Class AAAAAA

1. Grayson
2. Wheeler
3. Norcross
4. Newton
5. Walton
6. Pebblebrook
7. McEachern
8. Buford
9. Etowah
10. Lambert

Class AAAAA

1. Milton
2. Tri-Cities
3. Woodward Academy
4. Langston Hughes
5. Lee County
6. Riverwood
7. Woodstock
8. Winder-Barrow
9. Gainesville
10. Habersham Central

Class AAAA

1. Pace Academy
2. North Oconee
3. Kell
4. Jonesboro
5. St. Pius X
6. McDonough
7. Maynard Jackson
8. Marist
9. Benedictine
10. Central-Carrollton

Class AAA

1. Cedar Grove
2. Westside-Augusta
3. Dougherty
4. Cross Creek
5. Sandy Creek
6. Pickens
7. Baldwin
8. Upson-Lee
9. Cherokee Bluff
10. Johnson-Savannah

Class AA

1. Columbia
2. Carver-Columbus
3. Butler
4. South Atlanta
5. Spencer
6. Westside-Macon
7. Thomson
8. Hart County
9. Union County
10. Franklin County

Class A D-I

1. Southwest-Macon
2. BEST Academy
3. Model
4. Jasper County
5. Toombs County
6. Temple
7. Rabun County
8. Woodville-Tompkins
9. Swainsboro
10. Banks County

Class A D-II

1. Savannah
2. Warren County
3. Manchester
4. Calhoun County
5. McIntosh County Academy
6. Early County
7. Randolph-Clay
8. Macon County
9. Jenkins County
10. Mt. Zion-Carrollton

Class 3A-1A Private

1. Holy Innocents’
2. Greenforest
3. North Cobb Christian
4. Darlington
5. St. Francis
6. Paideia
7. Mt. Bethel
8. King’s Ridge
9. Hebron Christian
10. Mt. Vernon

The 2024-25 GHSA Boys Basketball season is upon us. With the crunch of seven classifications into six, expect winning a state title to become even harder, unless you are a smaller public school. With private schools from Class 3A to 1A all vying for just one championship, tiny county schools have an opportunity to make history. Tracking the power ratings system will be interesting in Year 1 of implementation as gamesmanship as far as scheduling goes will come back into play for the smaller classifications over the next few years.

Class 6A

Heading into the season it feels like there are three, maybe four teams that are a cut above the rest when it comes to roster construction with transfers juicing up programs with sights set on being nationally ranked. Defending Class 7A State Champion No. 1 Grayson has the target on their back after getting over the hump last season. The Rams toppled McEachern 51-41 to close the year 30-2. Returning are seniors 6-foot-9 Georgia-commit Jacob Wilkins (14.1 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.7 spg, 1.8 bpg) and 6-foot-8 Amir Taylor (14.3 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.1 bpg), who holds a plethora of Mid-Major offers. The backcourt sees a new star-studded cast highlighted by Alabama Gatorade Player of the Year, 6-foot-5 junior Caleb Holt who averaged 20.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 3 steals per game at Buckhorn where he earned five-star status. 6-foot-4 Cal State Fullerton-commit Kiwane Garris (18.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.4 apg) is in after helping Mt. Vernon to a state championship while 5-foot-9 senior Chris McLavish moves in from Kell where he won a state title as well. Frontcourt additions feature 6-foot-8 junior Jayvon Rampersant, a Hudson Catholic, NJ native that moved to Berkmar this summer before ending at Grayson and 6-foot-7 sophomore Janon Singh, another Berkmar defect. 6-foot-1 freshman Blaze Johnson is the next promising young Ram guard, a terrific shooter already with offers from Radford and Texas A&M-Commerce. 6-foot-2 junior Kamari Brown is a trustworthy playmaker that should see minutes as well. No. 2 Wheeler finished 25-6 with a 63-56 loss to McEachern in the Final Four. Three transfers strengthen a core that returns a lot, adding 6-foot-8 Ole Miss-commit Tylis Jordan (21.3 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.1 spg, 1.4 bpg – Shiloh), 6-foot-5 junior Colben Landrew from Thompson, AL who holds multiple High Major offers and 6-foot-6 senior Mansur McClain from Foothill, CA who is now at his fourth school. The trio joins 6-foot-3 Charleston Southern-commit Jacob Taylor, a strong junior backcourt in Lamarrion Lewis, Kota Suttle and Amare James and 5-foot-10 sophomore Kevin Savage who nabbed offers from Hampton, Cincinnati and Central Florida this offseason. Coming off a disappointing for their standards 17-14 season that still culminated in an Elite Eight trip, losing 72-57 to McEachern, No. 3 Norcross has retooled their roster with six transfers. The backcourt adds All-State guards 6-foot-2 Class 3A Freshman of the Year Rudy Anderson (14.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.5 spg – Savannah Country Day) and 6-foot-3 senior Connor Teasley (21 ppg, 7 rpg, 3 apg, 2 spg – Peachtree Ridge). Length and versatility comes from 6-foot-5 senior Miles Clanton (North Gwinnett), 6-foot-7 senior Whitfield Hyde (Dunwoody) and 6-foot-4 senior Thomas McBride (Osborne) while 7-foot sophomore Mario Sherman from Central-Macon represents long-term upside. 6-foot-6 four-star junior Jaron Saulsberry returns with big-game experience while juniors AJ Gillespie and Alex Pace will battle for playing time along with 6-foot-4 sophomore Joshua Smith. No. 4 Newton posted a 20-7 record, losing 67-64 at McEachern in the Sweet 16. The Rams pass the eye-test with their speed and length although they did lose some key transfers over the summer. 6-foot-6 Appalachian State-commit Ted Neal is flanked by 6-foot-7 junior Jordan Green while the backcourt features 6-foot-2 Minnesota football-commit Zachry Harden. The Rams added 6-foot-6 senior Daniel Stephen from Social Circle where he averaged 8.9 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks along with All-State senior guard Marcus Smith II from Walnut Grove who replaces Tim Prather (Jonesboro) and Kevin White (Gainesville). While the top three, maybe four seem like good bets to float within the Top 5 all season long, spots 5-10 will be competitive and likely ever changing. No. 5 Walton gets pole position outside of the big boys coming off a 23-6 season where they fell in the Sweet 16 to Milton 57-49. Replacing Luke Flynn (Wofford) as the go-to guy is 6-foot-3 Lehigh-commit Caesar Burrows. A veteran backcourt also features seniors Kaeden Gilstrap and 6-foot-4 Sewanee-commit Nikolas Avaliani. 6-foot-7 sophomore CJ Jordan II is a potential X-Factor, the quarterback being a dynamic presence in the paint with his mobility and advancing skillset. No. 6 Pebblebrook finished just 13-17 but still maneuvered their way to an Elite Eight berth, losing 79-65 to Milton. The Falcons lost Lehigh-commit Caleb Thomas to Combine Academy, NC this offseason but added 6-foot-2 senior Jayvion Nurse from Osborne. Pebblebrook still has a potent guard group between senior Max McNeill and juniors Zyree Brown and Jaylen Humphrey. 6-foot-6 sophomore Anthony Moon is an important combo-forward. No. 7 McEachern looks much different with the graduation of All-American Ace Bailey (Rutgers). The Indians lost in the Class 7A State Championship to Grayson 51-41 as McEachern struggled to support Bailey who netted 18 points. Coming off their 26-6 season, McEachern will look toward the senior core of 6-foot-3 Jayden Bynes (9.7 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 34% 3PT), 6-foot-1 Christian Curl and 6-foot-6 Isaiah Dulaney (4 ppg, 1.8 rpg) to lead the way. There are rumors that former five-star prospect 6-foot-9 senior JD Palm may return to action after missing nearly two seasons due to FSGS, a rare genetic disease that forced him into surgery to remove both kidneys. No. 8 Buford recorded a 25-4 mark, but fell in the Sweet 16 to Norcross 54-48 after needing a late rally to get past Osborne in the first round. The Wolves don’t have much size remaining on the roster and will rely on quick guard play, sharing the ball and timely three-point shooting. The senior class is anchored by the versatility and toughness of 6-foot-2 bowling ball Kyle Carpenter along with Edward Hunter III and Ben Wilcox. The junior class provides firepower from beyond the arc in tiny shooters 5-foot-10 Dillon Nixon and 5-foot-9 Torre Costin. 5-foot-10 sophomore Amare Temple moves in from Lanier and will bring even more athleticism and outside shooting to the table. Being able to outrebound and defend bigger opponents will be a key area of emphasis for the smaller Wolves. No. 9 Etowah went 20-7 but bowed out in the First Round of the Class 6A State Playoffs, losing at home 56-50 to Alpharetta. Two important transfers elevate the Eagles in 5-foot-10 junior Will Myles (3.8 ppg, 2.5 apg – Lee County) – who was arguably Etowah’s best offensive player this summer – and 6-foot-6 senior Alex Young (15 ppg, 8 rpg, 39% 3PT – Brookwood). The tandem joins a defensive-minded group that shoots the three exceptionally well. 6-foot-4 Alabama-Huntsville-commit Aiden Weaver is a dynamic athlete while 5-foot-11 senior Cooper Heller is a lights-out shooter. No. 10 Lambert enters the year off an 18-11 campaign that resulted in a Class 7A First Round exit, bashed by Berkmar 70-35. Much returns for the Longhorns including Preseason All-State selections 5-foot-11 senior Cameron Bland (23 ppg, 5 rpg, 3 apg) and 6-foot-6 junior Will Dopfer (16 ppg, 9 rpg, 2 bpg). 5-foot-8 senior Brooks Wehman is a Navy lacrosse-commit who is also a savvy playmaker on the hardwood that averaged 6 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals per game. The Longhorns have small guards but they can light it up from deep with 5-foot-9 junior Kenny LaRue and St. Francis transfer 5-foot-8 junior Dyson Beaty. Inside, a pair of seniors are serviceable between 6-foot-7 Taj McLeod and 6-foot-7 Tarun Kilaru.

