Class AA

Region 1

Thomasville (28-2)
Early County (22-8)
Fitzgerald (14-11)
Albany (12-12)^4ABerrien (11-16)
Brooks County (10-16)

Thomasville looked like the clear cut favorite to make a trip to the state finals, but instead the Bulldogs were destroyed by Pace Academy in the Elite Eight, 78-48. Tough guard and Region Defensive Player of the Year Jordan Willis along with Gregory Hobbs, Shedric Cooper and 6-foot-6 Alex Perry have all graduated. All eyes turn towards 6-foot-8 power forward Reggie Perry. The junior has garnered rave reviews and recently committed to Arkansas. He has had an impressive summer and will need to cement himself as one of the best big men in the state of Georgia regardless of classification now that other weapons have graduated. Next to Perry is 6-foot-9 mountain, Titus Wright. The rising sophomore earned a scholarship offer from Virginia this offseason. There’s no reason with their massively talented frontline that the Bulldogs shouldn’t be considered the heavy favorite once again to win the Class AA title, especially with Pace’s departure to Class AAA. The Bulldogs might have the most talented 1-2 punch in the low post in the state this upcoming season and will need to prove it.

Reigning Region 1-AA Offensive Player of the Year Tracey Beacham graduates from Early County’s low block. Back however are First Team selections seniors Qubilah Hall and Devonte George who compose a potent backcourt for the Bobcats. Tamarion Harris and Malik Thornton are also seniors who earned Second Team All-Region honors.

Fitzgerald was a major thorn in the side of Region 1’s best teams last year, pushing Early County, Thomasville and Seminole County to the brink multiple times before upsetting the Indians and Jordan Harris in the Region Tournament, 63-58. The Purple Hurricanes lost to the Monticello Hurricanes in the opening round of the state tournament, 63-58. All-Region First Teamer Tay Daniels graduates along with Second Teamer Markel Hall. 5-foot-9 senior Antonio Perry will anchor the backcourt after earning Second Team honors.

Albany drops all the way from Class AAAA to Class AA and could make some noise in their new region behind a trio of seniors. Darrell Bryant (11.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.6 spg, 1 bpg), John Flood (9 ppg, 4.4 rpg) and Kamron Peterson (8.5 ppg, 4 rpg) all represent quality players that could spark the Indians back into the postseason much like a senior trio did for Albany back in 2014-15 when the team finished 20-6.

Berrien won 11 games last year but went 1-11 in region play. Justin Owens graduates his 17.8 point per game average but Second Team pick Darius Tisby is ready to carry the load after pouring in 16.2 points per game as a 6-foot-1 sophomore.

Brooks County returns 5-foot-7 guard Jarrious Rose for his senior season. The cornerback and running back on the football team averaged 8.2 points and earned First Team honors. Rising sophomore Xavier Rose showed promise at the guard spot and junior Malcolm Brown pumped in 15.9 points per game in his 10 appearances.

Region 2

Vidalia (23-5)
Swainsboro (18-9)
Benedictine (16-12)
Jeff Davis (13-14)
Bacon County (12-13)
Bryan County (12-15)
Metter (8-21)
Toombs County (4-22)^3A

After splitting the season series with Swainsboro (59-58 W, 62-58 L), Vidalia was eliminated by the Tigers 54-47 in the first round of the state playoffs. The two schools will get to grow their burgeoning rivalry now that they are housed in Region 2 together. To keep their winning tradition alive, Vidalia must replace Wil Chambliss in the backcourt. Junior guard Tahj Jones is a good start. The 5-foot-9 point guard was an All-Middle Georgia Honorable Mention selection as a sophomore. Jones is an athletic guard that can score in a variety of ways with his quickness being a main asset. He played over the summer with the Atlanta Celtics and has a chance to make some noise with the Indians over his final two seasons. 6-foot-5 sophomore Galen White is projected to effect games inside and out as an athletic forward who has improved his game over the summer. Guards Todd Lanier, Ty Page and Caleb Gilchriest step up as leaders their senior season. Lanier at 6-foot-2 and Gilchriest at 5-foot-7 will stretch the floor for Coach Tommy Dalley. The Indians will be a young team that only boasts these three seniors, but Vidalia still returns three starters from a year ago.

