all who played major minutes in the state title game. Added to the mix are transfers Mia James (Mt. Vernon Presbyterian), Jakerra Butler (Winder-Barrow) and Queens-commit Trinity Butler (Winder-Barrow). James, a 5-foot-5 sophomore with D-I offers, was a Third Team All-Region selection while Jakerra, a 6-foot double-double machine, was a Region 8-6A All-Region pick. Look for freshman Alanna Beckham to earn varsity minutes next to her older sister. No. 2 Lumpkin County ran the table last year, the defending Class 3A champs finishing 30-1 going wire-to-wire as the top-ranked team in the state. The Indians rallied to beat GAC 51-47, using a 12-0 run in the fourth quarter to clinch their first title. Everyone returns for Coach David Dowse including reigning Class 3A Player of the Year 5-foot-10 wing Mary Mullinax, an Emory-commit that averaged 17.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 3.6 steals and shot 35% from three. Junior Averie Jones poured in 18.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.5 steals and shot 36% from three. Jones came up big throughout the postseason as the team’s go-to scorer netting 17 points in the championship, 14 in the Final 4 and 26 in the Elite 8 at Cross Creek. North Georgia-commit Lexi Pierce (12.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 4.6 apg, 3.6 spg, 36% 3PT) is coming off a broken leg, but isn’t expected to miss much time if any while 5-foot-11 Kate Jackson rounds out the core four, an Emmanuel-commit that averaged 12.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.4 steals and double-doubled with 15 points and 13 rebounds in the state championship. Depth will always be an area of concern as the Indians can ill afford a serious injury or foul trouble, but junior guard Ciera Brooks is much improved and 5-foot-9 freshman Madison Lee could contribute right away, providing some length, athleticism and versatility. The Indians will be challenged in the non-region schedule and will be tasked with surviving the toughest region in the class, Region 7 which houses No. 4 Wesleyan, No. 7 Pickens, No. 8 White County and a dangerous Dawson County. No. 3 Carver-Columbus is in an arms race with Hebron Christian, a vacuum in West Georgia that sucks up any talent in Muscogee County and now neighboring states. Six transfers spill into the program after the Tigers went 25-4 in Class 4A with a 78-61 loss to Luella in the Elite 8. 5-foot-8 senior Madyson Burney (Shining Star Sports Academy, VA – 13.5 ppg), 6-foot-2 junior Elyshah Huntley (Holmes County Central, MS – 3.7 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2.6 bpg), 5-foot-2 junior Ta’Nyjah Williams (Hardaway – 5.9 ppg, 3.4 apg, 2.1 spg), 5-foot-7 sophomore Camryn Thomas (Shaw – 13.3 ppg), 5-foot-10 sophomore Rania Curry (Augusta Christian – 10.5 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 4.9 apg, 3.2 spg) and sophomore Trinity Walker (Shaw – 6 ppg) have all been reported to move in. Already on the roster are six key seniors with just one piece graduating from last year’s group. 5-foot-9 Caylee Simpson (17 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 spg) returns as the team’s leading scorer while 5-foot-8 Jakayla Geiger is a sharpshooter and Jasmine Chaney and Akirya Robinson have experience in the backcourt. No. 4 Wesleyan’s 13-10 record a year ago was deceiving as they battled through injuries and a tough schedule. The Wolves ended their season in the first round with a 66-37 loss at the hands of eventual Class A-Private State Champion Mt. Paran. Coach Carolyn Blackman returns everyone including Class A-Private Most Improved Player 5-foot-4 junior Chit-Chat Wright who averaged 21.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 3 steals and hit 71 threes at a 60% rate. Joining her is fellow junior Eva Garabadian a dangerous floor spacer and physical sophomore guard Londyn Walker. 6-foot-1 sophomore Johanna Potter has a high ceiling and diverse skillset that could end up being an X-Factor. 5-foot-11 sophomore Desi Davis missed time last year but will be impactful around the basket when healthy. Wesleyan picked up a pair of transfers in 5-foot-7 junior Audrey Ekoue-Bla (Johns Creek) and 5-foot-9 senior Anna Sparks (Mansfield Christian, OH – 10.3 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2 apg, 3.1 spg) that will add depth. No. 5 Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe came out of nowhere last year to be named Class 3A Most Improved Team, going from 0-19 to 28-2 with an Elite 8 berth, falling 67-60 to GAC. How did they do it? All-State guard Christina Collins returned to action after missing nearly all of her sophomore season and put up 14.