Class AAAAAAA

1. Grayson
2. Buford
3. Carrollton
4. McEachern
5. Norcross
6. North Paulding
7. Hillgrove
8. Campbell
9. Cherokee
10. Milton

Class AAAAAA

1. River Ridge
2. Langston Hughes
3. Woodward Academy
4. Marist
5. New Manchester
6. Veterans
7. North Forsyth
8. Tift County
9. Creekview
10. Brunswick

Class AAAAA

1. Maynard Jackson
2. Union Grove
3. Midtown
4. Cartersville
5. Statesboro
6. Ware County
7. Calhoun
8. Dalton
9. Warner Robins
10. Creekside

Class AAAA

1. Baldwin
2. Holy Innocents’
3. Hardaway
4. Stockbridge
5. Southwest DeKalb
6. Trinity Christian
7. Chestatee
8. Walnut Grove
9. Northwest Whitfield
10. Fayette County

Class AAA

1. Hebron Christian
2. Wesleyan
3. Carver-Columbus
4. Dawson County
5. Pickens
6. White County
7. Monroe
8. Cross Creek
9. Hart County
10. Mary Persons

Class AA

1. Mt. Paran
2. Central-Macon
3. Banks County
4. Thomson
5. Josey
6. Butler
7. Dodge County
8. Columbia
9. Model
10. Union County

Class A D-I

1. St. Francis
2. Galloway
3. Rabun County
4. Athens Christian
5. Oglethorpe County
6. Swainsboro
7. Mt. Pisgah
8. Lamar County
9. Prince Avenue
10. Bryan County

Class A D-II

1. Taylor County
2. Clinch County
3. Montgomery County
4. Early County
5. Randolph-Clay
6. Towns County
7. Turner County
8. Chattahoochee County
9. Telfair County
10. Hawkinsville

Enjoy it while you still can. The GHSA basketball season is finally upon us, but this may be the last time recognizing the high school landscape as sweeping changes are forthcoming for next season. NIL deals are already here but more tangibly next year Class 7A will be no more, crunching the state back into six classifications with specifics on power ratings and public/private championships still to be ironed out.

Class 7A

Transfers are a hot button topic every year across all sports. This season in Class 7A, No. 1 Grayson is the team to beat with three key move-ins joining an already talented roster. The Rams finished 20-9 a season ago, ousted in the Sweet 16 by North Paulding in heartbreaking fashion, 47-46 after fouling on a Hail Mary heave from near midcourt. The Rams return All-State junior point guard Tatum Brown after averaging 18.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.7 steals per game and will welcome back 6-foot-1 Florida Atlantic-commit Erin Rodgers, who was a First Team All-State pick as a sophomore when she averaged 18.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.1 blocks per game before tearing her ACL and missing all of her junior season. After flirting with Archer, Class 5A First Team All-State selection Malaya Jones decided to join Grayson her senior season after starring at Arabia Mountain, posting 20.7 points, 2.9 assists and 4.7 steals per game. Senior guard Taj Hunter, another Archer defect, brings athleticism and a scoring punch to the backcourt. The biggest transfer in the state however is Danielle Carnegie coming in from Rockdale County. The number one ranked senior in Georgia averaged 19.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.7 steals per game and won Class 6A Player of the Year as a sophomore. On paper, Grayson has the most accomplished backcourt in all of Georgia. Finding serviceable post play will be important. 6-foot-1 senior Jenaisah Alexander has landed multiple small school offers and will be asked to protect the paint along with 5-foot-10 junior wing Jahmaica Clegg. The Rams have competent depth in guards Jayla Bennett, Tamera Rudolph and Zoie Lofton. As long as chemistry doesn’t become an issue, the Rams could emerge as Georgia’s best. No. 2 Buford posted a 27-4 mark, losing in the Final Four to state runner-up Norcross 58-46. The Wolves graduate three-point specialist Taylor Romano and undersized forward Corin Killian as two key pieces but return star guard Ava Grace Watson (24 ppg, 6 rpg, 5.2 apg, 4.3 spg), an Ohio State-commit. Watson’s electric scoring and playmaking carried the Wolves but now Buford has a true number two and a budding star in her own right in 5-foot-10 sophomore guard Lydia Ledford who earned offers from Lipscomb and Chattanooga this summer. Buford has a veteran backcourt in seniors Alyssa Green and Betty Nguyen. 5-foot-9 freshman Emiah Fields brings athleticism and versatility to the perimeter along with Riverwood transfer 5-foot-9 Gabrielle Hepburn while 5-foot-5 freshman Ella Rainwater will provide support with her outside shooting and defensive hustle. The Wolves don’t have much size. 5-foot-11 junior Cybele Forbes is the tallest player returning. No. 3 Carrollton might not have the star power of some other teams in the classification, but the Trojans are a nightmare to deal with with their physical and aggressive defense. Carrollton managed a 16-13 season and ran out of gas against eventual state champ Brookwood in the Sweet 16, 65-60. The Trojans have added reinforcements, 5-foot-9 junior point guard Daija Preston (8.1 ppg, 5 rpg, 3.4 apg, 2.9 spg) and 5-foot-6 Madison Reese now eligible after moving in from Douglas County and South Paulding, respectively. As a prevailing theme in Class 7A this year, Carrollton doesn’t have much size, but 6-foot-2 junior Seriya Williams did transfer in from New Manchester and will provide an imposing figure. Sophomore point guard Kimya Jones was a Third Team Region 2-7A selection a season ago while juniors 5-foot-9 Madison Swint – a Second Teamer and 5-foot-8 Laura Mitchell-Walthall are back to anchor the interior, two ferocious rebounders that play bigger than their size. Carrollton makes opponents uncomfortable with their on-ball pressure and willingness to step in and draw charges. Low scoring games will favor the Trojans but if they find themselves in a shootout, points won’t come as easily as they will for some other teams in the Top 10. No. 4 McEachern is the first of three teams out of Region 3 to be ranked. The Indians clawed their way to a Final 4 berth at 20-9, losing 58-53 to Brookwood. McEachern graduates just three seniors. Look for the Indians to rely on their defense to thwart high-flying offenses, but don’t think they can’t score themselves. 5-foot-6 senior Kalise Hill is an All-State selection and reigning Region 3 Co-Player of the Year. The crafty three-level scorer does the lion’s share of the scoring but has an X-Factor next to her in 6-foot-4 swingman Jada Bates who looked good this summer and could be ready to reach her ceiling. 5-foot-7 senior Amanda Eziukwu is an athletic defender and 5-foot-10 senior LaTamyra Williams is a physical interior presence that help solidify the Indians’ defense. 5-foot-7 senior Taylor Collins is a reliable three-point shooter and 5-foot-5 senior Tamia Polk brings athleticism from the softball diamond. No. 5 Norcross almost repeated as state champs, but fell short to Brookwood 43-39 in the title game, finishing the year 29-3. The Lady Blue struggle to score at times but always find themselves in winnable games thanks to their defense. Graduating North Alabama-signee Veronaye Charlton will be a big blow as she was the team’s sparkplug offensively but Mercer-commit Jania Akins is back, an athletic 5-foot-10 All-State guard. Part of Norcross’ length across the board, look for 5-foot-10 junior wing Cadence Peterson to be a potential breakout player for the Lady Blue as a Swiss Army Knife. Norcross will be tough to score on inside with 6-foot-1 junior Mariyah Valrie anchoring the paint next to 6-foot junior Markiesa Lancaster and 6-foot senior Shaniya Farmer. The Lady Blue welcome in 6-foot junior Justus Fitzgerald from Roswell and 5-foot-5 junior Mikaylin Johnson to help bolster both sides of the ball. No. 6 North Paulding enjoyed their best season in school history, recording a 26-4 mark losing 66-42 to Buford in the Elite Eight. Coming out of Region 3, the Wolfpack will be battle-tested. North Paulding’s strength lies in their depth and length. 6-foot-1 junior Ava Andrews broke out this offseason with offers from West Georgia, Jacksonville State, Presbyterian, Florida Atlantic, UNC Asheville, South Alabama and Georgia State. The springy swingman is a nightmare defensively and on the glass. Her guard skills have been improving by leaps and bounds becoming a dangerous outside shooter and playmaker. 5-foot-11 senior Kaden McCorvey is a nightly double-double threat with her tenacious rebounding and low post scoring touch while 5-foot-8 senior guard Marina Sippola can pour in threes in bunches. Both are highly sought after D-III prospects. Experience is no issue for the Wolfpack. Wheeling-commit Jayda Jackson has developed into a steady point guard that can score when needed. Sophomore Lillie Harris is a floor spacer while senior Andrea Landrum is a defensive-minded wing. A potential X-Factor down the stretch for North Paulding could be 5-foot-11 freshman Morgan Landrum. The forward is a top-notch athlete with great length. Her impact will be felt defensively and on the backboards.  No. 7 Hillgrove rounds out Region 3’s Top 10 gauntlet. The Hawks went 20-8 with a 45-36 first round loss at Archer. 5-foot-8 junior Yolanda Floyd returns after being named Co-Region Player of the Year averaging 10.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 2.3 steals. 5-foot-7 junior Amaya Harris (9.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.6 apg, 2.1 spg), 5-foot-8 junior Elena Harden (5.6 ppg) and 5-foot-6 sophomore Kierra Jackson (4.2 ppg) supplement a very good backcourt. 5-foot-6 sophomore Shelby McCall is a scrappy hustler that can shoot from the perimeter while 5-foot-8 junior post Kara Boggs is a competitive rebounder. Look for 5-foot-7 freshman Ashley Harris to play her way into the rotation quickly. Hillgrove doesn’t have a lot of size but 6-foot sophomore forward Aeris Macon has made big strides this offseason and will be formidable. Staying healthy will be important for No. 8 Campbell. The Spartans went 23-6 last year but lost in the Region 2 championship to Pebblebrook and then fell in the Sweet 16 to McEachern 50-47. Region 2 Player of the Year and All-State selection Brooke Suttle returns for her final season after averaging 15.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.1 steals. The status of First Team All-Region pick Tai Harvey will be crucial. She is working her way back from injury after posting 13.7 points, 9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.2 steals per game. 5-foot-10 sophomore wing Saniya Binion had a great debut collecting 13.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 2.3 steals and 1 block per game. 6-foot-1 junior Lauren Phillip is a developing post presence while 5-foot-7 junior Marlie Battle (5.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 4 apg, 1.8 spg) is a pass-first point guard and 5-foot-10 junior Lila Marble (5.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.3 apg, 2.1 spg) is an energy provider and standout lacrosse player. 5-foot-5 sophomore Kennedy Lee moves in from Mt. Paran to add depth. No. 9 Cherokee is under the direction of new leadership, longtime assistant Sharon Swanson a former Lady Warrior herself. Cherokee has great continuity in place for the first-year head coach, graduating just one senior but also losing Hannah Harris to Valor Christian. Cherokee is coming off a 22-7 year which ended in the Sweet 16 to Buford 72-52. Star wing Toni Warren returns to rewrite history books. The 6-foot All-State scoring machine is a Wofford-commit and one of the toughest covers in the state with her jump shooting ability. While Warren will take the bulk of the shots, there is certainly talent around her. USC Aiken-commit Riley Simmons is a mismatch at 6-foot tall with a knockdown three-point touch and the size to bang in the paint for putbacks. Sophomore Madison Moody and junior Alex Whitecliffe were All-Region picks in the backcourt, the athletic Whitecliffe already a two-time Under Armour All-American lacrosse player committed to South Florida. 5-foot-8 sophomore Lyla Griffith is a physical wing and 5-foot-6 junior Klaire Henkle is a confident three-point shooter. Keep an eye on the emergence of 6-foot junior Kaleigh Calloway. She is becoming a steady low post option that can score with her back to the basket. No. 10 Milton is trying to shake things up with three transfers joining a program that is rapidly improving. The Eagles missed out on the postseason at 12-13 but took a major step forward from 4-19 the year prior. The addition of Appalachian State-commit 5-foot-10 Nya Smith is an immediate gamechanger. The All-State guard last played her sophomore season at Roswell where she poured in 23.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 3.4 steals per game, but tore her ACL and missed all of her junior season before transferring to Milton this offseason. 5-foot-11 junior Raygen Lewis, a soccer standout, moves in from Cambridge where she was a Region 6-5A Honorable Mention selection on the hardwood. 5-foot-7 power guard Londyn Walker is at Milton after leaving Wesleyan and playing summer ball with St. Francis. Her addition gives Coach Julian Barfield a high-end guard to pair with incoming freshman Deyva Davis who is a speedy playmaker. Already in place on the roster from last year, 6-foot sophomore Caroline Young is a long and athletic wing that covers a lot of ground defensively. Junior Chassity McCammon has elite size at 6-foot-5 while 5-foot-10 junior Payton Kozina is more known for her lacrosse skills but is a lethal shooter with length.