Swainsboro will take to the court with heavy hearts as Head Coach Bobby Andrews, who served at the school in some capacity for nearly 30 years, passed away in April. Senior Justin Harris and juniors Jaylan McKinney and Eddie Roberts will continue on as Swainsboro gets ready for an emotional season with assistant Brice Hobbs taking over the reins as head coach.

Team-captain and best player Chase Marini graduates but his brother Cooper is back for his senior season at Benedictine. Marini, 5-foot-9, is more of a slasher than a shooter. He is the team’s returning leading scorer at 7.1 points while adding 2.1 steals per game. Senior Chris Harris is a 6-foot-2, 235-pound post presence that averaged 7 points and 5.2 rebounds. 5-foot-9 junior Andrew Warren chipped in 5.5 points per game last year and should see an expanded role. The Cadets fell to Long County in the Region Championship 64-57 and were ousted by Jefferson County in the opening round of state, 62-59.

Jeff Davis will let loose Shawn Percy and Kirese Manley in the backcourt. Percy, 5-foot-10, was the Yellow Jackets’ second leading scorer posting 11.5 points and 4.6 rebounds a night as a junior. The All-Region performer’s physicality and ability to defend on defense and get to the rim on offense turned some heads at the SEBA Atlanta All-Star Shootout. Manley, a 6-foot junior, did a lot of nice things, filling the stat sheet with 7.3 points, 3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. His three-point shooting however, 9-for-42, drastically needs improvement.

Bacon County graduates three players from last season’s 12-13 team. Senior forward Lane Foster brings experience inside along with 6-foot-4 Elijah Champion. Ty’rik Clinton made the varsity roster as a 5-foot-9 freshman and might have a bright future.

Bryan County fell from 20-8 to 12-15, but bring back their top three scorers. Isaiah Tillman led the charge at 14.5 points per game while veteran post Kimonti Murray brings athleticism inside, averaging 13.4 points. Both will be seniors. Ja’lyn James is the third scoring threat. He pitched in 7.8 points on average.

At 8-21, Metter found a way to scratch out a state tournament appearance by beating Screven County in the region tournament. Team Captains Dwight Williams and Miles Davis graduate from a young team that had four sophomores and five freshmen on its roster. Brothers Alex and William Dekle are the lone seniors that return.

Toombs County won just four games last season but with Tift County assistant Laberton Sims taking the job, the Bulldogs should be much more competitive, especially since Sims brings over his two sons Laberton Jr. and Julius to help out. Laberton Jr., 6-foot-4, brings athleticism inside for his senior season. Julius is a 6-foot-1 freshman that could see varsity time as well. The duo joins an already potent backcourt led by seniors Jalen Mobley and D.R. Meadows. Meadows was a First Team All-Sub Region selection after posting 13.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.6 steals. He and Mobley, a Second Teamer, combined to fire up 404 threes. Mobley led the team in scoring at 14.2 points and added 4.7 rebounds per game. Mobley needs to work on his shot selection however. He took 113 two-pointers and converted at 42% while taking a whopping 258 threes, but only hitting 27% of them. Rising sophomore point guard Tyrese Lewis averaged 5.8 points while junior KeShawn Morgan chipped in 4.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.3 steals, giving Coach Sims a young but experienced roster behind Meadows, Mobley and Sims.