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals per game. Younger sister Christen Collins netted a team-high 17.7 points per game as a freshman while Angel Simmons, a transfer from Lookout Valley, TN, moved in and scored 16.7 points per game as a junior. Though undersized, the Warriors negate their lack of impactful height by playing fast, pressing and shooting the three. Testing themselves outside of a weak Region 6 will be important to prepare them for the state playoffs. No. 6 Cross Creek was dethroned by Lumpkin County in the Elite 8, 49-39, putting a close to a 25-2 season. The Razorbacks lose a lot of size and scoring graduating 5-foot-11 Erin Martin (12.3 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 1 bpg – Francis Marion) and 6-foot Jenna Wilbon (5 ppg, 6.2 rpg – Benedict) while 6-foot-2 senior Ja’Siiyah Holmes transferred to Josey. The Razorbacks will always have a chance as long as 5-foot-5 dynamo Michaela Bogans has the ball in her hands. The junior is an electrifying scorer and playmaker. She averaged 16.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4 assists and 3.2 steals. Her ability to score from all three levels and do so in quick spurts can swing momentum in a blink. Finding consistent scoring help around her will determine how far the Razorbacks go. Junior Tahjae Hawes (9.4 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.2 spg) and 5-foot-7 sophomore Brayla Harris (7.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg) are top options alongside Bogans. The Razorbacks should be able to run up a gaudy record in a six-team Region 4 which doesn’t have a single team other than Cross Creek that finished .500 or above last season. No. 7 Pickens lived life on the edge, rallying twice to make it to the Final 4 where the tables were turned, losing 38-35 to eventual Class 4A State Champion Marist after holding a 24-22 lead heading into the fourth. The Nettes bring back four of their top six players from last season’s 26-4 team led by juniors Caroline Mullins (13.6 ppg, 5 rpg, 3 apg, 1.8 spg) and Isabella Hopkins (8.2 ppg). Senior Madison Powell chipped in 4.2 points nightly while Emmie Moore provided 3.5 points per game as a freshman. 5-foot-9 freshman Ellison Steinhauer will make an immediate impact and quickly emerge as a top scorer. She provides length, energy and IQ. Playing in a much stronger region will help Pickens see where they stack up statewide as they will battle with four other teams that all have Top 10 aspirations. No. 8 White County is one of those formidable Region 7 teams that will try to advance through the regular season gauntlet and clinch a state playoff berth. The Warriors finished 13-12, dropping their final four games of the season, ousted 61-42 by GAC in the first round. White County plays nearly their entire roster and will press in waves. Emmanuel-commit 5-foot-10 wing Naomi Roberts (5.2 ppg, 3 rpg, 1 apg, 1.1 spg) is one of the most skilled and versatile players in North Georgia. Coach Jarvis Davenport has nice length inside and out in seniors 6-foot center Claire Beckman and 5-foot-10 shooter Maci Shelnut. 5-foot-10 junior Zoe Burkett is another long wing that can hit shots and help defend different spots. 5-foot-4 senior Chandler Weaver is a high-energy pesky defender while Aaliyah Anderson is a lanky 5-foot-7 junior guard that has played against strong competition on the travel circuit. The sophomore class can unlock just how good White County could end up being. 6-foot forward Kylie Watkins is highly-skilled at scoring around the rim and from the high post and has keen shot blocking acumen. 5-foot-5 Emma Lightsey is a floor spacing guard that can shoot off the catch or off the dribble all while having the ability to finish with either hand downhill. 5-foot-3 Mya Yeh is highly polished with a strong body, able to create for others as a playmaker and capable of scoring from beyond the arc or with a floater in traffic. Finding the right rotations and playing the hot hand could lead to a successful season for White County. No. 9 Monroe drops down a classification after going 15-14 in Region 1-4A, losing in the Sweet 16 to Heritage-Catoosa 49-47. The Golden Tornadoes return four of their top five players including 6-foot senior Aaliyah Robinson (15.4 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.5 apg, 2.3 spg). 5-foot-9 junior Ciarra Lunsford (9.3 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.9 spg) and 5-foot-5 senior Saniyah Graham (5.7 ppg, 6.2 apg, 3 spg) provide major experience around Robinson. No. 10 Oconee County was the only team out of Region 8 to advance past the first round, finishing 20-8 with a 47-30 loss in the Sweet 16 at Sumter County. The Warriors are set to return their top three players led by All-Region picks 6-foot senior Caroline Davis and 5-foot-11 senior Macey Matthews. 5-foot-8 junior Kylie Wilson is a soccer standout that has a physical build and can hit shots off the dribble from the perimeter.