Class 5A

No. 1 Milton has one of the deepest rosters in the state coming off a 20-11 campaign which ended with a 57-40 loss to Grayson in the Class 7A Final Four. The Eagles have added five transfers to surround 1,500-point scorer Josh Dixon, a Milwaukee-commit. 6-foot-7 defensive anchor and energy provider Daniel Ogunyemi is a Yale-commit. 6-foot-2 senior Dhvanish Vaghela is a true three-point specialist while 6-foot-7 senior Braxton Giesler is an inside-out stretch forward and 6-foot junior Grant McDuffie is a potent scorer when given the chance. Freshman Mason Pridgett holds long-term promise but will be hard-pressed to find consistent minutes in a deep backcourt. 6-foot-2 junior Nathan Earl transfers back to Georgia after debuting as a freshman at Wheeler and playing at Windermere, FL last season. Nathan picked up offers from Cal, Alabama State, Central Florida and Auburn this offseason. Younger brother Caden also transferred to Milton originally but left for Next Level Academy. 6-foot-2 senior Jaydon Cole (17.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3.2 apg, 1.9 spg) transfers from King’s Ridge to provide sharpshooting while 6-foot sophomore Zaire Johnson comes over from Sandy Creek. The frontcourt got much bigger over the offseason once 6-foot-10 senior Colin McHaney (Blessed Trinity) and 6-foot-8 sophomore Solomon Bratton (Wheeler) funneled in. No. 2 Tri-Cities was never at full strength last season, unable to get 6-foot-8 Jalan Wingfield eligible for his sophomore season upon transferring from Thomas County Central, but the Bulldogs still went 21-9 before falling in the Class 5A Elite Eight to Eagle’s Landing 66-51. Wingfield, a four-star recruit, returns to a loaded core that will be paced by Class 5A Freshman of the Year 6-foot-2 Tre Keith, who poured in 21.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.6 steals per game en route to picking up offers from Georgia, Cincinnati, South Florida and Kennesaw State. 6-foot-8 junior Jayden London (9.3 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.3 bpg) is an athletic rim protector and 5-foot-10 sophomore Khalid Jones (5.6 ppg) is a sneaky good guard who may get overshadowed at times. Rounding out the Bulldogs’ lengthy frontcourt is 6-foot-6 Georgia Southern-commit Sean Van Dorn, who moves back to Georgia after starting his career at Fayette County and spending last season at Rock Creek Christian, MD. Also added into the fold is 6-foot-3 senior guard Carby Martin, who averaged 15.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.7 steals while at East Coweta. No stranger to being in brutal regions, Tri-Cities will have their hands full yet again in Region 4 which houses stingy unranked programs Decatur and Shiloh along with No. 3 Woodward Academy who enters the year off a 26-6 season, losing in the Class 6A Final Four to Alexander 93-64. The War Eagles have a ton back headlined by seniors 6-foot-6 Deke Cooper (14.8 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.5 spg) and 6-foot-3 Clemson-commit Zac Foster (12.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.9 spg, 1 bpg). 6-foot-4 senior Payton Waites (7.2 ppg, 2 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.6 spg) balances the attack. The War Eagles have burgeoning stars in brothers 6-foot-5 sophomore Jarvis Hayes Jr. (5.1 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 1.1 apg) and 6-foot-5 freshman Myles Hayes, the sons of current Georgia State Assistant Coach Jarvis Hayes both with High Major offers already. Elliott Montgomery takes over No. 4 Langston Hughes after taking Eagle’s Landing to four-straight state championship appearances, replacing Rory Welsh who left for Decatur. The Panthers finished the season 21-9, clawing their way to a Class 6A Elite Eight berth where they lost to Jonesboro 62-51. 6-foot-7 senior Jaron LeMelle returns as the team’s most experienced asset, the two-way standout averaging 12 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1 steal and 1.7 blocks per game as a stretchy forward. 6-foot junior Addison Dyer (7.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1 spg) and 6-foot-3 junior Kendrell Agnew (4 ppg, 2.6 rpg) saw steady minutes last season. Four-star tight end 6-foot-6 junior Xavier Tiller (3 ppg, 4.5 rpg) will bring toughness off the gridiron if he continues to play basketball. The Panthers nabbed two transfers in 6-foot-2 senior Dior Smith (4.6 ppg – Hampton) and 6-foot-7 senior Ethan Carter, a Preseason All-State pick and D-I caliber talent. No. 5 Lee County couldn’t return to Macon after losing in the state championship, instead bounced in the First Round at home in overtime by eventual state champion Riverwood 87-84, to close the year 23-4. Lee County proved they could compete with the best of the best this June at GBCA Live, but their ceiling has seemingly shrunk with the loss of 6-foot-7 Florida Atlantic-commit Josiah Parker to the OTE. While the Trojans don’t have a dynamic frontcourt player any more, their backcourt is still extremely tough with the addition of 6-foot-2 Air Force-commit Kameron Sanders from Fairfield, OH to play alongside stock-riser 6-foot-3 senior Braden Moore (11 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 7.8 apg, 1 spg) who earned offers from Arkansas-Pine Bluff, South Carolina State and Portland this summer. 6-foot-6 senior Matt Hardwick (7.9 ppg, 7 rpg) is a sneakily skilled physical big as is 6-foot-4 junior Tre’Cori Green (6.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg). Four-star running back 6-foot-2 Ousmane Kromah is a UGA-commit that will bring immense energy and athleticism if he decides to play basketball his final season, coming off a year in which he contributed 5.7 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. No. 6 Riverwood had a magical run to their first-ever state title, a four-seed winning every game on the road, capped by a thrilling 67-63 overtime win against Alexander for the 6A championship. Part of one of the highest scoring duos in the nation, Karris Bilal (26 ppg) is now at Vanderbilt but the second head of the attack 6-foot-5 senior JR Leonard is back after averaging 24.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.7 steals per game including dropping 31 points in the title game, going 19-23 from the foul line. Joining Leonard this season are three transfers that should help score the ball. 6-foot-2 junior Aiden Aponte averaged 8.5 points per game at Morrow after being named Class A D-I Freshman of the Year while at Galloway where he netted 14.7 points per game. 6-foot-4 senior JoJo Dunham moves over from Red Rock Academy, NV while 6-foot-4 sophomore Clinton McCants chipped in 7.4 points and 4 rebounds a night at Galloway. The Raiders can’t take any nights off in a tough eight-team Region 6 which features teams like No. 7 Woodstock, Pope (23-6), Sprayberry (21-9) and Sequoyah (18-11) on the precipice of cracking into the Top 10. No. 7 Woodstock enters the year coming off the best season in school history in Year 1 of Coach Eric Blair’s tenure, a 20-10 season which featured program firsts: a Region 6-6A title  and an Elite Eight berth, stopped by eventual champion Riverwood 70-64. The Wolverines are anchored inside by 6A Freshman of the Year 6-foot-8 Taj Saragba who averaged 11.8 points and 11.2 rebounds per game en route to earning a spot on the MaxPreps Freshman All-America Team. Surrounding him are juniors 5-foot-8 JJ Feuerstein, 5-foot-11 Camden Smith and 6-foot-1 Kannon Hawes along with seniors 6-foot-2 Joseph Tully and 6-foot-3  Warren Robinson. 6-foot-4 freshman Jamai McClure should make an impact with his length and three-point shooting. Three transfers bolster an already deep group with 6-foot-6 sophomore Joshua Schulze coming from North Cobb Christian and 6-foot senior Landon Duncan making his way from Kell. The late addition of 5-foot-11 freshman Jahmar Maurice from Furtah Prep pushes Woodstock over the top and makes them a legitimate title contender. The freshman phenom is an unstoppable downhill attacker that won Sandy’s Spiel Fall League MVP upon averaging 20.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.6 steals and is is a favorite to win Class 5A Freshman of the Year this season. No. 8 Winder-Barrow pounded out a 26-5 record on their way to the first Final Four trip in school history where they were defeated by eventual Class 5A champion Kell, 66-34. A few key pieces in the front and backcourt graduate but a strong nucleus remains led by 6-foot-5 junior Jerrin Samuel who garnered offers from Ohio, Georgia State, Chattanooga, Kennesaw State and Liberty this offseason. Older brother 6-foot-7 senior Jordan Samuel has pulled offers from Voorhees, South Georgia Tech and Itawamba as an athletic multi-positional defender and continually improving offensive threat. The backcourt has experience and versatile scorers between senior 6-foot-3 Jeremiah Shealey, 6-foot-3 JD Estime and 5-foot-11 Brian Arnold. No. 9 Gainesville has gone from a middling program to a sanctuary program with 12 transfers over two seasons with five more coming this year. The Red Elephants finished just 11-18 as a few prized transfers were ruled ineligible, but Gainesville still snuck in the playoffs where they lost in the Class 6A First Round to Alexander 70-47. On paper, one could argue that the Red Elephants have nearly as deep a roster as any of the top ranked programs in Class 5A. 6-foot-8 junior Charlie Gersmehl is a Preseason All-State pick after dominating JV last season due to being ineligible after coming from South Forsyth. He holds offers from Kennesaw State and Ohio. 6-foot-3 junior Brandon Nelson was an All-Region 8-6A Honorable Mention selection last season. 6-foot-6 senior Zekyle Amir left Central-Carrollton in the middle of the season and ended up at Gainesville, giving the Red Elephants great length and versatility when paired with this year’s transfer class which holds 6-foot-7 senior Jaxson Jones (Collins Hill) and 6-foot-6 Quintin Mansfield (Grayson) in the frontcourt while the backcourt adds 5-foot-10 junior Kevin White (Newton), 6-foot junior Sebastian Collins (Grayson) and 6-foot junior Caden Jackson (Brookwood). The Red Elephants also have two key pieces coming off the football field if they are allowed to play led by 6-foot-4 five-star linebacker Xavier Griffin, a USC-commit that was First Team All-Region in basketball after coming over from Cherokee Bluff and 5-foot-11 senior Jeremiah Ware, a three-star wide receiver committed to Georgia Southern who transferred from Flowery Branch last season after football. No. 10 Habersham Central crafted together a 20-8 record, losing in the First Round to Langston Hughes 52-44 in the Class 6A State Playoffs. The Raiders have quietly become one of North Georgia’s best programs over the past few seasons and have primarily done so with a mostly homegrown group. A strong senior class is the catalyst led by guards 6-foot-1 Enzo Combs (15 ppg, 4 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.5 spg), 5-foot-11 Justus Gober (7.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.5 spg) and 6-foot-1 Jalen Davis (6 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2 apg, 1.5 spg). What helps the Raiders compete against the big boys is their talented size inside. 6-foot-7 senior Josiah McCurry (14 ppg, 6.9 rpg) is a highly skilled low block scorer that utilizes his powerful frame and implements ball fakes when scoring along the baseline. McCurry can also step outside to shoot the three and has drawn attention from schools, holding offers from Young Harris and Bevill State. 6-foot-7 junior Judge Wilbanks is a burgeoning prospect, strapped with strength and a robust arsenal scoring with his back to the basket but also able to knock down perimeter jumpers. Maybe the highest upside of all belongs to junior Jake Mihalick, a transfer from Lanier Christian who was a relative unknown last season but stands nearly 6-foot-10 with the ability to play above the rim, swat away shots and drill threes.