Region 3

Dublin (25-5)
Dodge County (19-9)^3ASouthwest-Macon (16-10)^3ABleckley County (9-13)
East Laurens (8-12)
Washington County (9-17)^3ANortheast-Macon (3-24)

Dublin led the state in scoring last year, pouring in 84.8 points per game while taking a trip to the Elite Eight in Class AA where they were upset by Monticello, 79-67. Seven seniors graduate but elusive junior guard Kameron Pauldo is back to lead the charge. Standing 5-foot-10, Pauldo is one of the best guards in the state that people haven’t heard about. He already has over 1,000 points in his career and is starting to garner next level attention, picking up his first D-I offer from Stetson this summer. Fellow junior Torian Holder, 5-foot-9, is also a lightning quick guard that keeps teams honest.

Dodge County graduates 1,000-point scorer Alex Jordan along with DeMarcus McClinton from last year’s state playoff team. Brent Anderson has stepped down and will be replaced by Robert Cotton, who failed to win over seven games in a single season over his three years at Wayne County. Including McClinton and Jordan, nine seniors graduate as Cotton will need to rebuild in his first year. Junior guard Readell Hunt will be the team’s top scoring option after putting together a very productive sophomore season.

Southwest-Macon enjoyed a trip to the postseason in Class AAA after battling Central-Macon and Westside-Macon all year long and coming away with a 12-4 region record and the No. 4 seed. 6-foot-6 forward Justin Slocum leaves a big hole inside. The slender yet active senior averaged 22.4 points, 13.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.9 steals and 2.3 blocks while earning Region 2-AAA Player of the Year honors. The Patriots suffered a huge blow this offseason as Nick Hargrove leaves for prep school instead of finishing his senior season in the GHSA. The 6-foot guard averaged 30.6 points while at Bible Baptist Christian as a sophomore and he didn’t disappoint last year in his GHSA debut, averaging 21.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.9 steals. Left to pick up the pieces is 6-foot-4 senior guard Aaron Ridley, who averaged 10.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.7 steals while battling injuries. Jordan Slocum, Justin’s little brother, averaged 6.5 points and 4.8 rebounds as a 6-foot-5 freshman. Another sophomore, Alontae Tarver, brings more size into the paint at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds. He chipped in 4.1 points and 4 rebounds as a freshman.

With only three players graduating, Bleckley County should improve on its nine-win season. Region 4-AA All-Region selections Dahmon Lemmon and Willie Taylor return for their senior seasons. Taylor, a 6-foot-4 forward, is an exceptional athlete that led the Royals in rebounding. Also joining Taylor and Lemmon is rising junior Torenio Davis, who has quick hands on defense and stretches the floor on offense.

East Laurens graduates Jacorey Coleman and Kevin Lovett while the rest of the roster returns. Seniors Dylan Hall and Prince Denson bring back the most experience on the varsity.

Washington County tumbled from 18-11 to 9-17 following the graduation of leading scorer and Georgia Tech safety AJ Gray and the transfer of TiQuan Lewis to Southwest DeKalb. Coach Carlos Hope sees his top seven scorers all return from a now veteran-laden team. Five seniors led the team in scoring headed by Kristian Bryant (9 ppg), Chris Parker (7.6 ppg) and Monterrio Maze (7.2 ppg). Caleb Johnson averaged 5.6 points and a team-best 5.5 rebounds per game last year and will see a prominent role as the Golden Hawks’ garbage guy his senior season.

Northeast-Macon struggled mightily last year as they took their lumps as an extremely young team, but Coach Kevin Grooms should expect their early experience to come to fruition in the upcoming seasons. Rising sophomores Ty’Ree Gilbert and Darius Dunn power the attack. Gilbert, 5-foot-11, led the Raiders in scoring at 14.5 points. Dunn, 6-foot-1, pitched in 12.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.5 steals. Another good freshman could see major minutes this season in Camrone Cherry. The lefty guard pushes 6-feet and has a knack for scoring, leading Appling Middle School to back-to-back city championships. Cherry has range on his jumper and can help spread the defense if Coach Grooms ever decides to implement a three guard lineup with Cherry, Gilbert and Dunn.