Class 2A

12 teams that finished ranked in their respective classification’s Top 10 last year find themselves in the newly formed Class 2A, paced by defending Class A-Private state champion No. 1 Mt. Paran. The Eagles defeated Hebron Christian 54-49 to put the finishing touches on a 25-4 season. Sandy’s Spiel Miss Basketball Kara Dunn is now at Georgia Tech, leaving a massive void to fill. A talented sophomore class is anchored by High Major recruit 6-foot-1 Jessica Fields, who was a First Team All-State selection while also being named Class A-Private Freshman of the Year and Best Shot Blocker. In the backcourt sophomores Kitali Youmans and Jacalyn Myrthil are crafty playmakers and pesky defenders. Jada Harvey is a valuable forward that provided energy off the bench as a freshman. 6-foot junior Ciara Alexander (Holy Innocents’) and 5-foot-8 sophomore Isabella Ramirez (Holy Spirit Prep) have transferred in, Alexander a physical double-double threat and Ramirez a heady guard that sees the floor and can hit the open three. 5-foot-11 freshman Kennedy Deese could see minutes early in her career with her length and positional versatility. No. 2 Landmark Christian is also up from Class A-Private where they flew under the radar for much of the season, beating up on a weak region that saw no other team win more than seven games to compile a 21-9 mark, losing in the Elite 8 to Holy Innocents’ 66-39. To their credit, the War Eagles did play a very tough non-region schedule and secured their best two wins of the season against 17-10 McEachern (52-50) and 19-10 New Manchester (62-61) who advanced to the Class 5A Final 4. Landmark Christian returns three of their top four players headlined by 5-foot-9 junior Gabbie Grooms, a Georgia Tech-commit that averaged 17.9 points, 10 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.7 steals. 5-foot-11 sophomore Ivanna Djikanovic pitched in 7.4 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2 assists as a freshman while 5-foot-10 Skye Cleveland posted 6.3 points and 3.1 rebounds in Year 1. No. 3 Central-Macon went 23-6 in Class 3A, losing 56-34 at Pierce County in the Elite 8. The Lady Chargers return a strong nucleus led by junior point guard Taliah Grier, senior Kayla Pryor and junior Tayelor Davis. Sophomore Frances Anyakudo is an X-Factor inside with her rebounding and interior defense. The addition of 5-foot-5 junior Alaya Grane is a game changer. The high-octane scorer averaged 15.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.9 steals at Northside-Warner Robins. No. 4 Fannin County saw their season end at 26-3 against Josey for the second consecutive year, this time in the Elite 8, a rally falling short at 61-53. Becca Ledford (West Georgia) and Reagan York (Piedmont) are important pieces out the door, but All-State guard and reigning Region 7 Player of the Year 5-foot-5 junior Courtney Davis is back, a dynamic scorer that burns defenses with her three-point shot when they choose to go under screens. She has major experience in the backcourt next to her in seniors Ellie Cook, Reigan O’Neal and Riley Reeves. 5-foot-10 senior Ava Queen is a Truett McConnell-commit while 5-foot-9 junior Macy Hawkins is an effective rebounder. The Rebels are comfortable playing in close games but shouldn’t see too many in Region 7 other than when they matchup with No. 7 Murray County. No. 5 Josey couldn’t repeat as state champs, losing 56-40 against eventual champion Elbert County in the Final 4, closing the season at 24-6. Coach Jawan Bailey departed for Newton, leaving assistant Nichelle Chapman in charge of keeping the ball rolling. The Eagles graduate Aqoyas Cody (10.4 ppg, 7.3 rpg – Virginia Union) and Ky’Shonna Brown (10.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.8 apg – Jacksonville) but return leading scorer 5-foot-10 senior wing Arieonna Booker (10.9 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.6 apg, 3 spg). Sophomores Shaniya Sanders (6.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg) and Keasia Henderson (5.