Class 6A

No. 1 River Ridge was the best team in the entire state all year long last season and proved it, winning their first ever state title in dominating fashion beating defending champion Lovejoy 68-50 to finish the season 27-5, undefeated in Georgia. Sandy’s Spiel Miss Basketball Mataya Gayle has begun her career at Penn, but the Knights still have enough talent – four starters – to repeat as state champs although it likely won’t be as easy. River Ridge boasts two Preseason All-State First Team selections in 5-foot-7 junior Sophia Pearl (13.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.5 apg, 2.1 spg) and 6-foot junior Kayla Cleaveland (14.2 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.5 spg). Pearl has gobbled up a plethora of D-I offers while they are starting to trickle in for Cleaveland. UNC Greensboro volleyball-commit 6-foot center Allie Sweet (7.1 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 1 apg, 1.3 apg, 0.9 bpg) is the only senior on the roster. 5-foot-9 sophomore Makayla Roberson (8.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.2 spg) proved to be invaluable in Year 1, emerging as the team’s go-to perimeter stopper tasked with guarding other teams’ best players. The Knights won’t have as much depth as last year however, seeing Niara Gayle move to Florida, Joy Tchamabe tear her ACL and Avery Gaw quit basketball her senior season. 5-foot-8 sophomore Kyla Cantey will see critical minutes throughout the season. The lefty had a strong offseason highlighted by her 12-point outing against Buford at GBCA Live. 6-foot-2 freshman Finley Parker represents the future of the program. The combo-forward holds multiple High Major offers and could end up serving a key role as the season wears on as a mismatch that can score both inside and out. No. 2 Langston Hughes saw their season end at 25-5, beat in the Final Four by River Ridge 60-46. The Panthers have a large bulk back led by Columbus State-commit Kyla Greene, an All-State selection and Region 5 Player of the Year who averaged 14.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 3.1 steals per game. 5-foot-7 junior Savannah Robinson-Holmes (11 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.8 spg) is coming off an injury that cost her the offseason. If healthy, she is a dynamic playmaker that makes Langston Hughes click. Preseason All-State pick 6-foot-3 junior McKayla Taylor posted 9.9 points, 10.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. Sophomores Kylar Rae Johnson (8.1 ppg, 5 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.7 spg) and Karrell Greene (4.8 ppg, 2 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.4 spg) along with junior Taylor Harris (7.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.9 apg, 2.2 spg) give Coach Xavier Trice a deep array of options to choose from. An already robust roster also picked up Region 2-7A Second Teamer 5-foot-6 senior Destiny Givens from Westlake and 5-foot-10 junior post Jasmine Baxter who started at Galloway last year before transferring to Mays. Region 3 was thought to be the strongest region in the entire state last year but will look much different this season as No. 3 Woodward Academy is the heavy favorite to run the table as the likes of Lovejoy, Forest Park and Rockdale County have been decimated by graduation and transfers. The War Eagles snagged the two-seed, finishing the year 22-8 with a 53-48 loss at Brunswick in the Sweet 16. All key contributors are back except for George Washington-signee Sara Lewis who led the team in scoring at 17.5 points. 6-foot junior Kameron Herring had a monster offseason, vacuuming up offers left and right. The lanky shooter is coming off a sophomore campaign in which she averaged 13.6 points, 6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 2.3 steals and 1 block per game, good enough to land her on the All-State team. 5-foot-10 junior Kayla Whitner (12.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.6 spg), 5-foot-6 sophomore Lauryn Dennis-Cooper (8.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.8 apg, 2.4 spg) and 5-foot-9 junior Delaney Cooper (5.7 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.7 apg, 2.6 spg) round out a battle-tested core. No. 4 Marist posted a 26-3 record but was erased at home in the Elite Eight by River Ridge, 61-43. Class 6A Freshman of the Year Kate Harpring averaged 23.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 3.8 steals per game as the catalyst for the defense-first minded War Eagles. Four starters return as 6-foot senior Abby Lindsay, San Diego soccer-commit Hannah Faklaris and junior Eloise Smith all have experience. 5-foot-7 freshman Zella Janki will play an important role with her outside shooting and athleticism. No. 5 New Manchester saw a promising season derailed by injuries, finishing 22-7 bounced in the first round by Woodstock 56-44. A roster largely built on transfers, the most important factor however will be the health of homegrown Andrea Guilford who tore her ACL after averaging 11.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 3.2 steals her freshman season. Whenever Guilford is cleared to return, she will be joining a physical team with a lot of depth that graduated just two players. 5-foot-10 junior Kyara Lawrence (8.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.7 spg), 5-foot-8 senior Taniya James (5.9 ppg) and 5-foot-1 senior Na’Ya Herrera (4.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.4 spg) were key cogs in the backcourt.  The frontcourt is anchored by 6-foot senior Amaya Broadus, possibly the state’s most rugged rebounder who averaged 10.7 points, 11.7 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.6 blocks a year ago. 6-foot-1 senior Ashantes Lewis is another big body that can do damage in the paint. Three transfers join the roster headlined by All-State section 6-foot junior wing Jocelyn Faison who averaged 11.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 3.7 steals and 1.4 blocks per game at Douglas County. 5-foot-5 junior Isabella Racine also moves in from Douglas County while 6-foot-0 junior Amorie Strachan is a solid forward that averaged 6.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game at Hillgrove. Look for 5-foot freshman Devin Furgess to crack the rotation early on in her career. The undersized guard is a dynamite shooter who plays with great pace. New Manchester is also rumored to have added 5-foot-7 junior Cornelia Ellington, an All-State performer from Decatur where she averaged 19.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 4 steals per game. Ellington is currently rehabbing from a torn ACL however and is unlikely to ply this season.  No. 6 Veterans burst onto the scene last season behind the strength of their freshman class, posting a 24-5 record while losing 72-53 to Lovejoy in Kathleen in the Sweet 16. The Warhawks graduate just one senior. 6-foot-1 sophomore Gabby Minus picked up a handful of High Major offers this offseason after averaging 12.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 3.1 steals per game in Year 1. 5-foot-10 sophomore guard Nariah Nelson averaged 11.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.1 steals. 5-foot-9 senior Des’teyn Seaton and 6-foot-1 senior Rionna Byrd are dangerous options. No. 7 North Forsyth had a solid season, putting together a 22-7 record but losing all three times to Sequoyah, the non-region foe eliminating them in the Sweet 16, 59-46 after losing the prior two times to the Chiefs by three points apiece. 6-foot-1 junior London Weaver is prime for a breakout season. The lefty wing averaged 13.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.1 steals while shooting 39.5% from three. The Preseason All-State selection has picked up offers from Army and New Mexico State. 6-foot-2 senior Lindsey Pirkle has corralled offers from Lees-McRae, Belmont Abbey, LaGrange and Oglethorpe after posting 8.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. 5-9 sophomore Gabbie Gliatta (5 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1.3 apg) had a strong freshman campaign. 5-foot-3 junior Emma Rose (3.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.3 apg) is one of the more experienced guards in the backcourt. No. 8 Tift County racked up a 22-6 season, losing 61-37 in the Sweet 16 at Marist. The Blue Devils are powered by their junior class, returning leading scorer 5-foot-4 Jimmya Cushion (14.8 ppg) and third-leading scorer 5-foot-10 Jalaya Miller (7.5 ppg) an athletic and versatile long-armed wing. To compete with Veterans in Region 1, other scoring options will need to materialize. The Blue Devils lost 74-54 to Veterans in their first meeting on the road, then won at home 53-43 before losing a heartbreaker in the region championship 49-48, but five seniors have since graduated. No. 9 Creekview has slowly been rebuilding under Coach John Domville, improving each year. The Grizzlies have gone from 10-19 to 12-17 to last season’s 15-11 mark, a game shy of clinching a state playoff berth. Now in Year 4, Coach Domville has his most experienced and most talented team yet anchored by juniors 6-foot-1 wing Ashlynn Bleisath (10.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.2 apg) and 6-foot-3 center Amilya Taft (8 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.1 apg). Bleisath is a mismatch with her three-point shooting while Taft is effective sealing for lobs over the top. The straw that stirs the drink and allows Creekview’s size to thrive is 5-foot-4 sophomore Kailyn Hamby. The sparkplug playmaker averaged 7.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.2 steals as a freshman. Juniors Marissa Mason (3.5 ppg) and Brynne Dubois (5.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.5 spg) were second (22) and third (15) in three-pointers made. The addition of 5-foot-7 junior Callie Cavender from Mt. Pisgah will pay immediate dividends. In 10 games last season coming off an injury, Cavender averaged 6 points and 2.1 rebounds with seven made threes. Her experience over the summer playing high-level travel ball will benefit the Grizzlies, giving them another experienced guard. No. 10 Brunswick may have seen their title window shut temporarily as the Pirates graduated three of their top four players including their imposing size from last year’s 27-4 Final Four group who lost 73-62 to Lovejoy, but Coach Maria Mangram still has enough to make some noise come state tournament time. Region 2 First Team selection senior Shania Jones (7.9 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 3 apg, 2.5 spg) represents the Pirates’ top returning scorer after finishing third on the team. 5-foot senior Cocoa Ramsey (6.7 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 1.5 apg, 2.1 spg) was a Second Teamer. 5-foot-7 sophomore Reagan Hicks (4.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg) is a physical tweener wing while 5-foot-8 senior Shanyece Quick (3.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.3 apg, 2.6 spg) is an experienced frontcourt member.