Region 4

Laney (26-3)^3AWestside-Augusta (18-6)^3AButler (14-10)^3AJosey (12-12)^3AScreven County (9-11)
Jefferson County (10-17)
Glenn Hills (3-19)^3A
Harlem (2-23)

Laney enters the great unknown as Co-All-Area Players of the Year Christian Keeling (Charleston Southern) and Zep Jasper (College of Charleston) graduate. The two fierce competitors were habitual winners at the high school level, but never captured a state title. The backcourt duo was the heart and soul of the Wildcats, Keeling averaging 23.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.7 steals while Jasper poured in 20.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.5 steals. Rival Morgan County, the eventual Class AAA state champs, ended Laney’s season in the Elite Eight, 55-50. Laney’s drop to AA should benefit them as the team looks for new leaders. Expected to try and fill the big shoes left behind are junior Donald Henley and senior Tahj Tanksley. Henley is the returning leading scorer at 7.4 points per game. He also chipped in 2.5 assists. Tanksley averaged 4.7 points. PJ Walker and DeJuan Griffin should also see expanded roles entering their junior campaigns.

Westside-Augusta improved from eight wins in 2014-15 to becoming an Elite Eight team last season. Graduations and transfers hurt the Patriots for this upcoming season. Leading scorers Damontrez Hawes (16 ppg) and Dekwan Lewis (12.6 ppg) have graduated. Hawes was an All-Area First Team selection as a 6-foot-3 swingman while Lewis, an Honorable Mention selection, provided a boost in the backcourt. Third leading scorer Christian Robinson, a rising senior, has transferred to Butler where he brings his aggressive defense to a team on the rise. Expected to return for the Patriots are seniors Justin Phillips (9.1 ppg) and 6-foot-4 Honorable Mention pick, big man Elijah Brown (7.6 ppg).

Butler lost to Westside-Macon in the opening round of the state playoffs in Class AAA and now finds itself in Class AA with the rest of its Augusta brethren. Cervantes Boddy is respected as one of the best coaches in the area and has a chance to take the crown and bragging rights as the CSRA’s best team this season. Top scorer Jzwa Collier (15.5 ppg) is gone, but Honorable Mention selections DeAndre Barton and Will Lambert are back for their final seasons. Barton, 6-foot-2, averaged over 12 points and 5 rebounds a game. Lambert, 6-foot-4, averaged a double-double at 10 points and 11 rebounds. In the backcourt junior Keith Littles and senior Jerry Leverett provide stability along with incoming transfer Christian Robinson. Robinson, built like a fullback, is a tenacious defender that also possesses the strength to blow by defenders when attacking the paint. He averaged over 11 points per game at Westside-Augusta as a junior.

Josey graduates potent scorer Donald Jordan, who averaged upwards of 20 points and 5 rebounds per game. Behind him, the Eagles still have four seniors who played key roles as juniors. Honorable Mention All-Area picks Domonique Hurst and Javen Whitehead are a pair of active 6-foot-4 forwards inside. Hurst averaged 9.1 points, 6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks. Whitehead, a springy finisher above the rim, chipped in 7.4 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game. Jonathan Butler has played well from the perimeter this summer and could slide into the role left behind by Jordan after he averaged over 8 points a game last season. Butler can get to the hoop with a quick first step and also open up the floor with his three-point stroke. John Williams brings the same qualities to the table as a 6-foot-3 wing that pitched in 7.8 points a game last year.

Screven County saw improvement from the 2014-15 season and will try to continue its slow upward climb. Kim Hunter led the team in scoring as a freshman 13.5 points per game and now enters his junior season as a veteran guard that can be relied upon. Also entering his junior season is forward Tyquan Johnson who averaged 8.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks as a freshman two years ago. Hunter and Johnson, who is a 6-foot-3 wide receiver on the football team as well, will have high expectations heading into their upperclassmen seasons after the duo helped their middle school to its first championship in 22 years way back in 2013-14.

