Class AAAAAAA

1. North Paulding
2. Newton
3. Campbell
4. South Forsyth
5. Etowah
6. Grayson
7. Marietta
8. McEachern
9. Buford
10. Hillgrove

Class AAAAAA

1. Creekside
2. Kell
3. Milton
4. Sequoyah
5. Creekview
6. Morrow
7. New Manchester
8. Brunswick
9. Lee County
10. Woodward Academy

Class AAAAA

1. North Oconee
2. Dalton
3. Northview
4. Cartersville
5. Starr’s Mill
6. Marist
7. St. Pius X
8. Jones County
9. Warner Robins
10. Jefferson

Class AAAA

1. Sandy Creek
2. Luella
3. Monroe
4. Oconee County
5. Woodland-Stockbridge
6. White County
7. Baldwin
8. North Hall
9. Heritage-Catoosa
10. Gilmer

Class AAA

1. Union County
2. Columbia
3. Elbert County
4. Sonoraville
5. Murray County
6. Washington County
7. Cross Creek
8. Central-Macon
9. Lamar County
10. Hart County

Class AA

1. Heard County
2. ACE
3. Rabun County
4. Commerce
5. Putnam County
6. Bacon County
7. Laney
8. Model
9. Thomasville
10. Fannin County

Class A

1. Wilcox County
2. Washington-Wilkes
3. Bowdon
4. Telfair County
5. Terrell County
6. ECI
7. Pelham
8. Schley County
9. Hancock Central
10. Turner County

Class 4A-2A Private

1. St. Francis
2. Holy Innocents’
3. Hebron Christian
4. Whitefield Academy
5. Mt. Paran
6. Galloway
7. GAC
8. Athens Academy
9. Trinity Christian
10. Christian Heritage

The 2026-27 GHSA High School Basketball season is back and with it are a handful of changes, some making the sport more of a mathematical algorithm instead of a simple win-and-your-in competition. Reclassification is here, now back to seven classes with the private division housing schools from 4A-2A. The biggest change is the PSR, a formula sure to be manipulated by some in order to try and crack into the big dance as claiming a top four seed in your region tournament no longer guarantees you a spot in the state playoffs.

Class 7A

The defending state champions No. 1 North Paulding debut atop the heap coming off the program’s first title with a 30-2 record beating Grayson 64-58 and graduating just one senior. The senior class is anchored by Wofford-commit Morgan Landrum, a bouncy double-double machine who posted 17 points, 21 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 steals and 2 blocks in the championship game along with Kalee Hinkson, a Kennesaw State softball-commit. Junior Kenzie Hinkson is a Preseason First Team All-State pick in the backcourt. 5-foot-11 junior Talya Arnold and 5-foot-10 sophomore Brooklyn Arnold provide size and versatility at the forward positions while junior Ava Dyer is a three-point specialist along with incoming freshman Vicka Junco. 5-foot-10 sophomore Ari McElrath transfers in from South Paulding where she contributed 9.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals. No. 2 Newton was unable to repeat as state champs, defeated by North Paulding in the Elite Eight 58-47 to close the year 23-6 as the Rams battled injuries throughout. South Florida-commit London Smith is back for her senior season after averaging 13.7 points, 6 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.6 steals. She is flanked by fellow 2027s Mya Perry (6.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.7 apg, 2.9 spg, 1.2 bpg) and 6-footer Skylar Levell (6.1 ppg, 4.4 rpg). 5-foot-3 senior Sha’nya Heath is a wild card, coming off a season-ending injury upon her move from Arabia Mountain to Newton last year, a former All-State guard. 5-foot-9 junior Jazmin Maddox holds multiple D-I offers after averaging 8.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. 5-foot-6 junior Tamicah Pate moves in from Lithonia where she posted 8.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.6 steals a night. 6-foot-1 sophomore Kennedi Carter is a blossoming big who could play an important role as the season rolls along. No. 3 Campbell finished 25-6, losing 69-54 to North Paulding in the Final Four. A lot returns for the Spartans including twin 5-foot-10 junior forwards Aleigha (14.1 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 1 apg, 2.1 spg) and Gabrielle Parish (11.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.7 apg, 3.1 spg), the tandem nabbing multiple D-I offers over the offseason with Aleigha earning Preseason Second Team All-State. A young backcourt consists of sophomores Ariel Brown (6.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.7 apg, 2.2 spg) and London Spivey (4.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.1 apg, 3 spg). Newcomers are who raise Campbell’s ceiling mightily in 5-foot-11 junior Cailyn Landrew, a diverse D-I wing who averaged 15.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.8 steals at Wheeler and 6-foot-1 freshman Zara Mopa, a toolsy swingman with major physical gifts. No. 4 South Forsyth slots into the Top 5 returning all but one player after going 25-5. 6-foot-2 sophomore Carib Morris is the state’s most well-rounded offensive threat, the Power 5 recruit averaging 27.7 points per game as a freshman leading the War Eagles to the Elite Eight where they lost to runner-up Grayson 68-62. South Forsyth is loaded with veterans in the backcourt with seniors Avynn Kniceley (7.5 ppg) and Dylan Austin (7.2 ppg) along with juniors Calleigh Salvador (8.2 ppg) and Ana Anzola, now eligible and healthy upon her move from North Forsyth last season. Forcing turnovers with their pressure defense and three-point shooting outside of Morris’ guaranteed production will likely determine how deep South Forsyth can go in state. No. 5 Etowah didn’t make the state tournament last year, a season derailed by injuries especially to burgeoning star 5-foot-8 junior Caitlyn Garcia who tore her ACL after averaging 10 points, 9.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.5 steals and 1 block over her only six games. The Eagles posted a 16-10 record and will be challenged nightly in one of the state’s toughest regions which features defending state champ North Paulding along with No. 7 Marietta and the always dangerous Cherokee Warriors. If Etowah can stay healthy, they can compete with the best in Georgia with a roster that returns everyone. The senior class is the heartbeat with 5-foot-8 point guard Savannah Aparicio (19.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 4.4 apg, 2.5 spg) a Preseason Third Team All-State selection. 5-foot-6 Jaiden Graham is a jack-of-all-trades who routinely plays bigger than her size on defense and creates mismatches on offense, averaging 11.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 2.1 steals per game. Junior Reese Hall averaged 7.7 points as a lethal floor spacer, hitting 55 threes at a 35% rate. The X-Factor for Etowah this season will be 5-foot-10 freshman Grace Quiles. The swingman is a dynamic prospect with size, athleticism and shooting touch, already with a Georgia Southern offer in hand. No. 6 Grayson clawed their way to the state title game for the third consecutive season, this time as the four-seed but lost to North Paulding 64-58 to finish the season 22-11. Two-time state championship winning Head Coach Tim Slater left for the Carrollton boys job, replaced by Archer assistant Courtney Harris who last was head coach at Central Gwinnett. The Rams graduate their top three players but return holdovers junior forward London Backman-Grier and sophomore guard Mya Glover. New faces should keep Grayson highly competitive in a difficult Region 4 with Preseason Third Team All-State pick 5-foot-10 junior Taylor Liberal (15.4 ppg, 5.7 rpg) from Brookwood, 5-foot-5 senior Jade Jones (13.6 ppg, 4 rpg, 2.1 apg, 3.3 spg) from Discovery and highly touted freshman point guard Payton Day. No. 7 Marietta lost in the First Round to Hillgrove 62-55, closing the year 21-6. The Blue Devils saw top rebounder Kyann Senior (11.6 ppg, 12.1 rpg) transfer to Darrow School, NY over the summer but Preseason First Team All-State selection Leah DeWitt returns for her junior season after averaging 22.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 3.2 steals and 1.3 blocks per game while amassing High Major offers from across the country. The sophomore class features 5-foot-7 Zoe Williams who averaged 11.4 points, 4 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.4 steals while 5-foot-11 Alana DeWitt chipped in 6.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.6 steals, both earning D-I offers. 5-foot-10 juniors Mackenzie Everett (7.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.2 spg) and Keris Collins (2.4 ppg, 2.3 rpg) should play more prominent roles this season. No. 8 McEachern is coming of age, a short rebuilding process nearly complete. The Indians posted a 21-8 record last year, losing 73-66 to Cherokee in the First Round. A ton returns headlined by Preseason Third Team All-State pick 5-foot-5 Paris Wilson who netted 12.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals per game as a freshman. 5-foot-8 Elisa Malone is a Mercer-commit who averaged 9.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game, leading an experienced senior class which also features major physical size inside between 5-foot-11 Summer Edwards (7.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg) and 6-foot-1 Cobi Obi (4.2 ppg, 6.1 rpg). 5-foot-6 senior Ava Couzens (7.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.3 spg) lengthens the backcourt along with 5-foot-4 sophomore Michala Butler (5.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.7 spg). 6-foot-2 freshman Nylah Copeland is a towering presence who should surely make an impact around the rim. No. 9 Buford went 27-2 but was bounced in the Sweet 16 by Newton 64-59 and loses leading scorer Lydia Ledford (Chattanooga) and sophomore Jermani Mincey (Gainesville) among a few others. 5-foot-9 senior E’miah Fields will have a heavy scoring burden to carry, the Preseason Second Team All-State pick a Kennesaw State-commit. Defense and hustle will be the Wolves’ calling card this season with a gritty group of guards who pressure full court between senior Ella Rainwater and junior Haley Ryczek. Sophomores 5-foot-5 Taliyah Weaver and 5-foot-6 Jelena Lapsley could be breakout players with their dynamic agility and blossoming offensive punch. 5-foot-11 senior Peyton Denmark’s versatility should be on full display this season playing a major role on both ends of the floor, her play over the offseason earning her D-III offers. No. 10 Hillgrove graduates a lot but their deep program should keep them competitive, coming off a 24-6 Final Four run which ended at the hands of Grayson 68-56. Staying healthy has been a battle for the Hawks lately but injuries have afforded younger players early exposure which should benefit them as they age. A handful of D-I offers have rolled in for 5-foot-11 junior guard Tori Thompson after she posted 10.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1 assist, 1.5 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. Seniors 5-foot-8 Ashley Harris (6.5 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.5 spg), 5-foot-6 Maleah Sims (5.2 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1 apg, 2.5 spg), 5-foot-5 Nakyah Watson (4.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1 spg) and 5-foot-8 Jaela Bobb (4.4 ppg) are all experienced and have begun picking up recruitment. 5-foot-6 sophomore Za’Kyra Phillips (2.6 ppg) may have had the splashiest offseason, earning an offer from North Carolina A&T.