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.4 spg) will be asked to step up in the backcourt alongside senior Jacayla Shorty (4.3 ppg). The addition of 6-foot-2 senior Ja’Siiyah Holmes from Cross Creek will give Josey length inside. Right behind Josey is long-time rival No. 6 Laney. The Wildcats beat Josey in their first meeting 54-51, but lost 69-27 and then 63-58 in double overtime in the region championship. Laney finished the year 17-8 losing 85-52 in the Elite 8 at Northeast-Macon. Leading scorer 5-foot-9 senior Kiara Turner averaged 20.9 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 5.1 steals. Sister 5-foot-10 senior Ciara Turner chipped in 6.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 2.4 steals.  The Wildcats will need to replace guard Santanna Dennis who averaged 14.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.1 steals. Sophomore Raina Burns may be up to the task after posting 6.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2 assists per game as a freshman. Expect 6-foot senior Jameria Davis (4.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg) to be key inside as a rebounder. No. 7 Murray County improved from 9-10 to 21-7 in Class 3A, falling 52-31 at Cross Creek in the Sweet 16. The Indians return their star senior tandem of Carson-Newman-commit 6-foot wing Mattie Nuckolls (18.2 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 2 apg, 2.3 spg, 1.3 bpg) and 5-foot-7 Ella Dotson (17 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.9 apg, 2.6 spg). 5-foot-5 senior Kiersten Hixon (5 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.4 spg) will be an important third piece as Coach Chris Tipton will search for ball handling and scoring to go around his dynamic duo. Coming in off a 10-18 season but out of a juggernaut region, No. 8 Banks County is a serious threat to make a run this year behind a balanced inside-out attack. The Leopards are battle-tested following years in Region 8, escaping state title teams Elbert County and Rabun County who drop to Class 1A D-I but still must compete with fellow Sweet 16 team Union County who is a dangerous sleeper. Banks County lost in the Sweet 16 at Josey, running out of gas 41-29. Coach Steven Shedd returns his top five players including dominant post presence 6-foot-1 Kamryn Grier, an Emmanuel-commit. Grier averaged 16.3 points and 11.8 rebounds and proved she could do it against the best, posting 20 & 8 against Georgia State-commit Aaliyah Hunt, 19 & 16 against North Georgia-signee Ava Hunter, 21 & 15 vs. Hebron Christian, 18 & 7 vs. Elbert County, 16 & 18 vs. Rabun County and 16 & 13 in the loss to Josey. 6-foot junior Carley Segars (8.4 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.6 apg) is the second of the twin towers which teams must account for. Guard play will be integral for the Leopards to reach their ceiling. Injuries bit her in the offseason but 5-foot-6 junior Addison Hoard should now be healthy, a breakout candidate that averaged 10.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2.8 steals as a sophomore. Senior Madison Adams (4 ppg) and sophomore Reese Murphy (3.1 ppg) must help with handling the ball and hitting outside shots.  Keep an eye on 5-foot-8 sophomore Ryleigh Murphy to take a step forward. She provides length and athleticism defensively while able to stretch the floor on offense. No. 9 Dodge County compiled a 23-4 record but lost in the Sweet 16 to Callaway, 42-41. The Squaws bring back their top four players anchored by Class 2A Freshman of the Year 6-foot-1 Lyric Green (16.5 ppg, 9.3 rpg). Flag football star 5-foot-9 senior Altierra Gooch (14.6 ppg, 9.3 rpg) is a strong athlete with a nose for the ball. Sophomore Glenna Rae Whitley averaged 8 points per game as a freshman. Finding quality guard play that can handle pressure, hit open shots and feed the ball inside to Green will be vital. No. 10 Northeast-Macon posted a 23-7 record, losing 50-39 to Rabun County in the Final 4. Gone is prolific scorer Jakia Little (21.9 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 3.8 spg – East Georgia State) but back is 5-foot-6 senior Laniyah Richardson, a high-scoring shifty lefty that put up 15.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 3.1 steals per game. Finding support around her will determine whether the Raiders will stick in the Top 10 or not. Seniors Shadae Thorpe (6.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 3.3 apg, 3.6 spg) and Jalayzha Williams (5.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg) will play massive roles.