Class 5A

While there might not be one juggernaut team that is a heavy favorite to win the title like Kell was last year, there are a few frontrunners in a class that looks full of parity. No. 1 Maynard Jackson has everyone back from their 26-2 Final Four group that fell to eventual state champ Kell 56-37. The Jaguars have loads of experience led by All-State senior Taliah Cornish who averaged 20.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 3.1 steals. Maynard Jackson can fill it up from deep between Taliah (71-176; 40%) and younger sister 5-foot-3 sophomore Cayden Cornish who averaged 10.7 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 2.2 steals as a freshman while hitting 58-133 (44%) of her three-point attempts. 5-foot-9 senior wing Shakira Gresham is a Preseason All-State selection after posting 13.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 4.8 steals and 1.9 blocks per game as a high-energy athlete. 5-foot-6 junior Aaliyah Weaver (6.1 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.8 spg) and 5-foot-1 senior Maya Whitehead (5.8 ppg) bring added speed to an aggressive defense. 5-foot-10 senior British McKinney (5.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.7 spg, 1.2 bpg) is a strong post presence that rebounds and scores consistently. Keep an eye on the development of 6-foot-2 freshman Janiyah Weaver. She’s long, athletic and comfortable playing away from the basket. No. 2 Union Grove played arguably one of the toughest in-state non-region schedules in Georgia last season, posting a 23-8 record losing at Maynard Jackson in the Elite Eight 54-47. The Wolverines are a senior laden group that returns their top eight players headlined by Preseason All-State picks 5-foot-5 point Jordan Brooks (14.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3.4 apg, 3.6 spg) and 5-foot-11 forward Nadea Smith (10.1 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 1.5 spg). 5-foot-11 Mariah Miller (5.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg) is another strong and springy forward that pairs with Smith up front while 5-foot-8 Julia Baker (8.2 ppg) helps Brooks in the backcourt. 5-foot-8 Skylar Patten (4.5 ppg) serves as the team’s most accurate three-point shooter (33%) and 5-foot-5 Lauren Pean is an athletic perimeter defender. 5-foot-10 junior Alexis Parson (5.4 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.3 spg) brings length. Take note of 5-foot-3 junior Jersana Moore. The little lefty is a potent scorer with her outside shot and is a blossoming playmaker who could play a key factor this year after seeing limited minutes as a sophomore. No. 3 Midtown will be chasing Maynard Jackson in Region 5. The Knights improved from 14-8 to 22-9 with a trip to the Elite Eight where they lost 73-63 at Warner Robins. After losing 84-40 at Maynard Jackson in their first meeting, the Knights started to close the gap losing 61-50 and 53-40 in the region championship. While there are some hurdles still to clear, the fact that Midtown returns their entire roster means continuity won’t be an issue for second-year Head Coach Martavious Little who has put his stamp on the program in short time. Sandy’s Spiel Class 5A Most Underrated honoree 5-foot-9 senior Briaiah Lewis finds herself on the Preseason All-State team after averaging 13.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 4.4 steals. Midtown likes to pick up the tempo and bring the fight to their opponents with their full court press. 5-foot-8 junior guards Sinclair Richman (12.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.2 apg, 2 spg) and Cate Barton (6.2 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.7 spg) fly around the floor, Richman the team’s best three-point shooter (43-160; 27%) and Barton a relentless hustler. Sophomores 5-foot-6 point guard Devin Bockman (7.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.6 spg) and 6-foot-1 center Hailey Wortmann (5.1 ppg, 6.5 rpg) were key factors in Midtown’s quick turnaround. Another team that came out of nowhere and now find themselves as contenders is No. 4 Cartersville, who was named Sandy’s Spiel Class 5A Most Improved Team, jumping from 4-14 to 17-11 with a Sweet 16 appearance falling to Midtown 41-30 on the road. The Canes are the first of three Region 7 teams to fill out the Top 10. Only two seniors graduate and leading scorer 5-foot-5 senior Ansley Griffin is back after posting 11.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 2.3 steals per game. 5-foot-4 sophomore Kaytlin Arnold brings infectious energy to the floor with her playmaking ability. The quick-footed point guard averaged 8.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.9 steals per game in Year 1. 5-foot-9 forward Taff Bradley (6.2 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 1 spg, 1.3 bpg) is a Huntingdon College-commit. 5-foot-8 junior Senai Camper averaged 5.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals while older sister 5-foot-8 senior guard Nayel Camper is a stock riser that could have a breakout season after posting 5.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2 assists and 2.3 steals per game. Her ability to get downhill and finish at the rim will pay dividends throughout the year. 6-foot-1 freshman Zoie Shiflett is a standout softball pitcher and has the size and athleticism to help out on the hardwood in spurts. Region 1 looked like possibly the strongest region in the classification last year until it didn’t, flopping in the first round against Region 2 as three teams went home. No. 5 Statesboro will try to be the flag barer this season coming off a 19-10 campaign which ended on the road at Warner Robins 50-42 in round one. Only Ashari Washington (14.3 ppg) graduates. 6-foot-4 senior Alyssa Staten anchors the Blue Devils as one of the top posts in the entire state. The All-State selection holds numerous D-I offers and averaged 14.3 points, 14.2 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 2.9 blocks as a junior. 5-foot-6 senior Reya Johnson is a do-everything guard that put up 13.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 3.1 steals per game. Finding offensive help elsewhere will be important for Statesboro. 5-foot-7 senior Demia Hartwell (4 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3 apg, 1.4 spg) and 6-foot-1 junior Azziza Flowers (4 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.4 spg, 1 bpg) return as crucial role players. No. 6 Ware County is another Region 1 team that saw their season end prematurely, rising to the top of the heap after beating Bradwell Institute for the region title 57-49, but losing to four-seed Jones County at home 44-36 in the first round, a game in which the Gators trailed by double digits throughout. Ware County graduates their top player in Charlese McClendon but has all their other key performers back. 5-foot-6 senior Trinity Jenkins was a First Team All-Region selection while 5-foot-9 junior Charlacia Jones and seniors Ta’Kerrah Moody and Aniyah Wesley were all Second Teamers, bringing great experience to the Gator backcourt. 5-foot-10 senior Aniston Delk and 5-foot-8 junior Alexis McNeal were Honorable Mention picks. The biggest X-Factor on the team is 6-foot junior Rhianna Mateyka, an athletic wing that can play inside and out. No. 7 Calhoun finished 25-5 with a Final Four loss to Warner Robins 62-53. The Yellow Jackets graduate the two best three-point shooters in school history in Britiya Curtis (Nicholls State) and Lauren Watson. Calhoun is the second team out of Region 7 to be ranked and they will be led by their stingy guard play behind juniors Sa’Niah Dorsey and Kat Atha. Inside, Calhoun boasts physical 5-foot-11 sophomore Jaylen Moore and stretch-four 5-foot-10 junior Allie Duke. No. 8 Dalton is the final team from Region 7 to open up in the polls, a region that was a serious logjam a year ago. The Cats recorded a 21-9 season and lost 69-41 to Maynard Jackson in the Sweet 16. Dalton is set to return their top five players highlighted by North Georgia-commit 6-foot forward Grace Ridley, one of if not the best player in school history. The double-double machine averaged 18.5 points, 13.6 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals as a junior. 5-foot-7 senior Kemara Washington chipped in 10 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals while 5-foot-9 junior guard Emma Hefner compiled 10 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists on a nightly basis. 5-foot-7 junior forward BB Bates was an All-Region Honorable Mention pick. 5-foot-8 junior Jolie Wingfield brings athleticism to the backcourt. No. 9 Warner Robins saw their season flame out in the state title game, dropping 57-36 to Kell to put a close on a great 28-4 year. Top scorers Jada Morgan (South Carolina State) and Tasia Agee (Costal Alabama) along with premier rebounder Kynnadi Howard graduate. Left in the fold having served the largest roles are seniors 5-foot-5 point guard Nevaeh Mack and 5-foot-5 shooting guard Tori Davis. Two freshmen will have to play big parts in order for Warner Robins to get close to replicating last year’s success. 5-foot-9 Trinitee Thomas already holds offers from Mississippi State and Arizona as an uber athletic wing. 5-foot-7 Laila Howard Haney is a versatile two-way player that will fill in any gaps needed. No. 10 Creekside finished just 7-18 a year ago, but a talented freshman class along with pieces in place and a transfer should have the Seminoles in the state playoffs if they can maneuver a nine-team Region 5 led by No. 1 Maynard Jackson and No. 3 Midtown. 5-foot-4 freshman C’India Dennis is the type of superstar that can immediately change a program. Likely a near shoo-in for Class 5A Freshman of the Year, Dennis is a dynamic playmaker and three-level scorer that will end up a Power 5 player. Cece proved her mettle, cutting her teeth in the state’s toughest girls fall league averaging 16.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, a league-best 4.1 assists and 2.4 steals while hitting 10 threes over seven games and leading Creekside to a 5-2 mark. In support of Dennis will be 5-foot-11 junior Skye Cleveland who moves in from Landmark Christian where she averaged 7.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.8 steals as a long and athletic 3&D wing. Freshmen 5-foot-6 Sydnee Hunter, 5-foot-3 Jacy Mitchell and 5-foot-5 Braylin Brown will all see important minutes in Year 1.  5-foot-7 junior Lia Moore plays bigger than her height, a wiry wing that led the Noles in scoring at 10.8 points per game last season. 5-foot-9 sophomore Kiana Harvey is a strong interior presence.