Class 6A

No. 1 Creekside saw their title defense cut short last season finishing 21-9 in Class 4A losing 48-34 in the Elite Eight to Jones County. C’India Dennis tore her ACL at the end of Game 2, finishing her junior season averaging 36.5 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. The 2024-25 Class 4A Player of the Year recently cut her top three schools down to Georgia, Clemson and Auburn. With Dennis set to return, the Seminoles bring back their top four players. Alongside Dennis, the senior class also includes 5-foot-7 Sydnee Hunter (13.1 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 3.3 apg, 2.4 spg) and 5-foot-5 Jacy Mitchell (12.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 3.5 apg, 3.4 spg). 5-foot-6 junior Maliha Harris emerged in Dennis’ absence, earning All-State honors as she posted 15.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.6 steals, nabbing D-I offers along the way. 5-foot-3 freshman Nevaeh Anderson is next up in the swamp, a quick playmaker with potent three-level scoring production. The Seminoles headline a strong Region 3 which holds No. 6 Morrow, No. 10 Woodward Academy and formidable teams just outside the Top 10 like Langston Hughes and Tri-Cities. No. 2 Kell fell in the Class 4A State Championship last year, losing to Marist 58-50 to end the season 25-6. The Longhorns now find themselves in one of the toughest public school regions in the state, Region 6, after playing in one of the weakest the past two years. The Longhorns will try to fend off the likes of No. 4 Sequoyah, defending champ No. 5 Creekview and semifinalist River Ridge with Indiana-commit Finley Parker among other highly skilled teams. Kell loses just one senior, returning a handful of D-I commits. The senior class includes 5-foot-10 Asiah Thompson (St. John’s), 5-foot-9 Maliyah Gilbert (North Carolina A&T) and 6-foot-2 McKenzie Green (Howard). The junior class boasts burgeoning two-way standout 5-foot-8 Lyric Watson, 5-foot-9 Daphne White and 5-foot-10 Elle Sellers. No. 3 Milton dropped in the state championship to Creekview 45-43, finishing 27-5 with one senior starter graduating. 5-foot-8 senior Deyva Davis leads the Eagles, a blazing fast Longwood-commit. Milton has an athletic roster with size across all positions including 6-foot sophomore Brooklyn Brunetti, 5-foot-11 junior Grace Musselman, 5-foot-11 junior Aaleanna Milord and 5-foot-10 senior Tamia Tomlinson. No. 4 Sequoyah reversed their fortunes improving from 14-16 to 20-11, knocking off 2024-25 state champion River Ridge in the Region 6 Championship 71-46 after beating eventual state champion Creekview in the semifinals 56-53, setting up a run to the Elite Eight, ousted by Milton 54-49 after holding a 27-18 lead at halftime. The Chiefs return nearly everyone, with two seniors graduating but junior forward Layla Davis out with an ACL tear after picking up an offer from Anderson. Sequoyah’s ceiling will be determined based on how well they shoot the three, routinely knocking in 10+ per game over the summer which made them one of the more impressive teams during the offseason. The Chiefs have two Preseason Second Team All-State picks in 6-foot guard Carly Bass (19.6 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 2.8 apg, 2.1 spg), a Wofford-commit and 5-foot-8 sophomore Jayden Whelchel (11 ppg, 5 rpg, 3 apg, 3 spg). Seniors 5-foot-3 Ella Casing (7.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 3.4 apg, 1.6 spg) and 5-foot-9 Addie Beck (6 ppg, 3 rpg, 1.9 apg) took big jumps forward as upperclassmen. Juniors 6-foot Harper Cofer (7 ppg, 3 rpg) and 5-foot-11 Lydia Rogers (5.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1 apg) add shooting, length and versatility. Freshmen 5-foot-5 Sofia Horata and 5-foot-10 Kyla Givens should compete for early playing time.  No. 5 Creekview won the state title as the three-seed out of Region 6, marching on to beat Milton 45-43 in Macon to finish 27-5. Two starters graduate including Class 5A Player of the Year Kailyn Hamby (Brenau). Tough-nosed defenders litter the senior class between 5-foot-5 Finley Howard, 5-foot-8 Kentucky softball-commit Lili Beal and 5-foot-10 Payten Day, a title game hero off the bench that posted 6 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks including converting an And-1 with 21.3 seconds left to go up 44-40. 5-foot-11 junior Brenley Matthews was hobbled with injuries this offseason but the versatile stretch-four earned an offer from Shorter in August. 5-foot-9 junior Kylee Herrick and 5-foot-7 sophomore Taylor Khodabakhsh could see upticks in their offensive production. 5-foot-5 freshman Everley Dobson should be an immediate impact maker, a strongly built playmaking guard who can score when needed. She enters the season already with a Shorter offer. No. 6 Morrow finished 21-7, losing 65-53 to Coffee in the Sweet 16. 6-foot-5 senior wing Janiyah Weaver was one of the top stock risers in all of the southeast, seeing offers pour in from Low Major to High Major before settling on North Carolina A&T. 5-foot-10 Muzic Dace holds an offer from Pensacola State and 5-foot-8 junior Nyla Chivers maintains a handful of D-I bids. Joining the roster this year is 5-foot-8 junior Jaila Scott (17.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.1 apg, 2.7 spg, 1.3 bpg – Stockbridge), 5-foot-6 junior Deiana Spaulding (4.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.1 spg – Columbia) and 5-foot-9 senior Jazlynn Brown (Archer). No. 7 New Manchester tallied a 24-5 mark, losing in the Sweet 16 to Creekview 65-56. Preseason Third Team All-State selection 5-foot-3 senior Devin Furgess leads the charge averaging 17 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 3 steals per game. The Jaguars have a frontcourt which features size and athleticism between 5-foot-11 sophomore Jaidyn Hill (6.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.2 spg), 6-foot junior Katelyn Cherry (6.2 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.6 spg), 5-foot-11 sophomore Bailey Daniels (2.6 ppg, 1.9 rpg) and 6-foot-2 junior Kennedi Rogers from McEachern. No. 8 Brunswick finished 23-7, three losses coming against Bradwell Institute. The Pirates fell in Sweet 16 to Milton again, this time 58-55. Martin Davis (Georgia College) graduates but the rest of the crew is back headlined by 5-foot-11 junior Samyya Gilbert (14.4 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 1.5 spg), 5-foot-10 senior Jakai Alston (7.3 ppg, 6 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.4 spg) and 5-foot-10 senior Lauryn Walker (7.1 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.1 apg, 2.3 spg, 1.8 bpg), three dynamic versatile athletes that do most of their damage in the frontcourt. Sliding into the ever-important lead guard roll is 5-foot-7 junior Ashia Mountain along with 5-foot-5 twin sister Ava who come from Frederica Academy. Ashia brings with her offers from Mercer and Georgia College, a strong and swift downhill attacker who makes things happen with the ball in her hands and defensively as well with her pursuit. Region 1 gets much tougher with the addition of Grovetown, but for Brunswick to claim the crown they will have to go through Bradwell Institute who finished 28-1 last year but graduates their second and third top scorers which places them just outside of the Top 10 to start the year. No. 9 Lee County gets the nod near the bottom of the poll as the Trojans are set to return their top four players from last year’s 18-10 group which fell 58-34 to Creekview in the First Round. Albeit just summer, Lee County was very impressive in GBCA Live, winning the Lime Division with notable blowout wins over Tri-Cities (49-26), Bradwell Institute (51-28) and Central-Macon (55-34). 5-foot-4 senior Camya Hutcherson is a Preseason Third Team All-State pick, one of the best guards in Georgia averaging 15 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 4.1 steals per game. 5-foot-11 senior Taliyah Porter is tough on the glass averaging 9.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 3.7 steals as a junior while 5-foot-8 junior Jada Ridley (7.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg) has played a significant role since her freshman year. Keep an eye on 5-foot-11 sophomore Zhniyah Black. She’s got great physical tools, long and athletic. She could be a major disruptor on defense and a putback threat on offense. No. 10 Woodward Academy went 24-5, losing in the Elite Eight to Coffee 73-62. The War Eagles must replace the production of Valdosta State freshman Lauryn Cooper (17.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 3.8 apg, 4.4 spg). 5-foot-9 senior MacKenzee Williams will be asked to do a lot, the Preseason First Team All-State Pick led Woodward Academy in nearly every category as a junior posting 22.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 5.6 steals and 1.3 blocks as an explosive attacker. 5-foot-6 sophomore Sky Robinson (7.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.9 apg, 2 spg) is a capable three-point shooter while 5-foot-11 sophomore Samayiah Florence has serious long-term upside and could be the team’s X-Factor as a do-everything combo-forward with motor and versatile skills. She averaged 4.9 points, 6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 2.1 steals and 1.3 blocks as a freshman and had a strong travel ball season. Senior Kami Whitner (6.7 ppg) didn’t play during GBCA Live and will be a much-needed contributor as out of Woodward Academy’s 205 points scored over four games at the live event, the trio of Williams, Robinson and Florence accounted for 203.