Class 4A

No. 1 Pace Academy faltered in the Sweet 16 last season, beat 62-58 by Holy Innocents’ to close the year 24-5. A steady senior class features 5-foot-11 Georgia Tech-commit Eric Chatfield (15.2 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 4 apg, 3.2 spg), 6-foot-6 Texas State-commit Chandler Bing (13.5 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.7 spg, 1.1 bpg) and 6-foot-3 sharpshooter Jackson Ferry (5.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.4 spg). 6-foot-8 junior Hayden Clay transfers in from Trinity Christian in Dublin where he averaged a double-double for his career. A star-studded freshman class features High Major prospects 6-foot-8 Bentley Lusakueno and 5-foot-10 Brielen Craft. No. 2 North Oconee won their first-ever state title, knocking off Holy Innocents’ 65-60 to put an exclamation point on a 30-3 season. Three starters graduate but Class 4A Freshman of the Year 6-foot-3 Justin Wise returns, a hero from the state title game where he drilled five threes en route to 19 points.  6-foot-4 junior Khamari Brooks brings his athleticism and toughness over from the gridiron and is a game-changing defensive player with a blossoming offensive skillset. The senior trio of 6-foot Thrasher Wilkins, 6-foot-4 Matthew Clausen and 6-foot-6 Kaden Piper figure to see plenty of minutes. The Titans added three transfers including interior cornerstone 6-foot-8 junior Banks Pourchier, a GISA All-State pick while at Loganville Christian. 6-foot-4 junior Josh Hunter (11.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg) comes from North Valleys, NV while 5-foot-9 junior Blake Bracco moves in from Sequoyah. No. 3 Kell repeated as Class 5A State Champions, toppling Eagle’s Landing 62-51 to finish the year 28-3. The Longhorns graduate a ton and lose Chris McLavish (Grayson) and Landon Duncan (Woodstock) to transfer. 6-foot senior Connor Staphylaris will be thrust into a huge role after being patient over the course of his career serving as an invaluable sparkplug with his full court pressure and three-point shooting. 5-foot-11 sophomore Zach Graves has had a big offseason, a bowling ball guard that fills out the stat sheet. 6-foot-1 sophomore BJ Love, 6-foot-4 junior King Jones and 6-foot-5 senior Ben Lee have golden opportunities to make a name for themselves. 6-foot-5 junior Jabari Hall (4.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.2 spg) transfers over from Osborne and should be a staple in the frontcourt while 5-foot-11 sophomore Nganga Kinyanjui (North Cobb) could develop into a useful piece over the course of the season. Look for 6-foot sophomore Maximus Cook to fight for playing time as well. No. 4 Jonesboro posted a 22-11 mark and rumbled their way to the Class 6A Final Four, losing 79-63 to Riverwood. Four-star safety 6-foot junior Cortez Redding averaged 11.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists as a sophomore. Keep an eye on the health of 6-foot junior Izaiah Turman who was averaging 11.4 points per game before a season ending injury five games in. Two key additions bolster the Cardinals in 6-foot-4 junior Frank Jackson (Paideia) and 6-foot senior Tim Prather (Newton) a pair of All-Region picks. A talented freshman class will be anchored by 6-foot-8 Tenaje Freeman and 5-foot-11 Calvin Goss, but Freeman will be out for the year after fracturing his tibia in tryouts. No. 5 St. Pius X closed the book on the legacy of Coach Aaron Parr after 13 seasons, finishing 303-87 as the Golden Lions went to the Class 6A Sweet 16 falling to Jonesboro 64-55 to end the year 22-7. Following 11 years as Coach Parr’s righthand man, Will Cloyd takes over the program. Tobias Brinkley transferred out, bouncing from Wheeler to Decatur this offseason, but St. Pius X still has talent in place with All-State 6-foot-5 junior guard Harris Reynolds playing a starring role. Samford, Kennesaw State, Ohio, Radford, West Virginia, Sam Houston State, Cal and Stetson all offered over the summer before he dislocated his elbow. 6-foot-6 junior D’Marley Elliott brings toughness and versatility at the forward position while the backcourt features 6-foot-2 senior Aiden Portee, 6-foot-4 senior Ashton Bjerke, 6-foot-2 senior Ryan Kim and 6-foot junior Westin Keppen. No. 6 McDonough turns the keys over to Donald Watkins Jr. after serving as an assistant to BJ Thomas who left for North Atlanta. The Warhawks were in a position to take a deep run with a 26-4 record, but were shockingly upset by Westminster in the Sweet 16, 58-50, falling to score a point the final seven minutes. Seniors 6-foot-3 Zion Greene (15.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.5 apg, 2.1 spg) and 6-foot Zaiden Greene (9.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.2 spg) will be asked to set the tone on both ends of the floor in a difficult Region 2 which features Top 10 level teams Eagle’s Landing, ELCA and Jones County among others. 6-foot-9 senior Nathadeus Fambro (3.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.4 bpg) has a chance to make a big impact his final season. No. 7 Maynard Jackson took a trip to the Class 5A Final Four, losing 69-51 to Eagle’s Landing to close a 21-9 season. The Jaguars have been hit hard by graduation and transfer but still have multiple All-State caliber pieces in place, headlined by triple-double threat 6-foot-8 senior Cam Dover and microwave scorer 5-foot-11 junior Donaven Thomas. The addition of 6-foot-8 senior Javon Gardner (5 ppg, 2.8 rpg) from Creekside Christian is big, both literally and figuratively. The imposing paint protector is a breakout candidate. No. 8 Marist has a breakout star of their own in 6-foot-9 Furman-commit Owen Ritger, who averaged 11.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.2 blocks for the War Eagles who finished 19-11 with a Sweet 16 trip in Class 6A, defeated by Woodward Academy 54-39. Surrounding Ritger are heady guards 5-foot-10 senior Trace Gaynes (7.9 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 3.2 apg, 1.4 spg), 6-foot-4 junior Jay Walsh, 6-foot-3 junior Sully Thompson and 5-foot-10 freshman Bobby Harpring. No. 9 Benedictine will go only as far as 6-foot-3 senior Caleb Jones takes them, and over the past two seasons that has proven to be very far as the scoring machine has carried the Cadets to back-to-back Class 4A Final Four appearances, finishing the season 17-8 this past year with a 52-45 loss to Holy Innocents’. Jones has upped his scoring each and every season with a career average of 21.2 points per game. Last year Jones was one of the highest scorers in the state averaging a robust 27.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2 steals as a true three-level scorer that shot 68-131 (52%) from behind the arc and 125-169 (74%) from the foul line. Benedictine uses a frantic offense-for-defense subbing method the entire game, relying on their football athletes to make an impact around their basketball star who holds an offer from Clayton State. Sophomores 6-foot-5 Ejay Washington (6 ppg, 4.1 rpg) and 6-foot-4 Ca’Ron Hall are springy long-armed difference makers. No. 10 Central-Carrollton tallied a 24-5 record, losing in the Sweet 16 at North Oconee 91-66. Region 7-4A Player of the Year 6-foot-2 senior Khaven Cochran returns after averaging 13.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.4 steals. 6-foot-3 junior Chace North (11.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 1 apg, 1.3 spg) is an impressive athlete that has taken a major step forward over the past 12 months as a downhill attacker that gets to the rim at will. In Cochran’s absence at the Sandy’s Spiel Fall League, North led the league in scoring at 20.7 points per game. The experienced cast of Lions is rounded out by seniors 6-foot-1 Messiah Boykin (7.2 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 3.9 apg, 1.8 spg) and 6-foot-8 Connor Williams (4.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1.4 bpg).