Class 4A

No. 1 Baldwin opens atop the poll coming off a 23-9 season in which the state title slipped through their fingers allowing Griffin to close on an 8-0 run to lose 51-47. The Bravettes return every contributor, spearheaded by 6-foot-3 All-State junior Janaye Walker who averaged 12.9 points, 12.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.7 blocks and posted 21 points and 19 rebounds in the title game. 5-foot-8 senior point guard Madison Ruff has drawn D-I attention after putting up 12.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 3.6 steals per game. The third head of the attack is 6-foot junior Kassidy Neal, the inside-out lefty averaging 12.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.7 steals her sophomore season. Baldwin has plenty of supporting pieces especially in the senior class like 5-foot-5 Jasmine Williams (7.3 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 2 apg, 2.4 spg), 5-foot-6 Zykeria Paschal (4.9 ppg) and 5-foot-9 Jamya Easley (4.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg). 6-foot-2 freshman Suri Clark is the latest post to come through the Baldwin pipeline. She has an elite frame and could become a factor come tournament time. No. 2 Holy Innocents’ finished 25-6, losing in the Final Four to Baldwin, trailing throughout in a 58-45 loss as the Golden Bears couldn’t find a way to stop Kassidy Neal who dumped in 23 points. Led by Stanford-commit Hailee Swain, an All-State 5-foot-8 junior that averaged 21.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 3.9 steals, Holy Innocents’ has a now very seasoned group. Anderson-commit Zaynah Preston averaged 13.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 3.4 steals as a junior, giving the Golden Bears the best backcourt 1-2 punch in Class 4A. 5-foot-11 sophomore Elana McMasters is a blossoming wing that shoots the three and crashes the offensive glass exceptionally well; expect her to improve upon her 6.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. Harmony Chennault, Jailynn Smith, Peyton Gluesit and even freshman Makayla Weaver will vie for playing time, but it is 6-foot-1 freshman Nakhai Worthy who will make the biggest impact. Worthy, who starred at ML King Middle School in the Maynard Jackson district, is a matchup nightmare with her size and skill set. Built like a post but with incredibly nimble feet and a smooth jump shot off the dribble from deep, Worthy is one of the elite in Georgia’s 2027 class. Clemson, Florida State, Mississippi State, Georgia, Boston College and Georgia Tech have all offered. No. 3 Hardaway had a banner season recording a 24-5 mark with a 59-54 Final Four loss to eventual state champion Griffin. Only three seniors graduate for the Hawks who are powered by a talented junior class. 5-foot-10 Mikayla Johnson holds multiple D-I offers coming off a season in which she averaged 18.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 3.8 steals, shooting 68-178 (38%) from beyond the arc. 6-foot-1 Akilah Shelton is a dominant interior presence starting to gain traction with D-I programs. The southpaw posted 10 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.7 steals and 4.2 blocks per game. The All-State duo is joined by versatile 5-foot-8 power guard Adazha Burrell (9.4 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 5.7 apg, 2.8 spg) and 5-foot-10 Jenaiya Hardy (6.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.3 apg, 2.3 spg). While the Hawks have a realistic shot at winning a state title over the next two seasons, one thing that might mean just as much, is establishing themselves as the best team in Columbus. Carver-Columbus has beaten the Hawks in 19-straight meetings dating back to 2013. Hardaway fell 68-64 last season in a non-region showdown. No. 4 Stockbridge had a solid season a year ago finishing 21-9 but losing in the Sweet 16 at Chestatee 66-56. Stockbridge hired Demarcus Acree from Banneker this offseason and players have started to spill in with four transfers joining a group that graduated just one bench player. Prairie View A&M-commit Carrington Wilson powers the Tigers, the All-State guard averaging 15.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 4 steals. 5-foot-8 Janiyah Jones paces a deep junior class, second in command at 15 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 2.7 steals. 5-foot-9 Kahli Ingram (8.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.1 apg, 2.1 spg), 5-foot-9 Des’myah Croom (7.7 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 1.2 apg, 2.3 spg) and 5-foot-6 Jayla Fulks (5.5 ppg) hold promise heading into their upperclassman seasons. 5-foot-9 senior Jaidyn Hill (4.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1 apg, 1.5 spg, 1 bpg) is a capable role player that mixes it up inside. An influx of size moves in via the transfer market, something the Tigers lacked a season ago. 6-foot-1 junior Jazlyn Ware is set to make her GHSA debut after controlling the paint at Creekside Christian and earning an UNC Asheville offer. Seniors 6-foot-2 India McIntosh (6.6 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 1.7 bpg) and 6-foot-1 Jahliya McDonald (2.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg) both transfer over from Lovejoy. 5-foot-6 senior Zania Gay rounds out the haul, coming in from Drew to add another ball handler into the mix. No. 5 Southwest DeKalb has been rebuilding for a few years but may begin seeing the fruits of their labor this season. Everyone is back from last year’s 16-12 team that lost 67-49 to Stockbridge in the first round. Underclassmen are now upperclassmen led by All-State 6-foot-1 junior wing Jah’Naesia Spiers who holds multiple D-I offers and is coming off a season in which she produced 13.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Joining her are fellow juniors 5-foot Janiya McCoy (10.6 ppg, 2 apg, 4.3 spg), Mariya Shields (5.9 rpg), 5-foot-8 Camille Files (2.3 apg) and Londyn Durden. 5-foot-5 sophomore Bailee Canty averaged 9.3 points and 1.9 assists while 5-foot-9 senior Brooklyn Scrubb pulled down 5.3 rebounds per game. The biggest addition is 5-foot-11 forward Shamaria Arnold, a Preseason All-State pick who is now eligible after transferring from Maynard Jackson last season, forced to dominate JV as a junior. No. 6 Trinity Christian sees a roster overhaul from last year’s 25-6 Elite Eight team that lost 63-32 to Holy Innocents’. Joe Daniels was replaced as head coach resulting in Trinity Christian’s top three returning players all to transfer to Heritage School in Julia Susla, Aliyah Shaffer and Lalah Logan. The Lions hired Lady Grooms from Landmark Christian and with her she brings the dynamic All-State duo of daughter Gabbie Grooms (17.7 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 7.6 apg, 2.2 spg), a Georgia Tech-commit, and 6-foot junior Ivona Djikanovic (12.4 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.6 spg). Key holdover 5-foot-5 junior Kyva Holloway was a Region 4 Third Team selection. Freshmen Madison Bennett and Elyse Norris could play large roles right away. No. 7 Chestatee has reached their ceiling the past two seasons, making history last year with an Elite Eight berth finishing 23-8 with a 66-47 loss at home against eventual champ Griffin. The Lady War Eagles return all five starters anchored by West Georgia-commit Riley Black, an All-State guard that averaged 23.5 points, 11.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists. Chestatee is their most dangerous when three-point shots are falling around Black’s slasher mentality. Junior Caroline Bull has taken a step forward with the consistency of her offensive game while junior Addison Boyd is a streaky threat. 5-foot-9 junior Peyton Cable is Chestatee’s tallest player and an expert at drawing charges. 5-foot-6 senior Sierra Yarbrough is a chaotic on-ball defender and 5-foot-5 sophomore Blakely Boyd is a fearless hustler. No. 8 Walnut Grove spent time in the Top 10 throughout the year but faltered in the ever-competitive Region 8, missing out on the postseason at 19-6, upset by 11-19 East Hall. The Warriors graduate just one senior and have stability with Head Coach Will Witherspoon doubling up again with the girls program as well as the boys. Preseason All-State point guard 5-foot-3 senior Cameria Reed is coming off a season in which she averaged 18 points, 8 rebounds and 4 steals. Joining her is 5-foot-8 junior Teaira Kelley, an undersized physical bully that collected 16 points, 15 rebounds and 3 steals a night. 5-foot-8 senior Dorothy Nealin was Second Team All-Region and provides outside shooting. The debut of 5-foot-10 senior Niera Ovalles could play a big factor in Walnut Grove’s success, missing action last year after moving in from Brookwood. She brings, length, athleticism and another shooter to add into the mix. No. 9 Northwest Whitfield got hot at the right time, going 19-11 with a surprise Elite Eight berth, surviving East Hall in the first round 58-56 before upsetting Westminster 56-54 and losing 48-42 to Hardaway. Big Game Bob Williams left an indelible mark on the Tunnel Hill community as he coached his final season while battling cancer before passing away this July. Assistant Coach Tori Clemmons takes over the program, a former Lady Bruin herself. Northwest Whitfield returns their top two players in junior guards 5-foot-10 Kennedy Baker and 5-foot-6 Sloan Pender. Baker, the Region 7 Player of the Year and an All-State selection, averaged 12.7 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists while Pender tallied 9.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.2 steals. No. 10 Fayette County is coming of age. The Tigers have improved each year under Coach Tykira Gilbert going from 0-17 Year 1 to 16-11 to 22-7 last season, a Sweet 16 trip resulting in a 60-30 loss at Hardaway. The Tigers are young but have talent. The junior class is led by 5-foot-11 wing Megan Ohonde, who holds offers from UNC Asheville and Howard. Ohonde was Region 4 Player of the Year after averaging 9.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.1 steals. 5-foot-6 Andrea Hope is a power-packed point guard that contributed 9.2 points, 3 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 2.8 steals while 5-foot-5 Kylah Hall netted 6.7 points per game and 5-foot-8 BriAnn Freeman 4.7 points and 3.6 rebounds. 5-foot-5 sophomore Deyla McCoy was selected Region Freshman of the Year after posting 8.9 points, 1.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.3 steals. 6-foot-2 sophomore Anaya Ferguson (4.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg) has elite size while 5-foot-11 senior Emily Nwuha (5.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg) excels at doing the dirty work. 6-foot-3 freshman Samantha Ohonde has a high ceiling with her inside-out approach from the wing. Finding outside shooting will be critical for the Tigers. Fayette County made just 28 threes as a team last season while shooting 14% beyond the arc.