Class 5A

No. 1 North Oconee takes the top spot to debut in Class 5A, coming off a 23-7 season which ended in the Elite Eight at the hands of state champ Marist 63-49. The Titans graduate three significant contributors including Region 8 Player of the Year and North Oconee All-Time Leading Scorer Laura Frances Willis (Texas A&M-Corpus Christi). The junior class features Preseason First Team All-Stater 5-foot-11 wing Leah Pollack and Second Teamer 5-foot-6 Mackenzie Setchel who pulled in offers from Furman and Flagler this summer. 5-foot-11 junior Kallie Mashburn is a physical interior presence along with 5-foot-10 senior Amelia Glasscox. Three transfers move in headlined by 5-foot-10 senior wing Kenzie Johnson, a Preseason Third Team All-State selection back in Bogart after playing at George Walton Academy last year. Junior Kennedy Elkins follows her state championship winning head coach father Greg from Heritage-Catoosa while 6-foot-2 sophomore Savannah Hoagland is part of the mass exodus from Hebron Christian. No. 2 Dalton graduates just one senior from last year’s 26-4 Elite Eight team which fell to Kell 52-41. Augusta-commit 5-foot-7 Aubriyana Camp is Preseason First Team All-State while 5-foot-8 junior Emery Silvers slots in on the Third Team. The Catamounts have a nice blend in the front court with major experience between seniors 6-foot Georgia Sanders, 6-foot Dana Gravitt and 5-foot-8 Wisdom Kent. No. 3 Northview graduates their top three scorers and options five through seven from their 18-13 Elite Eight team who lost 64-51 to Cartersville but the Titans have a completely revamped roster. 5-foot-10 freshman Melody Ashford is a Preseason First Team All-State selection, one of the best players in the entire classification. The do-everything big guard leads a wave of incoming freshmen with 6-foot-2 Harper Mammola, 5-foot-7 Yosola Balogun and 5-foot-4 Grace Workman joining the fold. 5-foot-9 sophomore Sana Amara is the team’s top returner, averaging 5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.4 steals in Year 1. 6-foot-1 Stetson lacrosse-commit Cameron Baker averaged 3.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.8 steals as a junior. No. 4 Cartersville took a trip to the Final Four, closing the season 24-6 with a 77-41 loss to Marist. The Purple Hurricanes return everyone but leading scorer Kaytlin Arnold (Columbus State). The storm comes at you in waves with a multitude of different options part of a balanced attack. Most dangerous is Preseason Second Team All-State point guard 5-foot-6 junior Zoe McCurry who averaged 11.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.9 steals, separating herself as one of the best guards in the area. McCurry leads a deep junior class which also features 5-foot-8 Trinity Montgomery (9 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1 spg), 5-foot-7 Bayley Stanley (8 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.5 apg, 2.4 spg) who is working her way back from injury after appearing in 11 games, 6-foot Blakely Morris (4.9 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1 spg), 5-foot-8 Reese Gibson (4.1 ppg, 3 rpg), 5-foot-7 Akira Leonard (3.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg) and 5-foot-7 Rakhia Pace (2.6 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 1 apg, 1.2 spg). 5-foot-4 Jayda Cothran (3.3 ppg) is the lone senior on the roster. 5-foot-6 sophomore Kendall Dixon defects from Darlington and 5-foot-6 freshman J’vaye Sams moves in from Rome Middle School and figures to play a significant role with her wiry athleticism. No. 5 Starr’s Mill lost in the Sweet 16 to Jones County 51-45 ending the season 25-4. Boys assistant coach Bo Holder takes over the program after Brandon Cerezola left right before the school year to become a Valdosta State assistant. The Panthers lose two key pieces but have a lot back anchored by Preseason First Team All-State selection 6-foot-2 Lindsey Kopacek, a Tennessee Tech-commit who averaged 19.5 points, 15.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 4 blocks per game as a punishing post presence. The senior class also includes 6-foot wing Ava Glover (7.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.5 spg), 5-foot-8 Maddie Grant (5.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.6 spg) and 5-foot-8 Ellie Thompson (1.2 ppg) who netted a Covenant College offer in September. 5-foot-9 junior Aftyn Heiden put up 11.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.9 steals a night. The addition of 5-foot-9 sophomore Yogi Boynton (9.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 1.2 apg, 2.2 spg) from Sandy Creek gives the Panthers a different dimension on both sides of the ball with her size and activity. No. 6 Marist graduates GHSA All-Time Leading Scorer Kate Harpring and her 3,435 points. The War Eagles beat Kell 58-50 to capture the state title, finishing 30-2. Three seniors graduate, two starters. Back is title game hero 5-foot-6 junior Emily Morrison who came out of nowhere to score 13 critical points on 6-9 shooting.  5-foot-10 senior Katie Elder is the team’s top returning scorer. 5-foot-7 junior Mary Julia Johnson is the third starter back. 5-foot-11 senior Keana Wilder is an interesting piece if she can stay healthy. 5-foot-9 senior Megan Snipes is a Kennesaw State softball-commit. If she returns to the hardwood, she has the most varsity experience between her time at St. Pius X and Marist. Marist’s highest upside players however, have some of the least experience. 5-foot-6 junior Azalia Shell made the most of her opportunities last year and should be among the team’s top scorers this season. Sophomores 5-foot-11 Ellie Warren and 5-foot-8 Marya Trotman have flashed major promise over the travel ball season. No. 7 St. Pius X is the third team from Region 6 in the Top 10, chasing No. 3 Northview and No. 6 Marist. The Golden Lions marked a 19-10 record, losing to Starr’s Mill 52-43 in the First Round. 5-foot-9 senior point guard Sofia Pihera has steadily grown her stock over the course of her career, a Preseason Second Team All-State pick after an explosive summer scoring the ball. She is joined by 6-foot senior center Heidi Beck and 5-foot-7 junior Sophia Hoade as primary scoring options. No. 8 Jones County fell to Kell in the Elite Eight 69-49, putting a cap on a 25-6 campaign. The Greyhounds lose their top two scorers along with their fifth option. A lot will be put on the plate of the Dumas twins to keep Jones County competitive. 5-foot-10 Desirae earned Preseason Second Team All-State honors coming off a sophomore season in which she averaged 11.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.7 steals. Destinee chipped in 2.1 points a night. 5-foot-10 senior Liberty Pennamon has versatility across multiple positions. She may be capable to nearly double her production after tallying 5.6 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.9 steals per game. No. 9 Warner Robins comes in right behind Jones County in Region 2. Coming off a 23-4 season losing 48-40 to Cartersville in the Sweet 16, health will be determining factor as to how good the Demonettes will be as 5-foot-9 senior Trinitee Thomas opens up as a First Team All-State pick but is still working back into game form after tearing her ACL midseason. Seniors Laila Howard-Haney and Syriah Mace will have a major responsibility to keep the Demonettes afloat if Thomas isn’t ready to open the season. No. 10 Jefferson recorded an 18-10 season, losing in the First Round of the Class 3A State Playoffs, eliminated by Stephenson 65-63. Seniors 5-foot-8 Alayah Johnson (12 ppg, 2 spg), 5-foot-9 Karlee Law (9 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 apg, 2 spg) and 5-foot-7 Molly Griffin return. 5-foot-9 junior Callie Grant figures to play a significant role. A pair of sophomores from Hebron Christian transfer in. 6-foot-2 Elle Johnson holds an offer from Wofford and will get big minutes back at her home school. 5-foot-9 Olivia Speringo is on her third school in three years after playing varsity as an eighth grader at Bethlehem Christian.