At only 10-17, Jefferson County took a trip to the Sweet 16 after upsetting Benedictine in Round 1, 62-59 and putting a scare into eventual Class AA champion Pace Academy, falling 69-58. Returning are junior guards Tahkwon King and Jadarius Hector. King led the Warriors in scoring last season at 15.3 points per game. He ramped up his play in the postseason, scoring 16 against Benedictine and pouring in a game-high 28 against Pace. Seniors Tremaine Stone, Kadarian Dixon and Justin Davis round out a potentially dangerous team in their new region.

Glenn Hills attempts to improve upon a 5-21 record. Seven of Coach Travis McRae’s top eight players return including 6-foot-8 junior forward Timmy Sellers who earned First Team All-Region honors as a sophomore after averaging 16 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks. Honorable Mention pick Robert Drew will lead the Spartans backcourt his senior season after posting 9 points, 5 assists and 2 steals a night. 6-foot-5 freshman John Whitehead will have a chance to earn valuable minutes right away while move-in Tony Sheppard will slot into Glenn Hills’ rotation.

Harlem plummeted from 24-5 to 2-23, the biggest drop off in the state after graduating Reggie Reid. Kanez Dunn did the best he could to carry the load in Reid’s void, averaging over 19 points per game but it wasn’t enough to keep Harlem competitive. Now Dunn graduates, making way for an important Class of 2018 that must continue to improve entering their junior season. Jerrod Harris, a 6-foot-4 forward, returns as the team’s leading scorer after averaging 9.7 points per game. Garrett Lane and Dreko Rivers bring experience back as well heading into their junior seasons. The addition of guard Javier Flohr from Grovetown should help the backcourt. The senior averaged 5.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 2015-16.

Region 5

Temple (22-6)
Callaway (18-4)^3AHeard County (13-13)
Lamar County (11-14)
Jordan (9-16)^3ASpencer (7-17)^3A

Temple took a 69-55 loss in the Sweet 16 to Crawford County but All-Area Coach of the Year David Cottrell returns some talent. 6-foot guard Javin Boles was an All-Area First Team selection as a sophomore after netting 17.3 points per game. Joining Boles will be Honorable Mention selection Treon Wright, a rising senior guard. The loss of 6-foot-7 post Peyton Applegate means someone will have to step up inside. Applegate was an All-Area Second Teamer. Without much size, look for the Tigers to use their quickness and press more often this season.

Callaway graduates most of its fire power from a Sweet 16 team that lost to South Atlanta 79-73 in the Class AAA playoffs. The drop to AA should help the Cavaliers as Coach Terry Hayes searches for players to compliment potent guard Braylon Sanders. The 6-foot-3 rising senior played with 17U Atlanta Xpress this summer and is poised for a big year with much of the offense set to run through him.

Heard County returns all five starters while Keith Simmons moves from Carrollton assistant to Heard County head coach. 6-foot-3 post Jordarius Foster anchors the Braves and is coming off an All-Area Second Team selection as a junior. 6-foot-5 wing Christian Murray was an Honorable Mention pick as a junior. Murray’s length and versatility will be leaned on by Coach Simmons his senior season.

Lamar County sees a change in leadership. Prelvis Paster has left for Peach County while former West Hall head coach Warren Sellers enters. Sellers spent 14 years as head coach at West Hall, resigning in 2015 after becoming the school’s winningest coach with 182 W’s. Six sophomores lined the Trojan roster last year. Lamar County was beat by Thomasville in the opening round of the state playoffs, 67-41.

Following a 9-16 campaign, Jordan has reason for optimism. Jordan along with Spencer escape from a difficult region which featured Westside-Macon, Central-Macon and Southwest-Macon. Lederrius Jones graduates his 17.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4 assists as the lone senior on last year’s team. Rising seniors and juniors are now set to take over. Senior 5-foot-6 point guard Onte Harrison averaged 10.5 points, 2.5 assists and 1.8 steals. Junior forward and wide receiver on the football team, Leonard Hill, pitched in 10.1 points and 6.7 rebounds. Seniors D’Andre Snead (7.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg) and Royale Lampley (4.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg) bring size and athleticism while junior Quentin Duke returns after chipping in 6.6 points per game.