Class 3A

It would be an utter shock to see anything other than No. 1 Hebron Christian playing Wesleyan for the state title. The Lions went 32-0 and beat Lumpkin County in the state title game. Everyone but Trinity Butler (Queens) returns. The junior class sees 5-foot-11 Aubrey Beckham and 6-foot-1 Ja’kerra Butler star as First Team All-State selections. 5-foot-6 Camryn Register returns as does 5-foot-5 Mia James who was removed from the team late last season. Seniors 5-foot-10 Nickyia Daniel, 5-foot-5 Amiya Porter, 5-foot-5 Aniya Moodie and 5-foot-10 Kayla Lane compose a strong supporting cast. 5-foot-10 sophomore Alanna Beckham has made strides in the offseason. Not resting on their laurels, the Lions picked up 6-foot-1 junior Danielle Osho from Brookwood where she averaged 13 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 1 block as an All-State selection. Hebron Christian’s handpicked roster is the strongest and deepest in the state without question. No. 2 Wesleyan should play Hebron Christian for the state title even with Desiree Davis (Newton) and Londyn Walker (Milton) transferring out. The Wolves posted a 27-4 record but lost 65-58 to Hebron in the Final Four. The addition of Texas-commit Bryanna Preston gives first-year Head Coach Ellen Paroli an electrifying backcourt tandem. Preston, the 5-foot-10 All-State point guard, averaged 18.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 2.2 steals at Lovejoy where she captured a state title in 2022 as a sophomore. Preston joins Class 3A Player of the Year Chit-Chat Wright, a 5-foot-4 Georgia Tech-commit who averaged 17.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 2.8 steals per game as a junior. Region 7 First Teamer 6-foot junior Johanna Potter is an X-Factor with her length, athleticism and inside-out game. Second Team selection 5-foot-8 shooting guard Eva Garabadian is a Georgia College-commit while Honorable Mention pick 5-foot-7 senior Audrey Ekoue-Bla will play a big role in the backcourt. Comparatively speaking with Hebron Christian, depth could be an issue for Wesleyan. If anyone was to upset the apple cart and sneak into the state title game other than the aforementioned private powers, it would be No. 3 Carver-Columbus. The Tigers went 20-10 with a competitive 78-71 loss at Wesleyan in the Elite Eight. Carver-Columbus’ athleticism and full court pressure overwhelm any teams without quality guard play. The Tigers graduate six of their top seven players but officially welcome 5-foot-6 junior Camryn Thomas who was a First Team All-Region pick as a freshman at Shaw where she averaged 13.3 points, but had to sit out last season after moving to Carver. She will join senior guards 5-foot-4 Aubri Wilkins (4.1 ppg), a Southern-commit, as well as 5-foot-4 Chubb Williams (2.9 ppg). 6-foot-4 senior Elyshah Huntley (2.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg) anchors the interior. Rania Curry (5.7 ppg) transferred to Butler this offseason and is replaced by 6-foot senior wing Jazmin Thornton, who started her career at Callaway before enrolling at LaGrange Academy her junior season where she dominated averaging 26.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 6.1 steals and 1.4 blocks per game. Thornton joins Thomas on the Preseason All-State team. No. 4 Dawson County peaked at the right time last season coming out of the Region 7 gauntlet to secure a state playoff berth by upsetting Pickens 53-50. The Tigers finished the season 16-15 under first-year Head Coach Will Anglin, taking a run to the Elite Eight where they were upended by Calvary Day 59-32. The Tigers return nearly all of their key pieces minus Kirklyn Porter (Emmanuel). Dawson County is a senior-heavy group paced by 5-foot-11 Morgan Chester, a Preseason All-State selection that averaged 8.7 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game and 5-foot-8 Abby Slaton (10.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.1 spg). 5-foot-2 Kindra Coker (6.1 ppg, 4.2 apg) is a sparkplug defensively and an expert pick-and-roll passer that also shot 38% from three. The Tigers have no shortage of physical size inside with 5-foot-11 junior Eva Bishop (7.4 ppg, 8.2 rpg), 6-foot sophomore Ava Roberson and 6-foot-2 senior Jaci Wilson. 5-foot-6 senior Anna Ayers is a defensive-minded distributor while 5-foot-10 sophomore Maddie Siuta is a potential breakout candidate with her versatility across the perimeter. No. 5 Pickens was left out in the cold in Region 7 finishing 19-7 without a state playoff berth. The Nettes have enough talent on the roster to make a run at things as teams will scramble to avoid the two-seed in the state playoffs which would reward whoever with a Sweet 16 trip to Hebron Christian. Preseason All-State pick 5-foot-9 sophomore Ellison Steinhauer emerged as Pickens’ leading scorer averaging 14.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.3 steals. UVA Wise-commit Caroline Mullins is coming off a junior campaign in which she tallied 11.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2 steals and 1 block per game. 5-foot-7 shooter Bella Hopkins is a Valdosta State-commit after averaging 9.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.6 steals. 5-foot-5 junior Emmie Moore (4.8 ppg) rounds out the attack. New to the program this year is 5-foot-7 junior Bella Martin, who moves in from King’s Ridge where she was an All-Region selection before tearing her ACL. Martin comes to Pickens following her father who took the boys head coaching job. Bella brings a key element of a shot creator and playmaker once she is cleared to play. 5-foot-2 freshman Reagan Ludington might crack the rotation with her outside shooting. No. 6 White County is the fourth team from Region 7 in the opening poll. Long-time Head Coach Jarvis Davenport stepped down in late July to take the North Hall boys job, leaving Assistant Coach Quint Moss to be named Interim Head Coach. Moss inherits a group he knows intimately as continuity won’t be an issue. The Warriors went 19-10 but stumbled to the four-seed and were ousted in the first round by Hebron Christian 68-53 – the Lions’ closest playoff game besides their 65-58 Final Four win against Wesleyan. White County graduates three key seniors but has an experienced cast back. 6-foot junior Kylie Watkins was a Third Team All-Region selection while 5-foot-8 senior Aaliyah Anderson and 5-foot-5 junior Emma Lightsey were Honorable Mention. 6-foot senior Zoe Burkett has great length on the perimeter and 5-foot-3 junior Mya Yeh is a heady distributor. No. 7 Monroe is a sleeping giant. The Golden Tornadoes pieced together a 21-8 season, losing 52-49 at Cross Creek in the Sweet 16. 5-foot-10 senior Ciarra Lunsford is back after averaging 17.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 3 steals per game. Monroe loves to pound the ball inside but graduates Aaliyah Robinson (21.3 ppg, 11.6 rpg). Coach Jennifer Acree doesn’t have to worry much however as the cavalry has finally arrived. The Golden Tornadoes have a dynamic freshman class headlined by 6-foot guard Kie’Aundria Acree, the coach’s daughter. Acree is a blue-chip prospect, the number one rated freshman in Georgia already with offers from Georgia Tech, Pittsburgh, Miami, Auburn, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Florida, Florida State, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and South Carolina. The Preseason All-State selection is a do-everything guard with terrific athleticism and impressive footwork when she decides to go in the post. Acree has help as well in running mate 5-foot-10 freshman Taylor McKinzy, an athletic wiry guard that can fill it up from beyond the arc. Over the next four years, it won’t be often that the Golden Tornadoes can’t undoubtedly say they have the best player on the floor. No. 8 Cross Creek has proven to be a consistent winner, racking up a 24-5 record before meeting their demise for a second consecutive season at home at the hands of Lumpkin County, 63-48. Brayla Harris (14.2 ppg) transferred to Butler in the offseason but Coach Kim Schlein returns her top two leading scorers in seniors 5-foot-6 Michaela Bogans (18.7 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 4.1 apg, 3.2 spg) and 5-foot-8 Tahjae Hawes (15.8 ppg, 9 rpg, 1.7 apg, 2.4 spg). Bogans, an All-State selection, is Augusta’s most electrifying player. Finding a consistent third scoring option will be critical for success. Senior Alaya Henry (4.8 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1 spg, 1.1 bpg) and junior Janya Wiley (3.7 ppg) figure to play big roles. No. 9 Hart County finished 19-9, losing 41-34 at home in the first round to Dawson County. The Bulldogs return five of their top six players including 5-foot-8 senior Dakota Phillips, a 1,000-point scorer and Preseason All-State selection. 5-foot-7 senior Alexis Walker was an All-Region honoree. 5-foot-9 senior shooter Madison McLane was a Region 8 Honorable Mention pick, as was sophomore Kiasia Montgomery and 5-foot-3 junior Takarria Smith. 5-foot-9 junior Zoe Carter and 5-foot-7 sophomore Maddie Carter both move in from Denton, TX while 5-foot-10 sophomore Kallie Westmaas comes to Hartwell by way of Chicago, IL. No. 10 Mary Persons took a leap from 15-15 to 25-5, losing 98-25 at Hebron Christian in the Elite Eight. The Bulldogs graduate only two of their top nine players and return leading scorer 5-foot-8 junior Anaja Lucear, a versatile athletic wiry guard that compiled 9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.9 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. Seniors 5-foot-6 Zaria Wilson (5.6 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.8 spg), 5-foot-3 Samiya Morris (5 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.4 apg, 2 spg), Quanesha Brown (4.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg) and 6-foot Hajar Baldwin-Toles (3.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg) round out an experienced group.