Class 4A

All eyes will be on Region 4 which houses No. 1, No. 2 and No. 5. After shockingly losing to Heritage-Catoosa in 65-63 overtime in the state championship to finish 25-7, No. 1 Sandy Creek has loaded up to try to avoid another disappoint. Three Patriots line Preseason First Team All-State led by reigning Class 3A Player of the Year 5-foot-8 junior Morghan Reckley, a five-star point guard who averaged 23.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 4.7 steals. Her supporting cast is wildly improved as 6-foot junior D’Arrah Mitchell moves in from Centennial, NV where she earned the No. 39 ranking in the country and spent time at the USA U16 National Team trials. Also in is 5-foot-10 freshman Jordyn Avila, leaving Hebron Christian. A future five-star guard in her own right, Power 4 schools have already begun offering the prolific scorer. 6-foot-2 freshman Leah Hill looks like a D-I prospect, a physical post with nimble feet, powerful moves and a motor to run rim-to-rim. 5-foot-10 sophomore Deonne Spears transferred from Sparkman, AL and figures to compete for minutes alongside returners 5-foot-6 senior Madison Reckley (9.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.7 apg, 2.9 spg) and 6-foot-2 sophomore Kandyce Hopkins (6.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 1 apg, 1 spg, 2.2 bpg). Now with a super team, Sandy Creek positions among the most talented teams in the entire state and likely should draw a national ranking in due time. There is immense pressure to win a state title, anything less would be a stunning surprise. No. 2 Luella went 23-5 but once again saw their postseason blues haunt them, ranked No. 1 since Week 6 but failing to make it to the Elite Eight, a casualty of the PSR system, losing to region foe Stephenson 52-50 in the Sweet 16 after beating the Jaguars thrice during the regular season including a 60-42 region championship blowout. The Lions lose their top scorer along with option number five but return a strong core along with transfers in an arms race atop the classification. 5-foot-11 sophomore Imari Thompson (12.3 ppg, 3 rpg, 1.1 apg, 2.4 spg) lands on the Preseason All-State Third Team while 6-foot-3 senior Naima Foster (12.3 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 1.3 apg, 5.1 spg, 2 bpg) is a Second Teamer along with impact transfer 6-foot junior Ja’Ziyah Foster, last year’s Class A D-I Player of the Year at Lamar County averaging 18 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 2.2 steals. 5-foot-11 junior Nyah Morrison is the third top returner for the Lions after posting 9.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.6 steals. Sisters 5-foot-10 sophomore Tori Christian (8.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1 spg) and 5-foot-10 freshman Trinity Christian move in from Lovejoy. Without a target on their back this season, playing the role as hunter not hunted could pay dividends come March. No. 3 Monroe posted a 27-4 record before getting trounced in the Final Four by Sandy Creek 85-69. Texas A&M-commit Kie’Aundria Acree has a realistic shot at breaking Kate Harpring’s brand new GHSA scoring record but the Golden Tornadoes have more weapons surrounding her which could see her 30.6 points, 12 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 4 steals and 2.6 blocks per game average dip slightly for the betterment of the team. 5-foot-7 sophomore Justyce Cole transfers in from Thomasville where she picked up D-I offers and averaged 13.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 4.4 steals per game. Adding a true point guard to the roster could be the missing piece to the puzzle, allowing Acree more off-ball scoring opportunities. 5-foot-9 senior Taylor McKinzy has been a trustworthy number two since her freshman season, averaging 15.6 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 3.4 steals per game as a junior. 6-foot-1 sophomore Maleyah Hines (11.6 ppg, 13.5 rpg, 2.5 spg) proved to be an impactful transfer last season, gobbling up putbacks and placing herself on D-I radars with her athleticism and activity. Having four players capable of routinely scoring double digits is something Monroe hasn’t had since Acree’s arrival and could make the Nadas that much tougher to gameplan for. No. 4 Oconee County went 26-4, dumped in the Elite Eight by eventual state champion Heritage-Catoosa 47-41. 5-foot-11 sophomore Ella David is a Preseason First Team All-State pick after averaging 25 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals. The Warriors are a senior-heavy group with a lot of experience. 5-foot-9 swingman Jill Daniel is a Georgia College-commit while 5-foot-5 Eliza Oechsle is a four-year starter at point guard. 5-foot-10 Megan Miller is a physical forward down low. No. 5 Woodland-Stockbridge is the third team out of Region 4 to debut in the Top 5. The Wolfpack put together a 22-6 season in Class 4A losing to state champ Marist 69-31 in the Sweet 16. Woodland loses three of their top five but return 5-foot-5 senior Jada Little, the Region 2 Co-Player of the Year that averaged 13.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 3.8 steals. 5-foot-10 senior Lauren Blount (4.8 ppg, 5.6 rpg) was a Third Team All-Region selection while 5-foot-9 sophomore Ve’Lana Reaves (6 ppg, 3 rpg, 1.4 apg) earned Honorable Mention in Year 1. Look for 6-foot freshman Noelle Lee to make a difference with her size and defensive versatility. No. 6 White County has been beset by injuries but if they can stay healthy, the Warriors have senior-laden group that could capitalize and improve upon last year’s 20-9 Sweet 16 team that lost to Monroe 61-38. Two players are gone from last year’s team, a graduate and a transfer.  The hard-pressing Warriors have tenacious senior guard play between coach’s daughter 5-foot-8 Ella Kate Shedd (12 ppg, 6 rpg, 3 apg, 2 spg) and 5-foot-5 Anijah Moss. The health of 5-foot-11 Burkett twins Aslyn and Bree is always crucial heading into their senior seasons, Aslyn an All-Region pick last year. 5-foot-4 lefty sophomore Ansleigh Vandiver is a very good young guard while 5-foot-9 sophomore Naomi Nicely figures to play a prominent role inside with her physicality. Seniors 5-foot-5 Josselyn Burke and 5-foot-8 Kalynn Watkins are trustworthy role players that will play big minutes throughout the season in a competitive Region 6. No. 7 Baldwin could be the team to beat in Region 2 as their entire roster is back after an 18-11 season ended in the Sweet 16 against Oconee County 53-44. 6-foot-2 Alabama A&M-commit Suri Clark is a Preseason Second Team All-Stater after posting 16 points, 10.6 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game as a physically dominant interior presence. 5-foot-6 lefty Zuri Grant returns for her senior year after adding 12.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3 assists and 2.7 steals per game. 5-foot-5 sophomore Conniya Reaves (7.7 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.8 apg, 3.1 spg) and 5-foot-3 senior Trinia Lawrence (7.1 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 3.3 apg, 2.3 spg) round out the backcourt. The flood gates have opened for No. 8 North Hall with reportedly five freshmen coming from outside of their feeder program to join a hard-playing group that went 16-13, losing 49-40 to Pickens in the Sweet 16. 5-foot-8 Malorie Wyse and 5-foot-3 Tallulah Ball pace the sophomore class while 5-foot-7 junior Camille Nix was one of the team’s top scorers during GBCA Live along with 5-foot-7 freshman Rae Davis. 5-foot-8 freshman Aniyah Young is one of the most notable transfers, leaving Lumpkin County to join other teammates from her travel ball team that decided to attend North Hall their freshman year. No. 9 Heritage-Catoosa are the defending state champs going 28-4, knocking off five-star guard Morghan Reckley and Sandy Creek in overtime 65-63 with a plethora of softball-first players. Three gritty starters graduate and Coach Greg Elkins moves over to North Oconee to become an assistant, leaving the job for James Gribben who slides over a chair and last was head man at Villa Rica. Finding consistent offense will be key for the Generals who see a lot of players in new elevated roles. 5-foot-10 junior post Paisley Collins is no stranger however, a Second Team All-State pick last year and a Preseason Third Teamer. 5-foot-6 senior Georgia Gracy drew the game-deciding fifth foul on Reckley last year in the state title game and is back with her guts and guile. 5-foot-6 senior Abby Wilson along with 5-foot-9 junior Sunshine Davenport and 5-foot-9 sophomore Ansley Lawson are the lone Generals that got minutes off the bench in the title game. 5-foot-2 freshman Maelee Lopez will be an important primary ball handler. No. 10 Gilmer went 16-11, losing 50-40 to White County in the First Round. Second Team All-Region picks Paula Robertson (UPike) and Bree Burnette graduate, but the Bobcats have a solidified core between Preseason Third Team All-State pick 5-foot-10 senior Jace Sanderson who holds multiple D-II offers and sophomores 5-foot-7 Mak Taylor and 5-foot-4 Ally Phillips. During Gilmer’s 4-0 showing in the Yellow Bracket of GBCA Live, the three-man nucleus accounted for 173 of the Bobcats’ 195 points scored.