Spencer looks for production from experienced junior Taheim Mabery and senior Ervin Davis.

Region 6

South Atlanta (25-7)^3ATherrell (14-9)^3ADouglass (12-13)^3AKIPP Atlanta (8-11)
Hapeville Charter (9-16)
Washington (3-23)^3AB.E.S.T. Academy (1-16)

South Atlanta raced to the Final Four in Class AAA where the Hornets fell to eventual state champion Morgan County, 64-61, in heartbreaking fashion on a last second three-pointer. Known for their depth, length and speedy guard play, the Hornets graduate a big bulk of their team which scored the most impressive win in the state, a 62-57 victory over Greenforest Christian at the Blue Collar Basketball MLK Classic, the Eagles’ only in-state loss of the season. Long-time head coach Michael Reddick still has talent, especially in the backcourt. Seniors Frank Bailey and Devonta Pullins are both explosive. Junior guard Jalen Stegall can fill it up as well. Senior post players, 6-foot-7 Tyler Thornton and 6-foot-5 Demonte Roberts, will be asked to defend the paint and ignite fastbreaks.

Therrell had an up and down season last year, but a solid one nonetheless picking up a winning record. Rising sophomore Anthony Edwards is a primetime player that plays beyond his age. The 6-foot-4 guard put up big numbers as a freshman, averaging over 15 points per game. He played with the Atlanta Xpress and has a chance to be something special with more seasoning, already drawing attention from High Major programs. Much of his supporting cast has graduated however, leaving the Panthers’ upside in question. 6-foot-7 junior Kennedy Willis is also gone after transferring to St. Pius.

Douglass got off to a hot start at 10-2 before the wheels fell off and the Astros stumbled to the finish line losing their final seven games. Seven seniors graduate including Team Captain Deangelo Harris.

KIPP Atlanta loses 6-foot-4 Carlton Tippens to graduation. The forward averaged 15.7 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. Eric Conway’s 13 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.9 steals are also gone. 5-foot-9 Stavon Griggs is back as the logical choice to run the Warrior offense. He averaged 15.2 points per game. KIPP will like its new home as they escape Region 6-AA which housed state champion Pace Academy and playoff teams Lovett (22-7), Greater Atlanta Christian (17-11) and Holy Innocents’ (20-10).

Following KIPP to a new home is both Hapeville Charter and B.E.S.T Academy. 5-foot-6 junior Jamarre Ezzard led the Hapeville Hornets in scoring last year at 14.1 points while hitting 43% of his threes. Versatile 6-foot-2 senior Rome Emenalo chipped in 10.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.4 blocks. Senior Brandon Goldson (8.6 ppg) and junior Jerrod Colbert (8.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 3.5 apg, 2.2 spg) round out a competitive ball club.

Washington hopes their new region will result in more wins. The Bulldogs return their top three leading scorers for their senior seasons. Mynome Bell (8.6 ppg), Rashaard Sheats (6.8 ppg) and Quentin Darden (5.9) compose an experienced trio.

B.E.S.T Academy returns Antonio Taylor and Katerion Legrone, both juniors who placed first and second in scoring last year.

Region 7

Chattooga (23-5)
Model (17-9)
Pepperell (14-11)^3ACoosa (13-15)
Rockmart (8-18)^3ADade County (8-18)
Armuchee (5-17)
Gordon Central (4-21)^3A

Chattooga was one of the state’s last unbeatens, but the Indians dropped four of their last five games, getting bounced by Greater Atlanta Christian in the opening round of the state playoffs, 67-61. The Indians will once again be powered by senior twins Isaiah and Isaac Foster in the backcourt. Isaiah was an All-Area First Team selection after averaging 16.7 points and 2.5 steals per game. Isaac was a Second Team pick. Senior Jay Shropshire was also a Second Team selection that will need to play big after the Indians lose seven players including 6-foot-6 forward Cameron Evans to Darlington where he will play quarterback on the football team. With a small roster intact, expect the Indians to play fast paced basketball with the Foster brothers leading the charge.