Class 2A

With everyone back, there is no doubt No. 1 Mt. Paran is a favorite to three-peat as state champions. The Eagles rolled to a 31-1 record, battling through foul trouble in the Final Four and State Championship beating Landmark Christian 58-51 then Banks County 67-44. 6-foot-1 junior Jessica Fields earned Class 2A Player of the Year honors, dominating when it mattered most with 23 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals and 3 blocks in the title game after picking up three fouls in the first quarter and playing just six first half minutes. Campbell-commit Ciara Alexander, a 6-foot senior, piled in 26 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 4 blocks in Macon. The Eagles have a rock-solid backcourt behind veteran juniors 5-foot-6 Jacalyn Myrthil, 5-foot-7 Kitali Youmans and 5-foot-7 Isabella Ramirez. 6-foot sophomore wing Kennedy Deese is a disruptive defender and blossoming offensive threat with D-I offers. No. 2 Central-Macon still has their 4.3 mentality after graduating just one player from their 28-2 team that lost 61-56 at Banks County in the Elite Eight. The Chargers are paced in the backcourt by All-State senior guards 5-foot-4 Alaya Grane and 5-foot-5 Taliah Grier. Central-Macon hangs their hat on their physical stingy defense. Seniors 5-foot-9 Tayelor Davis and 6-foot-1 Maya Crawford are rugged interior presences along with 5-foot-9 junior Frances Anyakudo. The Chargers also return a pair of Region 2 Honorable Mention selections in 5-foot-7 senior A’Niya Dugger and 6-foot-1 junior Jazlyn Johnson, a potential X-Factor with her length and 3&D prowess. Don’t be surprised if 5-foot-6 freshman Kacie Reeves cracks the rotation and plays an important role with her three-point shooting. No. 3 Banks County enjoyed their best season in school history, ripping off a 28-4 record riding a 21-game winning streak into the state championship before falling 67-44 to Mt. Paran. The Leopards graduate two starters highlighted by leading scorer Kamryn Grier (12.7 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 1.8 bpg – Emmanuel). 5-foot-6 senior Addison Hoard (11.4 ppg, 4 rpg, 4.4 apg, 3.7 spg) is a Preseason All-State selection and a North Georgia-commit. 5-foot-8 junior Ryleigh Murphy (8.9 ppg, 2.8 spg) had a breakthrough season as Banks County’s most dangerous three-point shooter (43-169; 25%) as the Leopards mastered the Flex offense. Twin sister 5-foot-8 junior Reese Murphy (7.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.5 spg) made major strides this offseason as a blossoming scoring threat, previously more so known for doing the little things. 6-foot-1 senior Carley Segars is drawing D-III offers after averaging 7.5 points, 7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Coach Steven Shedd welcomes in daughter 5-foot-7 freshman Ella Kate Shedd. She will provide physical toughness and a fearless scorer on the perimeter. No. 4 Thomson played Mt. Paran in the Elite Eight as tough as nearly anyone did all postseason, losing 54-43 at home to put a wrap on a 22-6 season out of a tough Region 4. The Bulldogs improved from 16-8 the year before and have their sights on improving even more with nearly their entire roster back, graduating just one rotational piece in Jonathia Tarver (1 ppg). 5-foot-10 junior Jada Kendrick is quickly becoming a household name, the physically dominant All-State wing averaging 17.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 3.7 steals. Kendrick proved she could get the job done against elite competition as well, powering in 20 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 1 block on 8-16 shooting against Mt. Paran. The power-packed star earned offers from Mount St. Mary’s, UNC Asheville and Oakland this summer. 5-foot-6 junior Ty’leishiah Latimore (13.6 ppg, 6 rpg, 1 apg, 4.6 spg), 5-foot-9 sophomore Denesha Hester (9.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.7 spg) and 5-foot-2 sophomore Paris Rosser (6 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 4.3 apg, 5.4 spg) round out the attack. In total, Thomson has seven sophomores expected to return and play varying roles. Region 4 is crowded in the middle of the poll as No. 5 Josey slots in right behind Thomson after taking a trip to the Final Four, finishing 25-5, losing to Banks County 48-44. The Eagles lost two of three to Thomson, beat 36-32 on the road, then winning 58-28 at home before dropping in the region championship in overtime, 56-48. 5-foot-3 junior Ke’Asia Henderson went down with an injury just 12 games into the season after getting off to a scorching start, leading Josey in scoring (13.1) and assists (7.2). She’s undoubtedly a gamechanger when healthy. Five seniors graduate but 5-foot-10 junior wing Shaniya Sanders returns after posting 10.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1 block per game. 5-foot-7 sophomore Kerri Fluellen stepped up big-time at point guard, a dazzling ball handler that averaged 7.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 3.7 steals while excelling at getting to her spots. 6-foot sophomore Za’Miyah Jenkins should play a huge role this upcoming season after contributing 3.3 points, 5 rebounds and 1 block per game. She has outstanding length and is incredibly bouncy as an offensive rebounder. Jenkins thrived in her newfound role at GBCA Live. 6-foot-1 Clairissa Winfrey (5.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg) is another big body that can be used to control the paint. No. 6 Butler marks the third consecutive Region 4 team in the middle of the rankings. The Bulldogs finished 20-10, sinking to the four-seed but still managed a run to the Elite Eight where Landmark Christian eliminated them 66-42 on the road. Leading scorer Markera Tarver (15.2 ppg) graduates as does Nevaeh Mansfield (4.2 ppg) but everyone else is back, plus three impact transfers. 5-foot-1 sophomore Paris Floyd (9.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.9 spg), 5-foot-3 senior Logan Davis (5.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3.1 apg, 2.9 spg), 5-foot-5 Tamyia Jackson (5.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.7 apg, 2.2 spg) and 5-foot-8 senior Kam Gresham (5 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 1.4 spg) round out an experienced core. Into the program comes 5-foot-7 junior Brayla Harris (14.2 ppg, 4 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.6 spg – Cross Creek), 5-foot-11 junior Rania Curry (5.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.3 spg – Carver-Columbus) and 5-foot-10 wing Karen Nimo from Johnson-Augusta. Harris is a proven scorer at the high school level. Curry is on her third school already after opening at Augusta Christian as a freshman and entered high school as a highly touted prospect with D-I offers. Nimo is a bit of a wild card with her lack of GHSA experience but has put up big numbers on the travel ball circuit and is an athletic wiry wing that can score from multiple levels, earning her a Preseason All-State selection. No. 7 Dodge County will go as far as their superstar takes them. The Squaws went 25-3 last year and were bounced in the Sweet 16 by Josey 47-40. Strength of schedule is an issue for Dodge County but All-State 6-foot center Lyric Green is unstoppable at the Class 2A level. The physical specimen has a build that would overpower most college players. Green averaged 17.6 points and 11.6 rebounds as a sophomore and holds offers from South Alabama, Jacksonville State, Appalachian State and Bethune-Cookman after dominating at GBCA Live. The Squaws will need to find a second option besides Green however as Altierra Gooch (16.9 ppg, 10.6 rpg) graduates. 5-foot-5 junior Glenna Rae Whitley will play an invaluable roll as Coach Casandra Hamilton’s top perimeter threat and most trusted guard. Whitley averaged 8.4 points per game and led Dodge County with 29 made threes (28%). 5-foot-3 junior Autumn Rhodes (7.2 ppg, 2.7 apg) and 5-foot-8 sophomore Jamaura Mizell (4.8 ppg) will be tasked with handling pressure and helping get the ball inside to Green. Senior Javonna Hamilton is a trustworthy rebounder that averaged 4 points and 5.5 rebounds. No. 8 Columbia is expected to return their top three players from last year’s 20-8 team that lost 48-39 to North Cobb Christian in the first round. 5-foot-6 senior Nia Anderson averaged 13.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 4.3 steals while 6-foot senior Keamaura Robinson collected 9.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 2.4 steals and 2.2 blocks per game. 5-foot-3 junior Kerserlin Anderson served as the team’s best three-point shooter (37-138; 27%) while contributing 9.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 2.2 steals per game. After not being ranked at all last year, No. 9 Model debuts in the Top 10 as they return their top six players from last season’s 16-11 Sweet 16 team that lost 55-22 at Mt. Paran. After losing twice by double digits to Fannin County, the Blue Devils were able to upset the Rebels in the region tournament 65-56 before falling in the title game to Murray County 48-29. 6-foot junior Sadie Raughton was a Region 7 First Teamer, a lethal stretch-four that buries threes at a high clip. 5-foot-7 sophomore Javia Samples and 5-foot-6 senior Briley Sims earned Second Team honors. 5-foot-6 senior Rachel Burkhalter was an Honorable Mention pick. Keep an eye on 5-foot-11 junior August Betz. Still new to the game, the springy lefty earned Honorable Mention as a sophomore. She’s got great quickness inside and soft hands. Her motor and agility can’t be taught and will cause issues in Northwest Georgia. No. 10 Union County posted a 14-14 record, slipping to the four-seed before losing in the opening round of the state playoffs to Murray County 59-39. Assistant AD Thomas Nelson takes over the job and inherits a team that loses just two seniors. 5-foot-9 junior Ariel McCarter returns as the team’s leading scorer averaging 15.8 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal. 5-foot-11 senior Lara Turner is versatile matchup problem with her athleticism, length and ability to make plays off the dribble as both a shooter and passer. 5-foot-9 sophomore Paula Robertson had a strong offseason and will see big minutes on varsity for the first time. 5-foot-3 senior Kamryn Mull and 5-foot-9 junior Katelyn Brown are hustlers. The Panthers have a developing post presence in 6-foot junior Hope Taylor, who made major strides in the fall as a physical presence with a soft touch.