Class 3A

No. 1 Union County debuts in the top spot. The Panthers went 19-10 last season, losing 46-33 to Thomson in the Sweet 16. Coach Corey Garrett takes over the program after guiding the boys team to a state title game appearance in 2024-25. Union County graduates just one senior and is anchored by a blend of experienced youth and productive veterans. 5-foot-9 senior Regan Trlica is a Preseason All-State First Teamer after posting 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 1 block per game. Her tantalizing play over the offseason has landed her on D-II radars with D-I schools tracking behind. 5-foot-11 senior McKenna Hood is a physical post that averaged 10 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 2 blocks. The sophomore class is what makes the Panthers so dangerous as they have an innate ability to know where one another are at all times leading to terrific ball movement for easy buckets. 5-foot-10 Bristol Davis earns Preseason All-State First Team honors after collecting 10 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block as a freshman, upping those numbers in the Sandy’s Spiel Fall League to 16.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 2.9 steals as the Panthers went undefeated. 5-foot-8 Miya Totherow averaged 13 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals as a freshman, the righty who shoots lefty a streaky shooter from beyond the arc. Maybe the most important piece is 5-foot-6 Scout Henry, the engine who makes the Panthers go on both ends of the floor. A tenacious ball hawk, Henry averaged 8.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 3.8 steals during the Fall League. Depth is an obvious concern but lefty 5-foot-6 Hailey Marshall is a floor spacing sophomore that can provide a spark in spurts. Union County’s length and defensive instincts in the 1-3-1 make it difficult for opponents to get into a rhythm. The Panthers will be battle-tested coming out of Region 7 which boasts No. 4 Sonoraville and defending state champs No. 5 Murray County along with quarterfinalist Coahulla Creek and wildcards in Ringgold and North Murray. No. 2 Columbia posted a 22-7 season, losing to Murray County in the Final Four 61-47. The Eagles lose some significant pieces like Region 6 Player of the Year Kendall Campbell, along with a pair of transfers, but two impact players move in to join holdovers like 5-foot-3 junior Janise McCoy, a Preseason Second Team All-State pick that averaged 11.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 4.3 steals per game. The sophomore class features 5-foot-8 Faith Andrews (7.4 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.6 apg, 2.3 bpg) and 5-foot-8 Londynn Nolley (5.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2.1 spg). 6-foot-4 junior Avantey Gilreath transfers in from Stephenson, a Preseason Second Teamer with multiple D-I offers coming off a season in which she averaged 9 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 2.6 blocks. 5-foot-8 junior Tamaya Nelson transfers over from Westlake. No. 3 Elbert County moves up in class after losing in the Class A D-I title game 63-55 to East Laurens, ending a 22-9 season. Two senior starters graduate but First Team All-State selection 5-foot-9 guard Audrey Lunsford is back for her senior season joining fellow 2027s 5-foot-3 Tiyah Turman and 5-foot-5 Aaliyah Allen in the backcourt. Keep an eye on the development of 6-foot sophomore Bryleigh Dickerson, a post who has emerged over the offseason as a key contributor inside. No. 4 Sonoraville returns their entire roster but one senior from a 20-8 group that lost 64-41 in the Sweet 16 to Josey and was the lone public school team in Class 2A to beat Murray County, splitting the season series with a 73-59 win in The Furnace. The Phoenix have steady guard play with Region 7 First Teamer 5-foot-6 junior Ellison Harper back to control pace at point guard. A breakout candidate looks like 5-foot-8 sophomore Elizabeth Cady, a wiry lefty who is disruptive in the 2-2-1 press and enters Year 2 as a Preseason Second Team pick. Seniors 5-foot-4 Lilli Lovingood and 5-foot-9 Lakelin Hall round out a sneaky good nucleus. No. 5 Murray County captured their first state title since 1965, edging Hardway 51-48 to finish 27-4. Class 2A Player of the Year Callan Ledford (Emmanuel) graduates but sister 5-foot-5 junior Blaklee Ledford is a First Team All-State playmaker who continues to add to her game. In total, four starters return between 5-foot-4 senior Hadley Dotson, 5-foot-3 junior Finley Dotson and 5-foot-3 junior Aspen Powers rounding out the core. 5-foot-8 sophomore Brinkley Johnson will likely see an expanded role as 5-foot-9 senior Miley McClure is working her way back from another ACL injury which occurred midseason. Heritage-Catoosa transfer 5-foot-7 senior Camdyn Carter tore an ACL for a third time this offseason but may try to play regardless. No. 6 Washington County recorded a 20-7 mark, bounced in the First Round by Commerce at home 49-44. The Golden Hawks move up in classification with their top seven players set to return. 5-foot-7 senior Jade Kitchens is a workhorse in the backcourt, a Preseason First Team All-State guard with multiple D-II offers coming off a season in which she did a little bit of everything averaging 16.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 4 steals and 1.2 blocks. Running mate 5-foot-2 senior Aeria Hagans dumped in 16.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 4.1 steals to compose a formidable one-two punch. Finding contributions outside of the tandem will be key with 5-foot-4 senior Kemyia Carlyle (6.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg) and juniors 5-foot-8 Cassidy Battle (6 ppg, 4.2 rpg) and 5-foot-3 Adrianna Poole (5.1 ppg) extremely important. No. 7 Cross Creek lurks near the middle of the poll, extremely dangerous out of Region 4 in competition with Washington County and Thomson. The Razorbacks finished 20-7 in Class 3A, losing in the Sweet 16 to Sandy Creek 42-36, the closest anyone played the Patriots by a mile before they lost in the state title game. Cross Creek loses two seniors, their top scorer and fifth option. Region Defensive Player of the Year 5-foot-6 senior Jerniyah Youmans averaged 6.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3 assists and 3.4 steals per game, part of a balanced attack that didn’t see anyone average double figures last year. 5-foot-7 junior Na’cayla Evans (8.9 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.7 apg, 3 spg) and 5-foot-7 senior Madison Robertson (8.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.8 spg) are leaders. Look for freshmen 5-foot-3 Amari Keller and 5-foot-9 Maliyah Ivery to make immediate impacts. The Razorbacks were extremely competitive during their 1-3 showing at GBCA Live, beating Alexander 35-30 with losses to Top 10 caliber teams in Hillgrove (39-32), Westlake (39-38) and Cartersville (40-38). No. 8 Central-Macon tapered off last year at 15-13 with a First Round exit in Class A D-I to Brantley County 58-46, but the Chargers should be back in the mix as long as everyone stays healthy with the entire roster back. 5-foot-9 junior JaMyree Simmons is a Preseason Third Team selection coming off a year in which she averaged 12.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.5 steals as a versatile 3&D type swingman. 5-foot-9 junior Caylin Mathis (10.4 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 1.7 apg, 2.4 spg) did damage as a big guard while the senior class looks to be teetering on the verge of breakout production between 5-foot-6 Kacie Reeves (6.9 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.8 spg), 5-foot-6 Lawren Anderson (6.7 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.7 spg) and 5-foot-5 Cha’miyah Montgomery (6 ppg, 5.6 rpg) among a few others in a deep class. Right behind the Chargers in Region 2 is No. 9 Lamar County. The Trojans looked set to boast possibly their most talented and most experienced roster in school history with Preseason Second Team selection 5-foot-9 sophomore Jules Gotell (25 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2 spg, 1 bpg) moving in from St. George’s to compliment a 24-6 group that lost 61-58 in triple overtime to Elbert County in the Sweet 16, but reigning Class A D-I Player of the Year 6-foot junior Ja’Ziyah Foster transferred to Luella following GBCA Live after averaging 18 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 2.2 steals last season. Expect the Trojans to be more perimeter oriented with Preseason Third Team guard 5-foot-6 Makayla Watts (11.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3.1 apg, 3.1 spg) and 5-foot-6 Kayla Stewart (8.2 ppg, 4 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.2 spg) entering their senior seasons. Now the number one option in the interior, 5-foot-11 senior Ella Bleu Leverett (6.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg) will get the bulk of the scoring chances inside with her physical back-to-the-basket game. No. 10 Hart County rounds out the Top 10 in a tough Region 8 which features No. 3 Elbert County and Private No. 3 Hebron Christian. The Bulldogs tallied a 20-10 record last year with a 73-54 loss to Josey in the Elite Eight. Hart County graduates All-State guard Kiasia Montgomery (Newberry) but has a solid supporting cast back between seniors 5-foot-3 Jaycee Wiley and 5-foot-9 Londen Durrett along with 6-foot junior Sarai Shealer and 5-foot-9 sophomore Jordyn Wiley.