Class 1A D-I

Gone is the separation of public and private schools in the lower classifications which feels like a death knell especially in Class 1A D-I for many small schools tucked away in rural areas. With that said, on paper it looks like three of the four spots for the Final 4 are already filled as it will take a momentous upset to knock off any of the Top 3 teams in the state prior to the semifinals. No. 1 Galloway is loaded and anything less than a state championship will feel like a failure. The Scots went 18-10 in Class A-Private a season ago, falling victim to Hebron Christian in the Final 4, 49-47. Everyone is back led by First Team All-State point guard 5-foot-10 junior Tianna Thompson who holds a plethora of Mid/High Major offers. In the senior class, 5-foot-8 point guard Kailyn Fields is a Kennesaw State-commit while 5-foot-11 forward Kyla Cain holds offers from multiple Low/Mid-Major programs and 5-foot-9 shooting guard Allison Hoffmann has heard from schools of all levels, earning a Wofford offer back in September 2021. In the sophomore class, 5-foot-11 Jasmine Baxter is a punishing post presence with a polished back-to-the-basket game that will surely attract D-I schools, especially considering her bloodlines with her mom winning two ACC titles at Clemson. 6-footer Denaya Stokes is another young big that will be effective in Year 2. Joining the embarrassment of riches is Tianna Thompson’s little sister, 5-foot-9 freshman Taryn Thompson who already holds offers from Auburn, Georgia Tech and Georgia Southern. The Scots play in the toughest region in the classification, Region 6 due in part to being top-heavy with No. 2 St. Francis neck-and-neck for the one-seed. The Knights finished 26-4, losing 53-51 to Hebron Christian in the Elite 8 which extended St. Francis’ title drought to six years, last winning in 2016. The Knights dominated in a cupcake region compared to what Galloway went through last year, battling the likes of Holy Innocents’, Hebron Christian and Wesleyan, but the Knights most certainly were and still are for real. Erica Moon (6.8 ppg, 4.3 apg) only appeared in six games last year before tearing her ACL but the Texas A&M-commit is ready to remind the state just how good of a scorer and playmaker she is. What has always separated St. Francis from the rest of the field is their length. 6-foot-2 junior Sa’Mya Wyatt led the Knights in scoring at 14 points per game to go with 4.5 rebounds and 1.7 steals. 6-foot-3 Kennesaw State-commit Trynce Taylor (12.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.6 apg, 2 spg) and 6-foot-4 senior Anaja Hall (8.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1 spg, 1.5 bpg) provide elite length that can’t be matched. Looking to overwhelm teams with their press, expect sophomore Desi Taylor (8.5 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 4.6 apg, 3.3 spg) and junior Nya Young (4.6 ppg, 4.2 apg, 1.8 spg) to rack up plenty of steals. 5-foot-5 senior Allie White led the team in three-pointers hitting 37-109 (34%) to average 7.8 points. 6-foot-1 sophomore Amelia Basit (6.5 ppg, 5 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.5 spg) is a good long-term prospect. A repeat for a state title will be infinitely harder for defending Class 2A champion No. 3 Elbert County, but they feel like a lock to at least return to the Final 4 with every key contributor back. The Blue Devils finished the season 28-4, outlasting Region 8 rival Rabun County in a game that was poorly officiated for both sides – a 56-foul nightmare of a championship – 52-44. Senior-laden Elbert County is extremely tiny, especially compared to St. Francis, but they are tenacious on defense led by sparkplug guards 5-foot-5 Aaniyah Allen (19.4 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 4.2 spg) and 5-foot-3 Niya Moon. Allen, last year’s Class 2A Player of the Year, is a blur in transition, elite at darting her way to the rim while Moon is Coach Josh Jones’ ace of a three-point shooter. The third head of the attack is 5-foot-5 Terrace Hester, another stingy on-ball defender that can hit timely open shots. The X-Factor for Elbert County however is 5-foot-10 senior Brenasia Faust, an invaluable rim protector and rebounder that prevents the Blue Devils from getting killed inside. Expect Elbert County to wage war with Rabun County again in a solid Region 8 that now features Class A-Public semifinalist Commerce and Class A-Private quarterfinalist Tallulah Falls. A potential disruptor that could represent south of Macon is No. 4 Woodville-Tompkins. The Wolverines went 18-10, letting a halftime lead slowly slip away in a 54-44 Sweet 16 loss at Rabun County. Coach Jeffery Roberson returns his top four players, anchored by reigning Class 2A Best Shot Blocker and Most Improved Player, 6-foot-2 junior Brianna Pelote (15.5 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 5.7 bpg). Seniors Sanai Chisholm (13 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3.3 apg, 2.6 