Class 3A

Opening up the season with the target on their back is No. 1 Cedar Grove. The Saints finished 16-9 last year, upended in the First Round by Hebron Christian 55-49. 6-foot-6 junior Manny Green (17.6 ppg, 11 rpg, 1.4 bpg) leads the way, a four-star prospect with ACC and SEC offers. 6-foot-5 junior Dontavius Stringfield does the dirty work, filling up the box score averaging 7 points, 9.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.7 steals and 1.8 blocks. Three gamechangers move in to give Cedar Grove one of the strongest starting fives in the state with 5-foot-8 senior Yusef Bowyer, an All-State dynamic perimeter scorer with a knockdown three-point shot from Maynard Jackson, 6-foot-9 junior Javonte Floyd (4.7 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.3 bpg) from rival Douglass who has multiple D-I offers and 6-foot-2 senior Keith Gillespie, an All-Stater who poured in 16.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.8 steals while at Fayette County. No. 2 Westside-Augusta is on the hunt for their fourth-straight state title. The Patriots posted a 28-4 record in Class 2A, steamrolling Toombs County 64-29 in the title game. Known for their uber-athletic backcourt, Westside-Augusta returns highlight maker 6-foot-2 senior Jarius Adkinson who injured his knee and missed time in the spring after averaging 10.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1 assist. 6-foot-2 junior Dontrell Jackson (7.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.9 apg, 2 spg) is a defensive specialist while 6-foot-4 senior Aldrion Jones is a breakout candidate, a big guard who thrived in the spotlight at GBCA Live as a top option after averaging only 4.8 points and 2.2 rebounds as a junior. 6-foot-4 junior Keori Atwell (3.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg) rounds out the experienced core. The Patriots lose explosive 6-foot-5 junior Javan Webb to Gray Collegiate, SC but replace him with 6-foot-5 All-State guard Rashund Washington, a UIC-commit that averaged 19.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.1 blocks per game while at East Laurens. Washington originally transferred to Augusta Christian this offseason before ending at Westside-Augusta, the second year in a row an All-State player has made a pitstop at Augusta Christian before landing at Westside-Augusta (Lavonta Ivery). Used to stiff competition in Region 4-2A, things don’t get much easier for Westside-Augusta as they are locked in Region 4 with No. 4 Cross Creek, No. 7 Baldwin and up-and-coming Harlem. No. 3 Dougherty saw a late block-charge call go against them in the Final Four, losing 55-51 to Johnson-Savannah to end the year 23-8. Dougherty graduates Jai’on Burns and Markell Jones but replaces them with seniors 5-foot-10 Braylon Chaney (9.1 ppg, 2.8 apg – Lee County) and 6-foot-4 Jes’Us Daniels (14.4 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1 spg – Randolph-Clay) who provide some outside shooting, Daniels connecting on 59-179 (33%) of his three-point attempts. The tandem joins an already in place senior-laden group that expects to win led by 5-foot-11 Kaleke Singletary-Jinks (13.6 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.8 spg), Jawuan Jinks (10.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.6 spg), 6-foot Jeremiah Kitchen (5 ppg, 2.9 rpg) and 6-foot-3 Jaquavus Hallman (3.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1 bpg). No. 4 Cross Creek was upset at home in the Sweet 16 by Johnson-Savannah 61-56, ending a 19-10 season prematurely. As they do every year, the Razorbacks have great size powered by seniors 6-foot-8 Jaden Priester (11.3 ppg, 7 rpg, 1.5 bpg) and 6-foot-7 Braylon Maddox (8.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg). 5-foot-8 senior Ty’Jai Heard averaged 7.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.3 steals while sophomores 6-foot-5 Frashad Tisby (5.5 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 1.3 apg) and 5-foot-8 Derrick Shine (1.7 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 1.1 apg) look to make major contributions in Year 2. No. 5 Sandy Creek won their second consecutive state title, blasting Johnson-Savannah 74-49 to finish a 27-3 season. The Patriots lose two First Team All-State selections including Class 3A Player of the Year Micah Smith (Georgia Southern). Two starters return from last year’s state title team in seniors 6-foot-2 Jacobi Robinson (11 ppg, 3 rpg, 3 apg, 3 spg) and 6-foot-1 Jared White (10 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 apg) who scored 18 and 12 points, respectively in the championship. 6-foot-5 junior Avohn Florence should play a major role this season while 6-foot-6 senior Osakilo Okeke could carve out a niche inside as a glue-guy. No. 6 Pickens improved immediately under Coach Bob Martin, going from 13-15 to 21-9 with a Sweet 16 berth, eliminated at Hart County 64-62. Only one senior graduates for the Dragons, a team that lives and dies by the three-point shot hitting 268-688 (39%). 6-foot senior Caleb Lanford earned Class 3A Best Shooter honors after sinking 84 threes at a 37% rate, averaging 13.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.2 steals. 6-foot-2 junior McCord Purdy posted 12.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.4 steals while knocking down 65 threes at a 43% clip. 6-foot-7 twin seniors Parker Davis (11.9 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1 spg, 15 3PT; 34%) and Dodge Davis (11.8 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.1 spg, 28 3PT; 47%) are athletic stretch forwards. Coach’s son 5-foot-7 sophomore Jamin Martin will see more playing time in Year 2 as a three-point specialist that averaged 3.9 points while netting 21 threes at a 53% mark. 5-foot-11 sophomore Montego Morgan should provide defensive toughness and another ball handler while 6-foot-3 Sewanee-commit Brock Barton, a Baylor School, TN transfer brings versatility. No. 7 Baldwin racked up a 27-3 record but lost in a heartbreaker in the Class 4A Final Four to eventual state champion North Oconee 66-64 on a tip-in in the final seconds. The Braves graduate their top two leading scorers and lose leading rebounder Omari Woodard to Sumter County. A talented junior class carries the Braves between 6-foot Karez Demory (11.2 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2.5 spg), 6-foot-3 Deven Nelson (9.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.7 spg) and 6-foot-10 Amos Bouie-Tumer who was ineligible last season upon transferring in. No. 8 Upson-Lee has quickly regained relevance under two-time state championship winning Head Coach Darrell Lockhart’s return to The Castle. Four of the Knights’ top six players return off last season’s 18-11 team that lost in the Sweet 16 at Dougherty 73-57 including Region 2-3A Player of the Year 6-foot-2 senior Carmelo Williams. A veteran group consists of 6-foot senior Marcellus Myles, 6-foot-1 senior Akeondre Chaney and 5-foot-10 junior MiQuavius Smith. No. 9 Cherokee Bluff posted their best record in school history at 18-8, but failed to make it to the state playoffs out of the Region 8-4A gauntlet. Instead of being stuck in an 11-team region, the Bears are in a much more manageable six-team grouping and enter the year as the favorites behind 6-foot-4 senior Boston Kersh and 6-foot-4 junior Cooper Glover (12 ppg, 5 rpg, 3 apg). 6-foot senior Tyler Underwood was an Honorable Mention All-Region pick while 6-foot junior Jordan Hayes, a Flowery Branch transfer, was All-Region 8-5A. No. 10 Johnson-Savannah got hot at the right time, storming their way to the Class 3A State Championship at 20-12 before falling to Sandy Creek 74-49. The Atomsmashers must replace Joshua Quarterman’s 18.6 points per game but have a built-in go-to guy with 6-foot-3 senior Favion Kirkwood who emerged last season to average 15.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.1 steals. 5-foot-7 senior Kadin Davis (5.7 ppg, 2 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.3 spg) is a trusted sparkplug while 5-foot-11 junior Quentin James (3.5 ppg, 1.5 rpg) came up big down the stretch last season including drawing the game-saving charge against Dougherty in the Final Four. 5-foot-9 Samuel Preister (2.3 ppg) and 6-foot-6 senior Shatiq Parker (2.4 ppg, 3 rpg) return as title game starters.