Class 2A

No. 1 Heard County snatches the perch as the Braves are set to return their top five players, graduating just two seniors from last year’s 18-10 team which fell to Putnam County in the Elite Eight 55-53. 5-foot-9 junior Azhia Kendall leads a tenacious Heard County team packed with veterans that can often press opponents into submission. Kendall netted a Longwood offer over the summer and is a Preseason First Team All-State selection. The senior class features aggressive downhill attacker 5-foot-6 TT Lewis, reliable glue-guy 5-foot-7 Emma Beers and three-point specialist 5-foot-5 Emma Lawson. 5-foot-9 junior Majesty Ware is a long-armed live body who covers ground in the frontcourt with her athleticism. No. 2 ACE is a legit title contender now that Preseason First Team All-Stater 6-foot junior Ava Jenkins is eligible after having to sit out upon her move from Bleckley County last year. The dynamic forward has an elite motor with a rapidly expanding game, not only a great rebounder and finisher inside, but skilled off the dribble and now capable of knocking down jumpers out to the three-point line. Florida A&M, Middle Georgia State and Mercer have all offered. The double-double machine is joined by travel ball teammates 5-foot-5 junior twins Khloie (17.2 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 3.4 apg, 3.5 spg) and Zhoie Stanley (13.1 ppg, 6 rpg, 3.8 apg, 4.3 spg). Including Jenkins, the Gryphons have their top four players back and should improve upon last year’s 17-9 First Round exit at the hands of Elbert County 59-39. No. 3 Rabun County couldn’t land the knockout punch in the Elite Eight at Thomasville, squandering two eight-point leads losing 46-44 to finish 24-6. The LadyCats graduate significant contributors in Madison Houck and Conley Spivey but Rabun County has their top three players back paced by Preseason First Team All-State 5-foot-7 sophomore point guard Millie Southards (12.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 4.3 apg, 3.1 spg) and Second Teamer 5-foot-6 senior Adelyn Thompson (13 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.7 apg, 2 spg) along with 5-foot-6 senior Addy Beth Owens (11.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.8 apg, 2.4 spg). 5-foot-11 junior Jaydynn Cohee is an important factor with her size and motor. 5-foot-11 senior Zara Gosse is on her third school, moving from White County and is rehabbing from another ACL tear. No. 4 Commerce saw an influx of new faces join the program last season resulting in a 19-9 finish, losing 54-33 at Vidalia in the Sweet 16. 6-foot-1 sophomore Niya Daniels is a Preseason Second Team All-State post starting to earn D-I offers after averaging 12.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. 6-foot junior Ciara Rucker is a long and lanky center that averaged 4.8 points and 3.8 rebounds upon her move from Elbert County. The Tigers have an aggressive, athletic, high-motor backcourt between 5-foot-2 sophomore Kenyanna Jackson (10 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.3 apg, 4.2 spg) and 5-foot-8 senior Taylor Clark who is returning from an early season ACL tear, averaging 13.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 6.3 steals in three games last year. No. 5 Putnam County recorded a 21-3 mark with a narrow 48-45 loss to Elbert County in the Final Four. The War Eagles were set to return their top two guards but sophomore Jaydah Baker transferred to John Milledge Academy after playing with Putnam County during GBCA Live, coming off a freshman campaign in which she was named Co-Region Player of the Year. A majority of the ball handling and scoring pressure will now be placed back onto 5-foot-6 senior Journey Waller, a Preseason Second Teamer after averaging 12.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 3.6 steals per game. 5-foot-7 senior Eriyana Little is a trustworthy role player looking to build off her 5.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.1 steal per game. The biggest X-Factor, literally and figuratively, is 6-foot-4 junior De’Nadia Dunn who showed serious improvement over the summer, ready to be an impact maker not only defensively but offensively as well, surely to likely triple her output of 3.5 points per game last year. No. 6 Bacon County on paper should be a force to be reckon with as their entire roster returns from a 26-3 season which ended at the hands of eventual state champion East Laurens in the Elite Eight 64-42, if accurate the Falcons shooting a ridiculous 58 free throws at home compared to Bacon County’s 24. Regardless, the Raiders boast Preseason Second Teamer 6-foot-2 Makayla Thomas (14.4 ppg, 14.9 rpg, 1.9 spg, 6.1 bpg) and Third Teamer 5-foot-4 senior Marnay’jah Reynolds (21.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 4.1 apg, 3.4 spg). The tandem does everything for Coach Sug Parker as there is a substantial drop off in production after senior Holton Macie (5.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.7 spg) as no one averages over 3.3 points per game. No. 7 Laney lost legendary Head Coach Otis Smart in July after over 1,000 career wins with four decades worth of leadership. The Wildcats drop a classification and look to regain their title contending prestige following a 20-8 season losing 71-48 to Murray County in the Sweet 16. 5-foot-6 senior Chabria Tate is a First Team Preseason All-State selection coming off a season in which she dumped in 24.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 2.6 steals. The Wildcats should return their top six contributors with junior Kezyriyah Williams (10.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg), sophomore Amelodi Norwood (9.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.2 apg), sophomore Raelyn Booker (7 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 1.9 apg, 2.9 spg) and senior Chiquita Gaffney (6.2 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 2.8 bpg) key role players. No. 8 Model graduates eight seniors from an injury plagued team that closed 18-10, eliminated in the Sweet 16 at Rabun County 56-43. 6-foot junior Kamri Sanders is a Preseason First Team All-State selection. 5-foot-7 junior Samantha Betz has emerged as the team’s top guard while 5-foot-10 stretch-forward Savanah Minshew is still working her way back from an injury that cut her sophomore season short. No. 9 Thomasville lost in the Final Four to East Laurens 55-45, ending their season at 25-4. All-State guard Justyce Cole left for Monroe during the offseason, shrinking the Bulldog core to juniors Preseason Third Team All-Stater 6-foot-1 Harmony Bryant (16.7 ppg, 14.4 rpg, 1.5 spg, 1.4 bpg), 5-foot-5 Jayla Brooks (15.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2.9 spg) and 5-foot-7 A’naijah Thurman (6 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 3 apg, 2.2 spg). No. 10 Fannin County sneaks into the Top 10 coming off a 25-4 season which ended in the Sweet 16 at the hands of Putnam County 75-36. The Rebels lose a lot but the emergence of 5-foot-6 junior Toccoa Hampton is what gives Fannin County the nod, a Preseason Third Team All-State pick upon averaging 18.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.4 steals per game in the Sandy’s Spiel Fall League. She joins savvy veteran point guard 5-foot-5 Izzie Jabaley, a Second Team selection, to form a dynamic hard-playing backcourt. Finding consistent production outside of the two will ultimately determine how good the Rebels can be, 5-foot-8 senior Albany Cole a Region 7 Honorable Mention pick a season ago.