spg), Janiyah Heyward (12.6 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 3.2 apg, 3 spg) and Dyquria Taylor (6.1 ppg, 6 rpg) are major contributors. Chisholm, a 5-foot-7 left-handed guard, is an aggressive scorer with a good handle and quality outside shot. Heyward is a physical 5-foot-8 bully of a wing that crashes the glass relentlessly and plays bigger than her size. The Wolverines will come out of a competitive Region 3 that features No. 8 Screven County and No. 9 Bryan County along with 15-7 Claxton and a dangerous 13-13 Savannah team that drops from Class 3A and returns their top three players. No. 5 Rabun County opens in the Top 5 but graduates four starters from last year’s 24-6 team that fell in the Class 2A State Championship to Elbert County, 52-44 after beating the Blue Devils twice in the regular season, the home team winning each game including the LadyCats triumphing in the Region 8 championship on their home floor 47-40, their first region title since 2019. With their top three scorers gone, Rabun County will turn to 5-foot-9 junior Lucy Hood to up her scoring production after the All-State playmaker averaged 9.5 points, 4 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.8 steals per game. Joining her will be 5-foot-8 junior Ellie Southards who missed all of last season with a torn ACL after posting 9.2 points, 4.7 rebounds per game and shooting 39% from three as a freshman. The tandem realistically will need to average at least 30 points per game combined to carry the offense. Don’t be surprised if Southards ends up leading the team in scoring, but finding points outside of her and Hood will determine the success of the season. Cross country standout Trea Blalock will be the presumed third scoring option on the perimeter after averaging 2.6 points per game off the bench as a junior. Softballers 5-foot-9 senior Mary Lovell (3.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg) and 5-foot-3 junior Mili Watts (3 ppg, 2 spg) bring energy and aggressive toughness to the team. No. 6 Swainsboro recorded a 20-3 mark but were gashed at home in the Sweet 16 by Elbert County, 53-32, highlighting the gap there was between Region 8 and the rest of the classification last year. The Tigers will run it back with their top three players set to return led by juniors Jayden Wynn (10.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.5 apg, 3.1 spg) and 5-foot-11 Taniya Williams (10.2 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 2.2 spg, 1.3 bpg) – Williams only appearing in the opening six games of the season after averaging 10.5 points, 12.3 rebounds, 2.7 steals and 1.8 blocks as a freshman. 5-foot-3 senior Serah Kelly netted 9.8 points per game. No. 7 Heard County went 22-7, departing in the Sweet 16 with a 71-45 loss to Northeast-Macon. Region Player of the Year 5-foot-8 junior Jayden Boykin was an All-State pick, thriving as a physical high-energy guard that can play bully-ball when attacking the hoop. Seniors Jasmine Owens and Shyann Kelley were both Second Team All-Region selections. No. 8 Screven County posted a 21-4 record in Class A-Public but fell 57-53 at home in the Sweet 16 to Taylor County. The Gamecocks graduate only one senior and welcome back their top three scorers in senior Ta’miya Tyler (11.3 ppg), junior Alailah Scott (11.1 ppg) and senior Asia Roberson (10.4 ppg). Marking the third team out of Region 3 to crack the Top 10 is No. 9 Bryan County, who joins Screven County and Woodville-Tompkins. The Redskins split with Screven County in two low scoring games but went on to settle for the three-seed, losing thrice to region rival Claxton. Bryan County’s season would end in the Class A-Public Sweet 16, losing 56-48 to eventual state runner-up Hancock Central, closing the year 23-6. Coach Mario Mincey loses his second and third leading scorers but welcomes back 5-foot-4 senior Kenzie Stucker (13.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.3 apg, 3.2 spg) and 5-foot-7 sophomore Ashanti Brown (6.4 ppg, 11.2 rpg, 2.5 spg, 2.1 bpg). The significant addition of 5-foot-6 junior Kayley Wedlow pushes the Redskins into the rankings. As a sophomore at Statesboro, Wedlow averaged 8.7 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.6 steals while hitting 27-83 threes (33%). Her ability to stretch the floor will help replace Niyah Shuman, a 13.1-point-per-game scorer that led Bryan County with 61 made threes (42%). No. 10 Trion lost at Montgomery County 52-36 in the Class A-Public Sweet 16, putting a capper on an 18-9 season. 5-foot-3 junior point guard I’ziah McCutchins is one of the best lead guards in the classification and will keep Trion competitive against anyone they play outside of the top three. She’s a multi-level scorer that protects the ball, facilitates and defends. Finding consistent help around her will determine whether Trion sinks or swims in Region 7. All-Region Honorable Mention selections senior Ransley Lawrence and junior Kinzleigh Turner round out Trion’s core.