Class 2A

No. 1 Columbia enters Class 2A as the early favorite after being eliminated by Westside-Augusta in back-to-back seasons in the Final Four, losing 70-59 to finish the year 27-4. The Eagles graduate four starters but have added 6-foot-6 junior Zayd Muhammad (Lakeside-DeKalb) and 6-foot-1 senior Xavier Lewis (17.5 ppg, 2.5 spg – Miller Grove) to strengthen the core. 6-foot-1 junior JaShawn Thompson is an aggressive undersized rebounder while 5-foot-11 senior Deontae Hill has experience. 6-foot junior Brandon Bigsby can open up the floor with his outside shot while sophomores 5-foot-8 Chance Reynolds and 6-foot-5 Jace Smith have an opportunity to put their fingerprints on the identity of the team. No. 2 Carver-Columbus went 0-5 against Region 1-3A leaders Dougherty and Monroe, but managed a 24-6 record with a trip to the Final Four, defeated by Sandy Creek 66-32. 6-foot-1 Troy-commit Tony Montgomery powers the Tigers with 21 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.3 steals per game. The junior class is deep featuring 5-foot-9 Jakobe Caslin (12 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.1 apg, 2 spg), 6-foot-4 Tristian Givens (8.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.2 spg), 6-foot-2 Champ Simpson (8 ppg, 1.4 rpg) and much improved 6-foot-7 Tobiaz Tolbert (3.8 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.2 bpg). 6-foot-1 freshman Tim Woodson is a Day 1 impact maker who will pack a scoring punch. No. 3 Butler compiled a 24-7 record with a 47-42 loss coming to Toombs County in the Class 2A Final Four. Coach Chaz Clark has a trustworthy backcourt between Preseason All-State 5-foot-11 senior Marcus Scurry (10.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.4 apg, 2.1 spg) and 6-foot-3 junior Kwamane Bridges (13.1 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.1 spg). The potential return of 6-foot-1 senior Jayden Bell could play major dividends as he appeared in just 12 games, averaging 12.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.8 steals, but has run into trouble with the law over the summer and could be a non-factor. No. 4 South Atlanta took a trip to the Elite Eight at 23-9, bowing out at the hands of Butler 51-47. Juniors 6-foot-7 Duor Duor (12.7 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.8 bpg), 6-foot-2 Bol Deng (10.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.2 spg) and 6-foot-2 Byron Thornton, a Region 7 A D-II Honorable Mention selection while at Fulton Leadership, give the Hornets sting. 6-foot-2 senior Drew Clark is a veteran coming off a season in which he averaged 7.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game. No. 5 Spencer posted a 24-4 season, losing to Butler in the Sweet 16, 58-49. The Greenwave graduate their top three leading scorers but add 6-foot-6 senior Josh Seldon from Central-Talbotton where he piled in 19.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game. He joins seniors 6-foot-1 DeMarcus Horne (7.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2 apg, 2.1 spg), 5-foot-7 Kerry Griffin (7.1 ppg, 2 rpg, 1.3 spg) and 6-foot-2 Izaian Rosegreen (6.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg). No. 6 Westside-Macon tallied an 18-11 season in Class 4A, blasted in the First Round by New Hampstead 84-55. The Seminoles rely on four key seniors including their top two leading scorers from a season ago in 6-foot-3 Joshua Harden (15.8 ppg, 8 rpg, 3.2 apg, 1.5 spg) and 6-foot-4 Christian Little (10.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.2 apg). 5-foot-9 Cameron Rembert (5.2 ppg) has experience as does new addition 6-foot-3 Jatavion Zellner from Northeast-Macon, a Region 2-2A Honorable Mention selection after averaging 14 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.3 steals per game. No. 7 Thomson ran up a 22-4 record but lost 53-44 at Toombs County in the Sweet 16. Five of Thomson’s top six producers graduate, but the tradition of winning is still in the building, even if it looks like a slight rebuild on paper. The Bulldogs will lean on juniors 6-foot-2 Markevion Jones, a Region 4-2A Honorable Mention pick, 6-foot-1 Jer’meer Hatcher and 5-foot-10 Isaiah Coleman to lead the way along with scrappy 5-foot-10 sophomore Fabian Bailey. No. 8 Hart County peaked at the right time, winning the Region 8-3A tournament and taking a trip to the Elite Eight, ultimately falling 76-53 to Carver-Columbus to end the year at 16-14. The Bulldogs lose their top player Avery Strickland, but bring back a pair of All-Region Honorable Mention selections with 5-foot-11 sophomore Kurston Curry and 6-foot-2 senior O’Brian Evans. 6-foot-1 senior Andrew Maxwell has experience running the offense and 6-foot-2 junior Zayden Leverett has put in the work over the summer to have a strong campaign. No. 9 Union County went 21-7 losing in the First Round to ELCA 66-60. All signs pointed to 2024-25 being the Panthers’ year to make a substantial run, but Jude Ellis jumped ship for Lakeview Academy this offseason, leaving All-State 6-foot senior point guard Houston Henry to have to shoulder a heavy load after already averaging 19 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals last year. The dazzling playmaker has a top weapon in three-point specialist 6-foot-2 senior Hayden Hughes. 6-foot-1 senior Maddox Young will be asked to score more along with 6-foot-1 junior Cade Dockrey. The undersized Panthers need a post presence to emerge inside especially if 6-foot-4 sophomore Jaxon Totherow sticks with football instead of basketball. No. 10 Franklin County is extremely optimistic heading into the season, coming off a 12-13 year with everyone set to return, including 6-foot-1 senior Frae’Quan Wilkins who spent a sabbatical at Madison County his junior season where he earned Region 8-4A Second Team honors. The Lions will lean on their backcourt between All-Region 8-3A selections 6-foot-1 junior Bentley Huff and 6-foot-2 senior Mylan Roebuck. Honorable Mention picks include 6-foot-1 senior Carson Coulter and juniors 6-foot-3 DJ Appleby and 6-foot-2 Jordan Ardister.

Class A D-I