Class A D-I

Small public schools have to suffer through one more year of competing with private schools for a state title before the GHSA revamps the system when reclassification comes next season. Although they had mixed results during June, No. 1 St. Francis looks on paper as the clear-cut team to beat after winning their fourth state title in program history, their first since 2016 when they won three in a four-year span. The Knights finished 27-6, outlasting Region 6 rival Galloway in overtime 76-74 to beat the Scots for the third time. St. Francis committed 30 turnovers but still erased an 11-point fourth quarter deficit to stun Galloway. Three seniors graduate from a small roster that was banged up with injuries. Title game hero 6-foot-1 senior Sa’Mya Wyatt returns as Class A D-I Player of the Year, averaging 16.4 points and 5.7 rebounds, but more importantly dumping in 27 points and 10 rebounds in the championship. 5-foot-6 junior Desi Taylor (10.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 3.9 apg, 1.6 spg), 5-foot-5 senior Nya Young (7.9 ppg, 4.6 apg, 2.1 spg) and 5-foot-4 sophomore Camryn Golston (5 ppg) are tiny but have blinding speed and are daring playmakers. The Knights graduate 6-foot-4 Anaja Hall (12.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.5 bpg – Alabama State) and 6-foot-1 Trynce Taylor (9.3 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.8 apg, 2 spg – Kennesaw State) but replace them with a now healthy 6-foot-1 junior Amelia Basit and 6-foot-3 freshman Aila Courtenay. 5-foot-8 freshman Giaunni Rogers is a Preseason All-State pick, an elite shooter with a physically strong body. Auburn and Boston College have offered. No. 2 Galloway had a state title slip through their fingers, finishing 27-6 losing to St. Francis 76-74 in overtime. The Scots will be in the hunt for another title again this year, but don’t have as much experience or firepower with Alison Hoffmann (Oglethorpe), Kyla Cain (North Florida) and Kailyn Fields (Kennesaw State) gone. All-State sisters 5-foot-10 senior Tianna Thompson, a Georgia Tech-commit and 5-foot-8 sophomore Taryn Thompson, the reigning Class A D-I Freshman of the Year who holds multiple High Major offers, are more than good enough to lead the Scots back to Macon. Finding production outside of the Thompson backcourt will determine how far Galloway can go. 6-foot-1 junior Danaya Stokes returns with the most experience. Freshmen 6-foot wing Sophia Louis-Pierre and 5-foot-9 Paloma Diaz-Williamson could vie for playing time right away while 5-foot-9 sophomore Libby Abdur-Rahim and 5-foot-10 junior Eliana Diaz-Williamson figure to see increased roles. No. 3 Rabun County boasts something on paper no one else in the classification currently can – they have two D-I commits in the backcourt that are both All-State selections. The LadyCats finished 24-4 last season, splitting with Elbert County in the regular season before losing 61-41 in the Region 8 championship. Rabun County was upset on the road at Oglethorpe County in the Sweet 16, 51-50. Two starters graduate but back is the tandem of 5-foot-9 Western Carolina-commit Lucy Hood (17.3 ppg, 3 rpg, 5.4 apg, 3.5 spg) and 5-foot-8 Presbyterian-commit Ellie Southards (16.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.6 apg, 2.5 spg). Combined, the duo shot 155-401 (38.7%) from beyond the arc, Hood hitting 82 threes (36.9%) and Southards 73 (40.8%). As it was last year, finding a consistent third option to score the ball will be crucial. 5-foot-5 senior Mili Watts, a softball standout and defensive specialist, averaged 7.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.8 steals. Freshmen 5-foot-5 Adelyn Thompson and 5-foot-4 AddyBeth Owens hold great promise and will likely find themselves on the floor quickly, especially Thompson who shined as a perimeter shot maker during the travel ball season. Where the LadyCats will hurt is in the paint as they lack size and heavy varsity experience. No. 4 Athens Christian returns four starters from a young 14-12 team that lost 90-54 to St. Francis in the Sweet 16. Region 8 looks like a two-horse race as Elbert County graduates their 2021-22 state championship winning group leaving Rabun County and Athens Christian with the most talent and experience. The LadyCats swept Athens Christian 61-48 and 64-39 even after the midseason addition of 6-foot-3 sophomore Marlene Mbilima who is rapidly improving and earned a New Mexico State offer in October. The sophomore backcourt of 5-foot-6 Josi Vaughn and track and field state champ 5-foot-6 Ansley Moore saw valuable reps in Year 1. They are a competitive duo, especially Moore the vocal leader of the team. As a team, Athens Christian will need to handle full court pressure better in order to reach their ceiling. 5-foot-11 senior wing Natalee Goff is a big-time scorer that gets to her spots with ease on the perimeter and loves to isolate. The All-State selection is an Emmanuel-commit. Depth was a major weakness a year ago. No. 5 Oglethorpe County hit their ceiling, reaching the Elite Eight before falling at Woodville-Tompkins 64-44, closing out a successful 20-9 season. The Patriots graduate just two bench pieces from a now battle-tested core. Oglethorpe County is filled with state champion track and field athletes. 5-foot-5 senior Denim Goddard, a long jump and triple jump state champion, was named Region 5 Player of the Year, a quick guard who wreaks havoc defensively and has the ability to slice her way to the rim. What makes the Patriots different from all other teams however is 5-foot-11 All-State junior Kenzie Henderson, a freak athlete that has won state titles in the high jump and hurdles multiple times. Henderson has elite leaping ability, quick to clean up misses and block shots. She has terrific hands, catching lobs over the top of the defense for layups. Henderson was a mismatch in eliminating Rabun County with 23 points and 10 rebounds. D-II schools are starting to take notice of the three-sport star. Aside from the inside-out one-two punch of Henderson and Goddard, the Pats also bring back Second Team All-Region selections 5-foot-3 Aariana Bell and 5-foot-8 Amber Watkins, a pair of seniors. Honorable Mention pick Abby Jones rounds out an experienced senior class. No. 6 Swainsboro has had success in South Georgia, but the past two seasons have seen their years come to a close by way of Elbert County, most recently eliminated by the Blue Devils in the Elite Eight 63-49 to end an 18-7 season. Injuries have besmirched the Tigers recently but when healthy, Swainsboro has dangerous talent in their senior class. 5-foot-11 Tanyia Williams is a Preseason All-State selection after averaging 15.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 2.3 steals and 2.2 blocks per game. 5-foot-8 Tonia Ricks (7.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1 spg, 1.1 bpg) and 5-foot-5 Hannah Howard (6.7 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 3 apg, 2.5 spg) did a valiant job filling in for 5-foot-9 Jayden Wynn, a difference maker in the backcourt who missed her entire junior season due to an ACL tear. As a sophomore Wynn averaged 10.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 3.1 steals. No. 7 Mt. Pisgah put together a 17-7 record and lost in overtime at the Inferno to Elbert County 76-71 in the Sweet 16. Erin Cox steps in as head coach coming over after serving as an assistant at Wesleyan. William & Mary-signee Monet Dance (14.6 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 4.9 apg, 3.4 spg) leaves a major void with her graduation, but the Patriots still have a strong core led by 5-foot-9 senior Morgan Blake (12.2 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.8 spg) a Preseason All-State pick who is beginning to draw college looks. The sophomore class of 5-foot-10 Evia Spencer (10.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg) and 5-foot-8 Sydney Glahn (9.6 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 1.1 spg) made an immediate impact in Year 1, providing Dance with the support Mt. Pisgah has craved for years. 5-foot-8 senior Parks Wellon (6.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.1 apg, 2.2 spg) brings veteran leadership to the perimeter. No. 8 Lamar County went as far as possible in the Private/Public school jumble, losing 84-45 to St. Francis in the Elite Eight, ending a 24-5 season. Everyone returns for the Trojans highlighted by All-State guard, Shakiria Foster. The 5-foot-8 senior was one of Georgia’s top scorers averaging 26.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 5.4 steals while sinking 47 threes. D-III LaGrange has offered while D-II programs have her on their radar. 5-foot-6 senior Zakiria Foster led Lamar County with 49 made threes and averaged 12 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.8 steals. 5-foot-8 senior Journi Harris is an undersized post that uses her body extremely well, leading to 8.1 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. No. 9 Prince Avenue finished 17-11 and lost 57-52 to Mt. Pisgah in the First Round. The Wolverines weren’t far off against other Top 10 programs in Class 1A D-I, sweeping Tallulah Falls and losing all three times to Region 5 rival Oglethorpe County 66-58, 58-57 and 52-39 in the region championship. Prince Avenue graduates one senior. Junior guard Dachelle Lucas and senior Audrey Vandagriff, an Alabama softball-commit, were First Team All-Region selections while 5-foot-9 junior Lilly Purcell was a Second Teamer. Seniors Madeline Tebeau and Leila Todd earned Honorable Mentions nods. No. 10 Bryan County was upset at home in the opening round of the state playoffs by Temple, 55-50, putting a sour end to a 21-6 campaign. The Redskins graduate their third leading scorer and a seldom used bench piece. 5-foot-6 senior Kayley Wedlow is a Preseason All-State selection after averaging 21 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 3.7 steals while shooting 40% from beyond the arc. The University of Fort Lauderdale offered in October. 5-foot-8 junior Ashanti Brown (12 ppg, 12.4 rpg, 2.4 spg, 1.6 bpg) and 5-foot-3 sophomore Jasmine Mikell (7 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.5 apg, 2.7 spg) round out the attack.