Class 1A

Class 1A, formerly known as Class A D-II, has been a two-horse race the past two seasons and likely will be again this year, but the gap is shrinking. No. 1 Wilcox County is on the hunt for a three-peat after pulling away to beat Washington-Wilkes in the title game for a second consecutive season, 48-39 to finish 29-1. The Patriots continue to see key pieces graduate but their top two return for their senior seasons in First Team All-State selections 6-foot Tyliah Benjamin (11.9 ppg, 13.6 rpg, 2.1 apg, 3.2 spg, 2.6 bpg) and 5-foot-6 Shamauri Martin (15.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 3.4 apg, 4.1 spg). Benjamin, the two-time reigning Class A D-II Player of the Year, is the trump card, hanging 13 points, 21 rebounds and 5 blocks in Wilcox’s first state championship and 20 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks last year with a big third quarter to push past the Tigers.  With Benjamin and Martin known commodities, finding enough support around them will determine whether a three-peat is possible with 5-foot-7 senior Kamauri Martin (6.1 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.2 spg) the third option. No. 2 Washington-Wilkes has been getting closer and closer to the mountain top, losing in consecutive years to Wilcox County in the championship, beaten 72-48 two years ago before last season’s 48-39 defeat, a five-point game with 2:22 left. The Tigers return their entire roster from their 21-8 group headlined by Preseason First Team All-Stater 5-foot-8 junior Samaria Young (12.5 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 2.1 apg, 3.1 spg). The hard-playing lefty is flanked by 5-foot-9 senior Kaidyn Porter (9.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.9 apg, 4.3 spg, 1.1 bpg), juniors 5-foot-7 Myasia Lewis (9.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 1.8 apg, 2.8 spg), 5-foot-4 Zion Bankston (9 ppg, 5 rpg, 2.6 apg, 3.2 spg) and 5-foot-7 Alaina Walton (6.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg) along with 5-foot-8 sophomore Jakylah Gartrell (7.1 ppg, 6 rpg, 1.6 spg). No. 3 Bowdon graduates All-State forward Melaya Andrews but four other starters are back from last year’s 22-8 Final Four team that lost 71-45 to Wilcox County. 5-foot-11 sophomore Meg Robinson is a Third Team Preseason All-State selection with her versatile athleticism and length. Seniors Ka’moni Towns and Amari King help pace the Red Devils along with junior Troi Brown. No. 4 Telfair County collected a 20-8 record, eliminated again by Washington-Wilkes, this time in the Sweet 16, 55-35. The Trojans bring back their top three contributors highlighted by Preseason Second Teamer 5-foot-7 junior Ty’Kristiany Jones who posted 13.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 4 steals per game. Seniors Trynitee Newson (8 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 3.2 apg, 2.1 spg) and Ty’Teionna Jones (6.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2.9 spg) top the supporting cast. Out of the Trojans’ 14 losses over the past two seasons, eight came at the hands of Wilcox County (6) and Washington-Wilkes (2). No. 5 Terrell County ran up a 24-5 record, losing in the Elite Eight to Metter 50-46. The Greenwave graduate their third and sixth leading scorers as 5-foot-4 senior Jada Rushing (12.6 ppg) returns as a Preseason Third Team All-State selection. Joining her in the senior class are Khloe Brown (6.6 ppg) and Lynesha Hill (5.9 ppg) while junior Chassidy Franklin is back as the team’s second leading scorer pitching in 8.6 points per night. No. 6 ECI is a dark horse to make some noise. The Bulldogs finished a modest 16-10 but clawed their way to the Elite Eight, falling at Washington-Wilkes 57-36. In a highly competitive Region 3 which loosens up this year, ECI had multiple wars with Top 10 teams like semifinalist Metter (54-53 L, 66-38 L, 48-45 L), Sweet 16 Screven County (47-38 L, 53-52 W, 54-52 L) and Sweet 16 Bryan County (47-38 L, 43-33 L). Four of the Bulldogs top five players – all juniors – return anchored by 6-foot forward Senaria Hillman, a physically dominant big with nimble feet and quality shooting touch who looks like a future college player. She is surrounded by NaZiyah Mincey, Tatiana Smith and Caidence Gordon forming a sneaky-dangerous team. No. 7 Pelham went 22-5, falling in overtime at Bowdon 66-59 in the Sweet 16. The Hornets lose huge pieces in leading scorer Jakieria Frazier (20.3 ppg; 72 3PTM) and Mylaisha Almond (9.8 ppg, 13.8 rpg, 5.1 spg) but do return Preseason Third Team All-State junior guard De’Asiayah Johnson who averaged 17.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 4.9 steals. Junior Shamiracle Shelton (7.3 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 2.3 spg) and sophomore Antinique Green (5.6 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 1.4 apg, 3.8 spg) will be asked to take steps forward. No. 8 Schley County finished 16-10 with a First Round exit at the hands of Charlton County 49-46. The Wildcats now find themselves as potential favorites to earn a top seed out of Region 6 considering Schley returns their top five players headlined by 5-foot-9 senior Jamesen Hollomon, a Preseason First Team All-State selection who averaged 18.9 points, 9.4 rebounds, 4 assists and 3.4 steals as a junior with over 1,200 career points scored. The do-everything combo-forward is assisted by juniors Emilyn Sizemore (7.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2.7 apg, 2.7 spg) and Jentrea Skipper (6.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg). No. 9 Hancock Central went 20-7, ousted in overtime in the First Round by Screven County 61-54. The Bulldogs are expected to suit up their top six players from a season ago led by seniors 5-foot-8 Harmoni Watkins (12.5 ppg) and 5-foot-9 Jaliyah Hargrove (10.4 ppg). No. 10 Turner County has two Preseason All-State picks, but the Titans went just 16-13 with a 62-31 loss at Macon County in the First Round.  Turner County now finds themselves in a much tougher region led by No. 1 Wilcox County and No. 4 Telfair County. 5-foot-8 senior Aalunah Edwards is a First Team selection after posting 18 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals per game while 6-foot junior Janiyah Smith is a Second Teamer after winning Class A D-II Most Improved, upping her stats from 5 points and 6 rebounds per game to 14 points, 16 rebounds and 4 blocks nightly.