Model snuck past Chattooga and stole the No. 1 seed out of Region 7 last year. The Blue Devils had their hearts broken in Round 1 of state, losing to Holy Innocents’ at home 54-51 on a 30-foot spinning heave from Cole Smith. All-Area Co-Player of the Year Dwight Hall (Gordon State) graduates after posting 18.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3 assists per game. Brian Griffin (Georgia Northwestern) also leaves a void in the backcourt after averaging 13.3 points his senior season. Senior Stephen Finley will be counted on as Coach Jacob Travis’ primary ball handler entering his third season as a starter. Senior John Weaver joins the likes of Dylan Bennett, Jabrious Smith, Ben Payton and Noah Syverson as players looking to continue Model’s winning tradition in their final seasons. 6-foot-4 junior Jackson Lively will see an increased role in the offense along with fellow junior post Justin Roberts.

Pepperell earned a state playoff berth in Class AAA but was quickly disposed of by eventual state champion Morgan County in the first round, 71-30. Zach Mendence, a staple in the Lindale community for over a decade, enters his first year as head coach after serving as assistant. Eight seniors graduate making way for new faces to step up. Juniors Kobe Thomas and Malech Wilson saw important minutes as sophomores and should be counted on again this year.

The graduation of Xavier Bailey and Stephvon Faust hurts Coosa moving forward. Bailey was a First Team All-Area pick after averaging 18 points and 4 assists while Faust garnered Second Team honors. Senior guards MJ Chubb and Austin Boyd are set to take on a bulk of the scoring burden.

Rockmart snuck into the playoffs out of tiny Region 5-AAA and didn’t have much success, getting thumped at home by Jackson County, 75-52. Three-sport athletes Dawson Sanders, Morgan Sims and Avery Allen all return. Allen, a junior, was an All-Area Honorable Mention selection, as was Sims, a 5-foot-9 senior. All-Area Second Team selection Bronson Garner returns as well and poses the most upside for 2016-17.

Dade County loses Team Captains DQ and Teddy Cole, but a third captain, Jesse Holt, is back for his senior season. Holt and junior Jonathan Wood will be asked to stretch defenses and pace the Wolverine offense.

Armuchee has a core four heading into 2016-17. Seniors Drew Cummings (7.6 ppg), Thomas Reese (7.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg) and Seth Stanley (6.4 ppg) team up with rising sophomore Eli Brock (4.5 ppg) to key the Indians attack.

Gordon Central drops to Class AA and will need to replace Seth Culpepper, Austin Green and Jordan Passley. The Warriors haven’t scored a winning record since 2012-13.

Region 8

Banks County (24-5)^3AMonticello (21-11)
Rabun County (16-13)
Elbert County (10-15)^3ASocial Circle (9-16)
Oglethorpe County (7-18)
Putnam County (3-23)

Banks County took a trip to the Class AAA Sweet 16, where they fell in heartbreaking fashion to Central-Macon on a Derrick Evans buzzer beater, 69-67. The Leopards lose a pair of All-Area First Teamers in point guard Zez Steeple and 6-foot-6 post Zac Orr. Steeple, a slam dunk champion in North Georgia, poured in 23 points and 4 assists per game while being named Region 7-AAA Player of the Year. Orr added 13 points and 13 rebounds while totaling 1,000+ points and 1,000+ rebounds over his career. 6-foot-4 senior Kahmal Wiley brings a physical presence to the paint that can attack the basket and finish with a drop step around the rim while junior 6-foot-5 post Dylan Orr will look to follow in his brother’s footsteps of becoming a double-double machine. Both players should see expanded roles as the Leopards have a nice inside game in North Georgia.