Class A D-II

No. 1 Taylor County debuts in the top spot following a 27-2 season that ended in the Final Four against eventual state champion Clinch County, 63-55. The Vikings must replace Jaliyah Zackery (18.8 ppg, 12.1 rpg) but have a strong core still intact led by Preseason All-State selection 5-foot-9 sophomore Jaydah Ford (11.2 ppg, 8.2 rpg), the Region 6 Co-Freshman of the Year. 5-foot-2 senior Trista Bennett, Region 6 Co-Defensive Player of the Year, is a quick playmaker that averaged 11.1 points, 2 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.9 steals while sophomore Alasia Montgomery added 9.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.6 steals. No. 2 Clinch County captured their first state title since 1993, upsetting Lake Oconee Academy 45-42 to close the year 27-4. Three starters graduate but the Pantherettes still have their game-changing size in All-State forwards 5-foot-10 sophomore Amariah Dean and 6-foot senior Tyana Dorsey who dominated the title game with 19 points and 20 rebounds. Developing quality guard play could determine whether Clinch County sinks or swims. Sophomore Destiny Tolbert and senior Asia Hood were Region 2 Second Team selections. No. 3 Montgomery County welcomes back All-State 5-foot-8 senior Marley Bell for one final season after the Eagles went 27-2 but were bounced in the Sweet 16 at home by Clinch County 57-41. Bell averages 20.5 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 5.1 steals and 2 blocks as a multisport star. 5-foot-3 senior Amire Banks, a Preseason All-State pick, is a veteran guard that added 14.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 4.3 steals per game. Shot selection was an issue for the Eagles last season shooting 136-746 from three (18%) compared to 482-1274 (38%) inside the arc. No. 4 Early County went 21-8 but was upset in the Sweet 16 at home by Wilcox County, 48-46. The Bobcats are set to return their top six players headlined by Region 1 Player of the Year and All-State selection 5-foot-9 junior Jacorra Russell (16.2 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 1.3 apg, 5 spg, 1.7 bpg). 5-foot-6 senior Lakevia Stamper (4.9 ppg), 5-foot-7 sophomore Ty’jerrica Russell (4.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.7 apg, 2 spg) and 5-foot-11 junior Nakevia Brown (4.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg) help balance the attack. No. 5 Randolph-Clay posted a 20-10 record, falling to Taylor County in the Elite Eight 64-35. Five of the Red Devils top six players are back paced by Region 1 Defensive Player of the Year 5-foot-5 senior Te’Ahja Hardwick, an All-Stater. 5-foot-4 senior Desiree Smith was First Team All-Region while 5-foot-3 senior Natasjah Josey was a Second Teamer and 5-foot-9 senior Iandia Bowens and 5-foot-10 junior Takyrah Jones were Honorable Mention. No. 6 Towns County should emerge as the team to beat in Region 8 after Lake Oconee Academy graduated a bulk of its state title lineup. The Indians finished 21-9 last year and actually scored a 52-49 win over Lake Oconee Academy in the regular season but the Titans were without All-State guard Georgia Bosart. Nonetheless, Towns County made some noise in the state tournament falling to eventual champ Clinch County 56-41 in the Elite Eight. The Indians graduate their leading scorer Sarah Shook (12.9) and fourth-best point producer Tabitha Barnes (6.2) but have a nice guard-forward combo between Preseason All-State picks 5-foot-5 senior Brelan Sieveking (12.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.6 apg, 2.4 spg) and springy 6-foot junior Kaleigh Beaver (8.4 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 1 apg, 1.5 spg). 5-foot-10 senior Laura Mauldin provides size inside, averaging 4.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.5 steals. No. 7 Turner County graduates All-State guard TyKhia Burgess (24.1 ppg) leaving a massive void to fill after finishing 25-4 and losing in the Elite Eight at Lake Oconee Academy 58-23. 5-foot-6 senior Caitlyn Burgess is a Preseason All-State pick and will be asked to score the ball constantly after averaging 14.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 4.7 steals in her first year over from Tift County. 5-foot-9 senior Jamerie Fowler is a reliable interior presence that contributed 7.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.4 blocks. Zy’Najia Lawson (4.7 ppg, 4 rpg, 1.6 apg, 2.8 spg) enters her junior season and will be asked to step up. No. 8 Chattahoochee County welcomes back their top 10 players after finishing 18-13, eliminated in the Sweet 16 at Towns County 66-57. 5-foot-5 senior Jessika Carter was a Region 6 First Teamer after netting 13 points per game while 5-foot-9 senior Jordyn Johnson earned Second Team honors averaging 7.9 points. Juniors 5-foot-8 Quan’Keythia Josey (10.3 ppg) and 5-foot-8 Makiyah Clark (8.9 ppg) round out the Panthers’ top scoring threats. 5-foot-6 sophomore Yaelah Protho could take a leap in Year 2 after averaging 7.1 points. Region 4 fills the bottom of the poll starting with No. 9 Telfair County. The Trojans went 15-13 losing at Turner County in the Sweet 16, 69-42. Everyone returns but third-leading scorer and top rebounder Mia Reese (9.1 ppg, 10.8 rpg). 5-foot-5 junior Passion Clay (13.8 ppg, 4 rpg, 3.4 apg, 3.9 spg) is a Preseason All-State selection. 5-foot-3 senior Zah’Mya McDuffie (12.9 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.3 spg) has major experience. 6-foot-3 junior Samantha Marshall is an intimidating post presence that averaged 5.3 points and 8.9 rebounds. No. 10 Hawkinsville crafted a 17-6 mark losing in the Sweet 16 to Randolph-Clay 37-30. Leading scorers two through four are back for Region 4 Coach of the Year Brandon Dawkins. Senior Karia Nelson (11.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.9 spg) was a First Team All-Region selection while fellow seniors Makayla Edwards (9 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.1 apg, 2 spg) and Sequoyah Whitehead (5.7 ppg, 8.5 rpg) were Second Teamers.