Class 1A D-II

Only six teams that finished the season ranked last year debut in the initial Class 1A D-II poll, which essentially is the old Class A-Public but with a small sprinkling of private schools primarily found in Region 7. Defending Class A-Public State Champion No. 1 Lake Oconee Academy is the team to beat after posting a 26-1 record, defeating Hancock Central 45-29 in the title game. The Titans return their entire roster but lose Coach Ed Wilson to Frederica Academy after one season. Savannah Soles, a former player of Lumpkin County Coach David Dowse while at McIntosh, steps in for her first head coaching gig after serving as an assistant. The Titans separate themselves from most teams in the classification having steady guard play that is not just athletic, but can shoot and play a disciplined style. All-State guards flood the roster between 5-foot-5 senior Jada Williams (12.6 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 2.7 apg, 5.5 spg), 5-foot-9 senior Hannah Heinen (12.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2.6 spg) and 5-foot-8 junior Georgia Bosart (11 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 4.7 apg, 2.3 spg) who dominated in the state championship with 17 points, 20 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. Williams is a freak athlete with an unbelievable motor able to fly around the court and swoop in to block shots. 5-foot-7 senior Kensi Stevens (8 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.7 apg, 2.9 spg) is another cut athlete and 5-foot-6 junior Jane Monachello (5.8 ppg) is a reliable glue guy. You will be hard-pressed to find another Class 1A D-II school that can shoot the three as well as the Titans can. As a team, Lake Oconee Academy sank 206 threes at a 29% rate. Heinen (56 – 31%), Bosart (53 – 37%), Williams (45 – 32%) and Stevens (35 – 28%) all are legitimate threats to space the floor. No. 2 Taylor County returns their top five players from last season’s 23-5 team that made a run to the Final 4, losing 58-30 to Lake Oconee Academy. Senior Jaliyah Zackery is a load inside averaging 20.5 points and 11.7 rebounds. Junior Trista Bennett (10.9 ppg, 5.3 spg) and senior Jalayah Zackery (6.8 ppg, 7.1 rpg) round out the Vikings’ primary options as they hunt for their 12^th state title and first since 2015. No. 3 Clinch County has a lot of weapons to choose from. With their top six players back from a 16-4 team that lost 47-33 to Commerce in the Sweet 16, the Pantherettes should be battle-tested heading into the state tournament once they survive a tough Region 2 which features No. 5 Turner County and No. 8 Charlton County. Senior Ameyion Grady was offensive Region Player of the Year after leading the team in scoring. 6-foot junior Tyana Dorsey is a strong post presence with nice moves on the low block. She’s an effective rebounder and a good rim protector that was a First Team All-Region pick. Seniors DiNica Grady and MaKyah Rowles were Second Team selections along with junior Asia Hood. Junior Jada White earned Honorable Mention. Keep an eye out for 5-foot-10 freshman Amariah Dean. She looks to be the second coming of Angel McRae (Brewton-Parker). Dean is a great athlete that rebounds and pushes the ball up the floor herself. Her versatility and aggressiveness could be an X-Factor that pushes Clinch County to their first title since 1993. Coming in at No. 4 is Schley County, fresh off an 18-5 season which ended in the Sweet 16, losing 44-38 to Pelham. The Wildcats are the second team out of Region 6 to debut in the rankings, close behind No. 2 Taylor County; Schley County took two of three in their meetings. 5-foot-9 sophomore Jesstynie Scott is the best college prospect in the classification, already holding offers from Flagler, Longwood and Georgia Southwestern. She played against elite competition during the travel season and shouldn’t have an issue improving upon her Class A-Public Freshman of the Year season in which she piled in 18.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 5 steals per game. Juniors Emma Walker (6.7 ppg, 3.8 rpg) and Daneria Thornton (6.