Coach BJ Thomas turned Monticello from a 12-16 team to a 21-11 unit that took a trip to the Class AA Final Four where they fell to Manchester, 63-53. Leading scorer and rebounder, 6-foot-5 De’Miria Glover has graduated his 13.7 points and 9.8 rebounds, but the Hurricanes have plenty back to make another run. A quick backcourt ignites the Hurricane offense. Junior Ashton Bonner averaged 10.8 points, 3.7 assists and 1.7 steals as a sophomore. Senior CJ Adams averaged 10 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.7 steals. Stepping into bigger roles this year will be 6-foot-3 senior forward Jakeir Stone and 6-foot-5 sophomore Malik Crawford. The duo will be X-factors in determining Monticello’s success. At Georgia State Team Camp, both played well. Stone can go inside and out while stretching defenses to the three-point line while Crawford is a springy rebounder and shot blocker that runs the floor well. The transfer of sophomore guard Tyrin Lawrence to Morgan County hurts as he was a nice piece with a bright future.

Rabun County joins Monticello in Region 8. The two have history as Monticello ended Rabun County’s season in the Sweet 16, 81-73 in overtime last year. The Wildcats’ leading scorer Matthew Addis has graduated. The fearless flamethrower averaged 16.3 points per game. He took just 26 two-point field goals – yes, just 26 (!) – all season while hitting 139 of his 342 three-point attempts. He ranked 11^th in the nation in threes attempted and led Georgia in both categories. While the unconscionable shooter will be missed in terms of spreading defenses once he stepped over half court, the Wildcats do return their next three top scorers. Juniors Bailey Fisher and Tevan Dixon follow in Addis’ ways as high octane shooters. Fisher, the quarterback of the football team, averaged 13.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 3.3 steals while hitting 45 threes (28%). Dixon chipped in 12.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.3 steals while sinking 49 deep balls (28%). Senior Trey Wilcox put up 8.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.2 steals. The 6-foot-2 forward is more selective, hitting 21-of-46 threes at a 46% rate.

Elbert County welcomes in long-time Etowah head coach Don Hurlburt to lead the Blue Devils. He will go to work without key contributors Tarveil Fortson and Montavious Tinch who both have graduated. Left tackle on the football team, Worley Robinson, is a space eater down low at 6-foot-4, 290 pounds. 6-foot-2 AJ James got varsity experience as a freshman and could have a bright future down the road. Rising junior guard Tay Huff will be relied upon as a top ball handler. Q Ramsey is another young guard that should be counted on heavily.

Social Circle struggled down the stretch last year, losing their final five games and missing the postseason. Deion Head will have one last chance to power the Redskins. The playmaking guard put up big numbers as a junior, averaging 19.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 3.7 steals. Head has improved his game every year, but the one facet of his game that escapes him is his ability to shoot from deep. Head was a woeful 7-of-78 from three-point land, 9% success. Making up for his lack of shooting, the 5-foot-8 Head attempted 200 free throws (62%). If he can develop any consistency from behind the arc, he could have a truly monster final season. Rising sophomore guard Nick DeBoer averaged 8.5 points per game and was the team’s best shooter, hitting 28-of-90 threes.

Oglethorpe County has reason for optimism as all three of their All-Area Honorable Mention selections are back. 6-foot-3 junior forward Isaac Hulin, 5-foot-10 junior Jeffrey Glenn and 6-foot senior Matt Wells return.

Putnam County is another team that took thrashings as a young group, but now the Eagles are full grown. Putnam County won’t have size, but guard play could notch them a few wins with Carl Johnson and Christopher Reid both returning for their senior seasons. The duo has been big time scorers their entire careers but now it’s time to win some games. Johnson, a streaky three-point shooter, averaged 19 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.3 steals. Flanking him is Reid, who posted 11.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.3 steals. Third option is rising junior, 6-foot-1 forward D’Mario Reid. Returning as the Eagles’ tallest player, the power forward averaged 8.7 points and 3 rebounds a game last season.

Sandy's Spiel

GHSA Class AA Preview