Class 4A-2A Private

Coming off a 26-5 season, eliminated in the Final Four by Hebron Christian 71-62, No. 1 St. Francis debuts in pole position. The Knights have a pair of Preseason First Team All-State picks in seniors 5-foot-9 Giaunni Rogers (16.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.6 apg, 2.9 spg) a Georgia Tech-commit and 6-foot-3 Aila Courtenay (9.8 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 1.5 spg) a Florida-commit. Second Teamer 5-foot-5 junior Peyton Mann looks primed for a breakout season after averaging 10.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 3.1 steals. 5-foot-11 junior Emon Stephens (8.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.2 apg, 2 spg), 6-foot senior Adison Branch (4.2 ppg, 2.7 rpg) and 6-foot junior August Branch (3.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg) give the Knights great length and versatility. No. 2 Holy Innocents’ nearly repeated as state champs, dropping to Hebron Christian 46-42 to end the season 24-7. Two starters are gone with Elana McMasters graduating and four-star wing Nakhai Worthy transferring to Cresset Christian, NC after appearing in just one game last season due to injury. The Golden Bears still place three players on Preseason All-State Teams with 6-foot-3 junior Loriel Murray and 6-foot freshman guard Kimora Wynn First Teamers while 6-foot-5 Aaniyah Branch earns Third Team. The backcourt features sparkplug sisters 5-foot-4 senior Makayla Weaver and 5-foot-3 junior Makenzie Weaver along with 5-foot-4 sophomore Parker Smith who nearly ignited a comeback by herself in the state championship with three starters fouled out, scoring eight points including a personal 6-0 run that trimmed the lead to 43-42 with 2:53 left. No. 3 Hebron Christian went 30-1 and held on to win the state title 46-42 over Holy Innocents’ but chose not to hold onto Head Coach Jan Azar. A mass exodus took place with players scattering, seven leaving the program.  Christi Thomas takes over after amassing a 29-68 record as head coach at Jackson County and a stint as an assistant at Seckinger. The former pro has a pair of Preseason Second Team All-State picks to lean on in 5-foot-9 Jacksonville State-commit Michel Robbins and 5-foot-8 senior Mia Huckaby who had a game-high 14 points in the championship. 5-foot-10 senior twins Alyssa and Alexa Craig played just six minutes combined in the title game but both are committed to Columbus State after being able to shine over the offseason. 6-foot-1 junior Taryn Dixon has been unlocked as well with multiple D-I offers pouring in, another talented player who saw just one minute of action in the title game. 5-foot-10 sophomore Jada Williams looks to make up for lost time after missing her freshman season due to a knee injury, Lou Williams’ daughter back on D-I radars following a strong summer. No. 4 Whitefield Academy is starting to mature, a young group coming off a season in which they finished 23-6 with a 95-46 Elite Eight loss to Hebron Christian. Preseason Third Teamer 5-foot-11 junior guard Amelia Newman has seen her stock tick back up with numerous D-I offers after averaging 16.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists. Sophomores 6-foot-4 Ava Anthony (10.3 ppg, 7.8 rpg) and 6-foot-2 Payton Palmer (7.4 ppg, 5 rpg, 1 apg) provide size and length. The foursome of 5-foot-8 junior Alivia Mitchell (5.4 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.1 apg), 5-foot-8 sophomore Ryan Edwards (4.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg) and 5-foot-6 freshmen Jaydence Jackson and E’lycia Manuel give the Wolfpack a heigh ceiling to strive toward. No. 5 Mt. Paran finished 18-8, bounced in the Sweet 16 by GAC 45-35. The Eagles are expected to return their entire roster led by All-Region selections 5-foot-10 senior Lindsey Gabel, 5-foot-10 senior Hannah Humphries and 5-foot-8 junior Kennedy Smith. 5-foot-8 junior Kira Driggers, a Clemson softball-commit, was an Honorable Mention pick. 6-foot-1 junior Tyce Binion is starting to pop up on college radars while 5-foot-7 freshman Laila Winfrey could compete for minutes right away. No. 6 Galloway tallied a 24-7 record, upended in the Elite Eight by Holy Innocents’ 55-37. 6-foot senior wing Sophia Louis-Pierre (18 ppg, 8 rpg, 3 apg, 3 spg) is a Preseason Second Team All-State selection committed to Wofford. 5-foot-7 junior Tracy Wakefield (15 ppg, 5 rpg, 3 apg, 6 spg) will be relied upon to score in the backcourt along with 5-foot-11 senior Paloma Diaz-Williamson who has become a consistent contributor. 5-foot-9 senior Libby Knott and 5-foot-6 junior Ava Memmolo can provide sparks sporadically. The addition of 5-foot-11 junior Jada Wells from Northgate will pay dividends, the forward coming off a season in which she averaged 12.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1 block per night.  No. 7 GAC was besieged by injuries last season yet somehow pieced together a 23-9 record with a 49-44 loss to Holy Innocents’ in the Final Four. The Spartans suffered a late blow as Milan Johnson transferred to her third school, leaving for Mt. Zion Prep, MD while Lizzy Hathaway departed for The First Academy, FL earlier in the offseason. 6-foot-4 sophomore Peyton Frazier’s stock erupted over the travel circuit however, the Preseason First Team All-State pick looking to build off her Private Freshman of the Year campaign in which she averaged 9.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.6 blocks. 5-foot-9 junior Barri Newman (11.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.7 apg, 2 spg) is working her way back from an ACL tear. 5-foot-6 senior Dru Jeckewicz is a fearless competitor who averaged 8.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.9 steals. 5-foot-8 junior Kayden David (4.5 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.8 spg) will likely play an elevated role in the backcourt. No. 8 Athens Academy’s title window is a now, a group that returns four senior starters coming off a 23-5 season which ended in the Elite Eight against GAC 53-33. 5-foot-7 point guard Kendall Lawson is a Preseason Third Team All-State pick while 5-foot-9 Millie Pugmire is a lethal shooter and 6-foot Sally Swann and 5-foot-8 Chloe Love-Bell are valuable role players with major experience. No. 9 Trinity Christian racked up a 17-12 record, losing in the Sweet 16 to Galloway 70-42. The Lions return their top four led by Second Team All-State guard, 5-foot-4 Madison Bennett, a Columbus State-commit that poured in 22.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 3.3 steals per game as a junior. 6-foot senior Reese Anderson is a stretch-forward on D-III radars after averaging 15.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.8 blocks. 5-foot-10 senior Avari Cannon (8.7 ppg, 4.9 rpg) and 5-foot-7 junior Braylan Caruthers (5.4 ppg, 5.8 rpg) round out the attack. No. 10 Christian Heritage takes the final spot after a 20-8 season ended in the Elite Eight at St. Francis 73-53. Third Team All-State selection 5-foot-7 junior Annaka Hembree averaged 12.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 4.5 steals. 5-foot-6 junior Brinley O’Ferrall emerged to chip in 12.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 3.8 steals. The third head of the attack is 6-foot-1 junior Oliva Perry who double-doubled at 12.2 points, 10 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.8 steals and 3.4 blocks.