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2.6 spg) are her primary supporting cast. No. 5 Turner County marks the second team out of Region 2. The Titans finished 16-9 but fell at Dublin in the first round, 57-53. GHSA leading scorer 5-foot-9 senior TyKhia Burgess (25.7 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 1.5 apg, 3.5 spg, 2.2 bpg) is back. Burgess is an overwhelming wiry athlete that has a non-stop motor. She hustles the full 94-feet and earns easy baskets with her nose for the ball. Seniors Alesha Sims (10.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg) and Jaliyah Gilbert (7.1 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.5 spg) are key pieces along with sophomore Za’Najia Lawson (4.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.3 spg). The move-in of junior Caitlyn Burgess from Tift County will pay immediate dividends. The 5-foot-7 guard averaged 4.2 points per game in Class 7A and should easily at least double her production in the state’s smallest classification. It looked like last year was the year for No. 6 Montgomery County but the 25-3 Eagles squandered a golden opportunity, losing 58-56 at home in the Elite 8 against Hancock Central. Makyla Bell (16.6 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.4 apg, 4 spg) is a huge loss but sister Marley Bell returns for Year 3 after winning Class A-Public Player of the Year as a 5-foot-9 sophomore, pouring in 18.3 points, 13.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 5.2 steals and 2.3 blocks per game. Junior Amire Banks (9.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3.8 apg, 3 spg) moves into the second option role. The Eagles should be able to run up a pretty record in a weak and small Region 3. Another team that felt like if ever it were their year, it was last season, No. 7 Mt. Zion-Carrollton goes back to the drawing board after injuries helped derail a promising season which was still an overall success at 22-7, losing a tight game in the Sweet 16 against Dublin, 42-36. Coach Tyler Wright returns his entire roster except for All-State guard Jordan Kierbow (Shorter). Four seniors power a veteran team paced by First Team All-Region picks Zoey Holland and Shaniah Farley; Holland one of the best shooters in the classification. Second Teamers Nesaiah Farley and Amaria King round out the nucleus. In a bare-bones Region 7 with schools not even guaranteed to field a team on a nightly basis, expect the Eagles to only compete with Greenforest for the one-seed. No. 8 Charlton County is the third team out of Region 2, a six-team region, to debut in the Top 10. The Indians finished 23-6 and lost 61-40 to Lake Oconee Academy in the Sweet 16. Senior Makaylah Garard (18.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2 apg, 2.4 spg) will have heavy lifting to do now that Jordan Vernon (16.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg) is at Piedmont. Junior Heaven Whitlock (7.4 ppg) will be asked to step up. No. 9 Telfair County went 18-8 but lost 60-46 to Charlton County in the first round of state. Leading scorer junior Zahmya McDuffie (12.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.9 apg, 2 spg) is back. Sophomore Passion Clay averaged 10.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 3.1 steals as a freshman. Senior Mia Reese (5.9 ppg, 8.7 rpg) led the team in rebounding. No. 10 Greenforest fills out the Top 10. The Eagles went 6-13 in Class A-Private with a 53-51 loss to Brookstone in the first round. Greenforest is scheduled to return everyone but leading scorer Devine Lukombo. The overwhelming size of seniors 6-foot-4 Sephora Diakese (15.3 ppg, 12.9 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.5 spg, 3 bpg) and 5-foot-11 Thalia Mungeni (11.6 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.4 spg, 1 bpg) can take over games. The Eagles have experience playing tough competition in Class A-Private. If they can get steady play out of their guards, Greenforest could become a danger to make a deep run.