Class A D-I will look extremely different this season. Last year it was the weakest classification in the state with just 14 of 32 state playoff teams with a record over .500 and that was with the class buoyed by dominant private schools who accounted for five of those 14. Back-to-back years private school Region 6 opponents matched up in the title game. Now with privates separated, the classification is wide open for public schools to make history amidst a much more forgiving field. No. 1 Southwest-Macon debuts in pole position coming off a 19-9 season in Class 2A which ended in the Elite Eight, defeated by Columbia 55-34. 6-foot senior Brandon Ashley earned Region 2-2A First Team honors. The junior class anchors the Patriots with All-State 6-foot-3 Region 2 Offensive Player of the Year Chase Dupree, 5-foot-8 Caron Howard and 6-foot-4 football standout Rinaldo Callaway. No. 2 BEST Academy benefited from the transfer portal after a woeful 2-21 season. The Eagles are a major boom or bust candidate, but on paper have one of the most talented rosters in the classification. Senior twins 6-foot-2 Josh Mickell (10.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.9 spg) and 6-foot-3 Jacob Mickell (9.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.5 apg) were key pieces at Douglass with Josh being an All-State selection. Also moving in is 6-foot-1 senior Nicholas Dozier who played for Coach Brian Weeden two years ago when he was at Washington, Dozier a Second Team All-Region 6-2A performer last season. The trio joins 6-foot-2 sophomore Xion Evans (11.9 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.3 apg) and 6-foot-10 senior Fallou Dioum, a Preseason All-State pick after averaging 8.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 2.4 blocks per game. Don’t expect BEST to have a sparkling record as they still have to compete in the 18-team Region 5 against five Preseason Top 10 private schools. There shouldn’t be a team in Class A D-I more battle-tested than BEST if they can get into the postseason with the new power ratings system. No. 3 Model posted a 22-8 record, making it to the Class 2A Elite Eight where eventual state champion Westside-Augusta rolled them 78-40. 6-foot-7 senior Chase Allen is a Preseason All-State selection upon averaging 17 points and 11 rebounds per game last season. He is joined by an experienced backcourt in seniors 5-foot-8 Stevie Dallas and sharpshooter 5-foot-9 Noah Travis. Model’s 1-3-1 zone can make it tough for opponents to score. Expect the classification to see a wide variety of movement, especially below the top two or three teams. No. 4 Jasper County improved from 10-16 to 19-9 last year, taking a trip to the Sweet 16 where they fell to eventual Class A D-I State Runner-Up Paideia, 56-47. The Hurricanes return a nice core albeit losing some key seniors. 5-foot-7 sophomore Dereon Pennamon was a Region 5 First Team selection while 5-foot-11 junior Tayshawn Reeves made All-Defensive Team and 5-foot-8 senior Malik Epps and 6-foot junior Jamarkus Thomas were Honorable Mention picks. No. 5 Toombs County had a historic season cut short in the Class 2A State Championship, losing to Westside-Augusta 64-29 to end the year 29-3. Gone is Class 2A Player of the Year Dominic Eason (USC Beaufort) and the Bulldogs’ other two top scorers. Toombs County will need to continue to rely on their size and defense to remain in the title hunt as 6-foot-6 junior Parker Stanley (6.9 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 1.1 apg) will be asked to step up inside. The backcourt has experience with starting point guard 5-foot-11 senior Mike Polke (5.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.2 apg, 1.9 spg) back to run the show. 6-foot junior Gavin Fletcher (5.8 ppg, 2.2 rpg) could emerge as Coach Jared Goodwin’s top scoring option after shooting 30-89 (34%) from distance. No. 6 Temple returns their top four players including Region 4 Co-Player of the Year 6-foot-3 senior Alexander Banks from last year’s 19-10 Sweet 16 team that fell 68-48 to Bleckley County. Seniors 5-foot-6 Darren Drayton and 6-foot-1 Abraham Kight were First Team All-Region picks while 5-foot-5 Nick Hullaby earned Second Team honors as a junior. The Tigers are in the seven-team Region 6 which holds No. 3 Model and Class 3A-1A Private No. 4 Darlington. No. 7 Rabun County went 14-15 with a 71-54 loss to Mt. Pisgah in the Sweet 16. The Wildcats have arguably the most exciting player in the classification in 5-foot-10 junior Huey Blalock, an All-State playmaker that tallied 16.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 1.7 steals per game. 6-foot-2 sophomore Reed Burrell (9.8 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 3.3 apg) is a top catch-and-shoot option that hit 39-105 (37%) from deep while 6-foot-6 junior Hayes Free has the length and athleticism to play inside and out after averaging 9 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 1.5 steals while connecting on 29-72 (40%) of his threes. No. 8 Woodville-Tompkins put together a 22-5 mark but was upset in the First Round at home by Bleckley County 46-44. The Wolverines graduate options 2-5 but return their go-to guy in 6-foot-2 senior Jonathon Pickering, a Region 3 First Team selection. Seniors 6-foot Zyaire Smart and 6-foot Cleveland Rougier were Honorable Mention picks. No. 9 Swainsboro is the third team from Region 3 in the rankings, following No. 5 Toombs County and No. 8 Woodville-Tompkins. The traditional football powerhouse posted a 10-14 season but got hot at the right time to win the Region 2 crown before fizzling out in the postseason, upset in the First Round by Screven County 62-49. The Tigers’ top three players return led by First Team All-Region selection 6-foot-2 junior LJ Morgan, Second Teamer 6-foot-1 senior Ka’voyea Williams and Honorable Mention pick 6-foot-3 sophomore Ja’bios Smith. No. 10 Banks County turns to former Jackson County Head Coach Chuck Butler to right the ship after the Leopards finished the season on a six-game losing streak to end the year 14-12 in Class 2A. A pair of All-Region 8 picks return for their senior season in 6-foot-4 Kolby Watson (14 ppg, 3.6 rpg) and 6-foot-1 Hunter Youngblood (10.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2 apg). The Leopards excel at spacing the floor and shooting the three, maybe none better than senior Luke Dale who averaged 11.9 points and 2.7 rebounds while shooting 46.5% from deep. 6-foot-3 junior Caden Watson is a lethal shooter while 6-foot-3 junior Dayden Rogers has the size and strength to make plays off the dribble. 5-foot-10 freshman Cason Reed is a shifty guard that can facilitate and score.

Class A D-II

Dropping from Class 1A D-I to 1A D-II is No. 1 Savannah, the Bluejackets falling to Paideia 56-39 in the Final Four after losing star guard Maki Joyner in the second half against Darlington in the Elite Eight due to an ankle injury, Savannah closing the season 22-9. The 6-foot-5 D-I prospect should be nearing a return after averaging 16.5 points, 7 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.7 steals before injury. He is an All-State pick along with 6-foot-9 senior Deshawn Davis, a dominant rim protector that averaged 6.3 points, 12.2 rebounds and 5.6 blocks per game. The senior-heavy group also features 6-foot-1 Jermontae Brown (9.9 ppg, 4.2 apg), 6-foot-4 Romon Anderson (4.9 ppg, 2.5 rpg) and 6-foot-2 Chance Hendricks (3.5 ppg, 2.8 rpg). No. 2 Warren County snuck up on the field last season, running up a 24-6 record with perceived upsets over Christian Heritage (64-56) and Portal (76-74 OT) in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight before ultimately falling 62-60 to Manchester in the Final Four. The Screaming Devils are set to return their top six players including Preseason All-State picks 6-foot-1 Torossie Leslie (12.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.9 spg), the Class A D-II Freshman of the Year and 5-foot-7 senior Cosa Pender (12.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.5 apg, 3.2 spg). A strong supporting cast consists of 6-foot-1 senior Ra’Quavian Jones (11.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.9 spg) and 5-foot-10 junior Jamarion Darden (10.6 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.8 spg). No. 3 Manchester finished 20-9 with a 68-39 loss to Greenforest in the state championship. More heartbreak befell the community as star player Daryus Bryant was fatally shot on prom night, another tragedy as Manchester also had a football player shot and killed on the eve of the Class A D-II football state championship earlier in the season. With heavy hearts, the Blue Devils return the rest of their roster led by 6-foot-2 senior Jaedyn Terry (9.2 ppg, 7 rpg, 1.1 spg), 5-foot-9 junior Dre McGhee (9 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.5 spg), 6-foot-2 senior Jhi Terry (7.5 ppg, 9.8 rpg) and 6-foot-1 senior Treylin Jones (6.9 ppg, 5.6 rpg). No. 4 Calhoun County lost 61-46 to Manchester in the Elite Eight, capping a 24-6 year. The Cougars are a senior-laden group that features 6-foot-1 Dallas George and explosive leaper 6-foot-4 Zechariah Canidate as Preseason All-State selections. 6-foot-8 Amajion Figgins was Region 1 Co-Defensive Player of the Year while 5-foot-9 Darnell Enocher and 6-foot-1 Zion Suber were Second Team All-Region picks. 6-foot-2 Kenari Harris was an Honorable Mention selection and 5-foot-7 Corderra Williams is a transfer from Westover who adds to the depth of the senior class. No. 5 McIntosh County Academy is a trendy pick to have a strong season coming off a 20-11 year which featured an Elite Eight berth, losing 87-62 to eventual state champion Greenforest. 6-foot-3 senior MJ Quarterman is an All-State selection that averaged 15.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 2.4 steals and 2.7 blocks. Joining him this season is Preseason First Team All-State pick 6-foot-2 senior CJ Battle who averaged 13.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.3 steals while being named Region 2-6A Second Team at Brunswick. Joining the dynamic tandem are seniors 6-foot-5 Derrick Irons (8 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 1.9 spg, 1.5 bpg) and 5-foot-10 Neo West (7.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 8.8 apg, 2.7 spg) the reigning Class A D-II Best Passer award winner. No. 6 Early County went 20-11 with a 54-50 loss at Portal in the Sweet 16. Six of the Bobcats’ top seven players return led by 6-foot-4 senior Jabril Lindsey who netted 16.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. Joining him are 6-foot-1 senior Nathaniel Tinson (11 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.4 apg, 3.3 spg) and juniors 5-foot-11 Tre Lee (5.9 ppg) and 6-foot-4 Jimmyan Jones (5.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.6 spg, 1.3 bpg). No. 7 Randolph-Clay was set to return everyone from last year’s 18-12 Sweet 16 team that lost 43-42 to McIntosh County Academy, but leading scorer Jes’Us Daniels (14.4 ppg, 8.3 rpg) transferred to Dougherty. Back to lead the Red Devils are 6-foot-1 senior Jaleen Gibson (13.7 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3.3 apg, 2.1 spg) and 5-foot-10 junior Tyrion Smith (10.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.9 spg). Randolph-Clay represents the third team from Region 1 to be ranked following No. 4 Calhoun County and No. 6 Early County. No. 8 Macon County marked a 27-4 record but lost 68-44 to Greenforest in the Final Four, seemingly shutting their title window especially now that All-State guard Frankie Raines (22.3 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 4.2 apg, 2.8 spg) transferred to Stratford Academy for his final season. Look for the likes of 5-foot-7 junior Tyler Stephens (8.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.2 spg) and 5-foot-6 senior Eric Rice (8.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 3 apg, 2.6 spg) to step up. 6-foot-2 senior Joshua Fulks came on strong last season, averaging 8.7 points and 4.1 rebounds. Sophomores Quentrelle Perkins and 5-foot-8 Lavoris Smith (3.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.1 spg) could see increased roles. No. 9 Jenkins County is the third team out of Region 3 to grace the Top 10 behind No. 1 Savannah and No. 5 McIntosh County Academy. The War Eagles lost in the First Round at Clinch County 60-54 to end the year 19-8. Three of Jenkins County’s top four scorers are back led by All-State pick 6-foot-4 senior James Allen (16 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.7 apg, 2.2 spg). Flanking him are 6-foot-1 junior Tyler Williams (10 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.8 spg) and 6-foot-4 senior Javarius Gilmore (6.6 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 1 spg, 2.1 bpg). No. 10 Mt. Zion-Carrollton finished 16-13, losing in the First Round at Manchester 68-45. The top five returns for the Eagles powered by All-State selection 6-foot-4 senior Payton Waters (16.2 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.9 spg) and twin brother 6-foot-2 senior Austin Waters (11.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2.9 apg, 2.3 spg). 6-foot-3 senior Corvin Palmer was a Second Team All-Region 7 selection after averaging 15.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.7 steals per game. The addition of 6-foot-3 junior Xavier Buckner from Villa Rica could loom large, an explosive football player that scores through contact and can hit the pull-up jumper.

Class 3A-1A Private

No. 1 Holy Innocents’ looks to capture their first-ever state title behind 6-foot-10 five-star senior wing Caleb Wilson, last year’s Class 4A Player of the Year after averaging 20.8 points, 14.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.8 steals and 4.4 blocks leading the Golden Bears to a 26-7 record, falling in the state championship to North Oconee 65-60. Now in Class 2A, Holy Innocents’ is loaded for a return to the title game in a competitive private school field that might not be quite as tough as last year’s 4A state playoff path. 6-foot-4 junior Devin Hutcherson (16.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1 spg) stepped up last year as a number two option. The addition of 6-foot-1 junior Kingston Whitty from Lovett provides another potent scorer, coming off a year in which he averaged 16.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.2 steals. 6-foot-7 junior Khalid Worthy holds an offer from Hampton and will play a big role after sitting out last year upon transferring from Maynard Jackson. No. 2 Greenforest returns to the private school grouping after dominating for their fifth state title last season, going 27-4 with a 68-39 win over Manchester. Now in Class A D-I, the Eagles will rely on a core of seniors which features 6-foot-1 Kevin Harper, 6-foot-9 Daniel Daramola, 6-foot-7 Orion Wilson, 6-foot-3 Bryce Irby and transfers 6-foot-3 Sergi Falgueras Giner (Spain) and 6-foot-3 Youngstown State-commit Jaiden Haynes, an All-State lefty from Drew Charter. Also into the fold is 5-foot-8 junior Andrew Taylor who averaged 16.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.8 steals at Therrell. No. 3 North Cobb Christian is still young, but extremely talented. The Eagles finished 20-7 in Class 2A, losing 62-58 to Columbia in the Sweet 16. 2A Freshman of the Year 6-foot-7 Brock Bass-Bonner (13.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.8 apg) is a burgeoning southpaw star with his dynamic three-level scoring ability and impressive strength and athleticism. A talented sophomore class also includes 6-foot-4 Isaiah Chandler (8.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1 spg), 5-foot-8 Grant Robich (8 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 5.3 apg, 3.1 spg), 6-foot-6 Xavier Butler (5.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg) and transfers 6-foot-7 Will Russell (Eastside) and 6-foot-2 Jordan Wiseman (Cumberland Christian). No. 4 Darlington posted a 24-6 mark in Class A D-I, losing at Savannah in the Elite Eight 53-49, squandering a fourth quarter lead. The Tigers lose a chunk of key players but return a bevvy as well led by juniors 6-foot-5 Brent Bell and 6-foot-2 Christian Teasley. Darlington is deep in the backcourt with 6-foot-2 senior Trustin Mercer much improved along with 5-foot-8 sparkplug senior Will Land. 6-foot-1 sophomore DJ Hall takes over the point guard duties full-time after flashing his high upside as a freshman. 6-foot-2 sophomore Jordan Wilkerson moves in from Unity Christian while 6-foot-7 junior Cam Selig is a potential long-term X-Factor, a lefty swingman from Nova Scotia, Canada. No. 6 St. Francis is the first of five ranked teams out of Region 5-A D-I. Last year the Knights went 14-13, battling their way out of Region 6 only to lose in the First Round at Darlington 61-52. The core is back between seniors 6-foot-2 Greg Howard (19.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.6 spg) and 6-foot-1 Reynolds Escher (14 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 5.5 apg, 1.3 spg). 6-foot-3 junior Deniz Ozbek is in line for a big season after posting 7.9 points and 2.2 rebounds per game. The Knights now have some impactul size between Kingwood Christian Life Center, TX transfer 6-foot-9 junior Mohamedy Mofaty and 6-foot-6 freshman Landon Evans. No. 6 Paideia is the second team out of Region 5-A D-I. The Pythons lost in the state championship to Mt. Vernon 48-40 to close the season 17-13. Losing Frank Jackson to Jonesboro is a big blow but star guard 6-foot-2 junior CJ Harper returns with offers from Ohio and Georgia State. 6-foot-3 senior Jayden Clay and 6-foot-3 junior David Oglesby-Smith are baseball standouts that started in the state title game. 5-foot-8 sophomore Tristan Mitchell is the fourth returning starter. Developing depth will be important. No. 7 Mt. Bethel is now the third-straight team from Region 5-A D-I in the rankings. The Eagles spent ample time in the Top 10 last season finishing 15-7, but were a casualty of the Region 6 tournament, eliminated 67-63 by Mt. Pisgah, shut out of the state playoffs. Mt. Bethel will look much different this season, mainly bigger and more athletic with the addition of 6-foot-7 senior Bony Shindani from Promise Prepatory and the landing of coveted 6-foot-9 freshman Peter Julius, a Preseason All-State pick. The trio of 5-foot-10 junior Nate Robinson, 6-foot-1 senior Tej Efemini and 6-foot-3 sophomore Roman Avery will have to step up in the backcourt upon Zach Rodene’s transfer to The Bright School, CT. No. 8 King’s Ridge marks the fourth consecutive team from Region 5-A D-I in the poll. The Tigers missed out on the postseason at 16-8, beat by St. Francis in the Region 6 tournament 62-54. King’s Ridge sees their top two leading scorers transfer out in Jaydon Cole (17.9 ppg – Milton) and Avery White (14.2 ppg – Cambridge). The two guards are replaced by big men 6-foot-9 senior Alex Lowry (Chattanooga Arts & Science, TN) and 6-foot-6 sophomore Carson Kelly (Denmark). 6-foot-7 senior Zeplin Kidd is the go-to guy after averaging 10.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists while 6-foot-6 senior Charles Bryant is a solid second option after chipping in 9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.3 steals. 5-foot-10 senior Gavin Johnson (6.6 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.5 spg) and 6-foot-2 sophomore Winston Steinberger (3.8 ppg) round out the backcourt. No. 9 Hebron Christian rolled to the Class 3A Elite Eight where they were upset by Johnson-Savannah 57-50 to end the season 25-4. The Lions lose their top three players but have a newfound core in place to rely upon between 5-foot-9 junior Devon McField, 6-foot-3 senior Carrington Coombs and potential breakout player 6-foot-6 sophomore Lukas Romine. No. 10 Mt. Vernon is the fifth and final team out of Region 5-A D-I to make the Top 10. The defending state champs beat Paideia 48-40 to win the program’s first state title. Assistant Coach Reed Dungan takes over the program. Only one starter returns in 5-foot-9 junior Gabe Alterman (3.6 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 4.7 apg, 1.2 spg). The Mustangs’ leading returning scorer is 6-foot-4 senior Pace Bottoms, a dangerous three-point shooter who averaged 5.3 points per game while hitting 41-110 (37%) of his three-point attempts. 6-foot-4 junior Simeon Montgomery (2.1 ppg, 2.3 rpg) is an impressive athlete with a chance to explode this year along with 6-foot-5 sophomore Quint McGrath (1.8 ppg). Mt. Vernon picked up transfers in 6-foot-4 junior Darrell Dickens III (8.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg) from Lovett and 6-foot-7 Maryville-commit Ethan Easterling (4.9 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.7 bpg) from St. Francis.