Class AAAAAA
1. Newton
2. North Paulding
3. Buford
4. Cherokee
5. Grayson
6. Archer
7. Marietta
8. Etowah
9. Hillgrove
10. North Forsyth
Class AAAAA
1. River Ridge
2. Milton
3. New Manchester
4. Brunswick
5. Morrow
6. Coffee
7. Woodward Academy
8. Creekview
9. Alexander
10. Lee County
Class AAAA
1. Creekside
2. Marist
3. North Oconee
4. Kell
5. Warner Robins
6. Midtown
7. Dalton
8. Jones County
9. Starr’s Mill
10. Southwest DeKalb
Class AAA
1. Cherokee Bluff
2. Jenkins
3. Sandy Creek
4. Monroe
5. Gilmer
6. Oconee County
7. Luella
8. Pickens
9. Heritage-Catoosa
10. White County
Class AA
1. Josey
2. Murray County
3. Columbia
4. Thomson
5. Hardaway
6. Hart County
7. Morgan County
8. Carver-Columbus
9. Westside-Macon
10. Tattnall County
Class A D-I
1. Fannin County
2. Model
3. Rabun County
4. Elbert County
5. Heard County
6. Banks County
7. Lamar County
8. ACE
9. Putnam County
10. Central-Macon
Class A D-II
1. Wilcox County
2. Washington-Wilkes
3. Macon County
4. Taylor County
5. Screven County
6. Telfair County
7. Clinch County
8. Metter
9. Charlton County
10. Bryan County
Class 3A-1A Private
1. Hebron Christian
2. St. Francis
3. Holy Innocents’
4. Galloway
5. GAC
6. Athens Academy
7. Trinity Christian
8. Mt. Paran
9. Whitefield Academy
10. Christian Heritage
High school basketball is officially back as the 2025-26 GHSA season is right around the corner. Region realignment will come back into play next year meaning title run windows could be closing on some teams while on the horizon of opening for others. Don’t forget that the days of region tournaments solely determining state playoff brackets is nearly over as this season will be the last before all classifications move to seeding 1-32 next year.
Class 6A
The fourth-time was a charm for No. 1 Newton as the Rams (25-5) captured their first-ever state title, defeating Grayson 59-56 after falling three times prior. Newton returns a heavy bulk of their key players including reigning Class 6A Player of the Year 5-foot-7 junior London Smith who averaged 17.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.7 steals, recording 23 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block in the championship game. The junior class also features Mya Perry (9.1 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 3.2 apg, 3.3 spg) and 6-foot post Skylar Levell (6 ppg, 3.9 rpg). 5-foot-5 senior Zoey Jackson (6.6 ppg, 2 rpg, 1.7 spg) is a veteran presence in a now crowded backcourt as Class 5A Best Shooter 5-foot-5 junior Sha’nya Heath moves in from Arabia Mountain where she posted 20.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 4 steals per game while shooting 86-240 (36%) from beyond the arc. Another All-State guard transferred in as well in the form of 5-foot-9 sophomore Jazmin Maddox who was a Class A D-I Second Team All-State performer at Jasper County and is one of the hottest prospects in the southeast as multiple D-I offers poured in over the summer. No. 2 North Paulding has been knocking on the door of a state title run. Last year the Wolfpack blew a lead and lost at Carrollton in the Sweet 16, 44-43 finishing the season 26-3. 6-foot junior Morgan Landrum is a Boston College decommit who provides explosive athleticism in the frontcourt as an elite rebounder. Sophomore Kenzie Hinkson has seen D-I offers start to trickle in as one of the best 2028 playmakers in Georgia. Sister Kalee Hinkson is a softball star but the junior also packs a punch as a tough-nosed defender and scorer. The sophomore class sees Ava Dyer star as a three-point specialist and 5-foot-11 Talya Arnold add versatility with her length and athleticism, both players in line to see bigger minutes. Incoming 5-foot-10 freshman Brooklyn Arnold is an interesting high-upside piece. She’s a sturdy forward who can bang inside but also has a super quick trigger from beyond the arc as a catch-and-shoot pick-and-pop threat. No. 3 Buford fell 54-45 in the Elite Eight to Newton, closing the year 25-3. Only three players graduate for the Wolves. Chattanooga-commit Lydia Ledford and junior E’miah Fields form one of the most productive one-two punches in the state, Fields coming off winning Class 6A Most Improved as she upped her output from 7.7 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal per game to 18 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals. Finding consistent offense outside of the tandem will be paramount. Juniors Ella Rainwater and Peyton Denmark should have ample opportunities to contribute while sophomore Haley Ryczek and seniors Ava Jones and Jelyza Lapsley are hard playing guards. No. 4 Cherokee marched to the Final Four at 26-5, but ran out of steam as they lost to Grayson 53-48 after beating the Rams 68-62 in their season opener and holding a nine-point lead in the second half. Sophomore point guard Ansley Dunn cemented herself as one of the best young guards in Georgia with her shifty playmaking and postseason heroics, drilling a three with three seconds left to knock out Hillgrove in the Elite Eight 57-54. Seniors Young Harris-commit Lyla Griffith and Piedmont-commit Sage Smiley are gritty two-way players that embody what it means to be a Warrior. Flame throwing shooter Madison Moody is a Central Georgia Tech-commit, holding the ability to take over games with the threat of her going on a scoring binge. No. 5 Grayson saw the addition of Kennesaw State-commit Coco Rudolph be a shot in the arm for the Rams (30-2), nearly helping Grayson repeat as state champs after she transferred in midseason, but it was not to be as Newton beat Grayson 59-56 in the state championship after losing thrice earlier in the season. Rudolph and Georgia State-commit Zoie Lofton will be asked to anchor the Grayson backcourt along with defensive stalwart Tamera Rudolph, a 5-foot-7 senior who rebounds, defends, facilitates and scores whenever needed. 5-foot-8 senior Liyah Williams will see major minutes as well while the rest of the Grayson roster will be gaining experience on the fly. No. 6 Archer finished 23-6 with a Sweet 16 exit at the hands of North Forsyth, losing 64-42 – the second time the Tigers were blown out by over 20 points by the Raiders. Four transfers have moved in to bolster the Tigers in Region 4 which houses No. 1 Newton and No. 5 Grayson. 6-foot-4 Ari Bell comes over from Central Gwinnett, an elite shot blocker with her wiry length. 5-foot-5 Hailey Houlder enters her sophomore season, back in Gwinnett after playing middle school at Grayson before starring at Whitefield Academy her freshman season averaging 16.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 4.8 steals. GAPPS Class A Player of the Year 5-foot-9 junior Jazlynn Brown will get a taste of GHSA basketball after piling in 22.3 points, 16.5 rebounds and 5.9 steals at Notre Dame Academy. 6-foot-4 junior Layla Adams transferred in from Union Grove after the school year started, a D-I prospect that plays on the perimeter and averaged 10.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.7 blocks. The foursome joins an already potent core paced by sophomore Braalyn Whitehead, junior Saniya Sharper, senior Averi Neal and sophomore Taliya Smith. 5-foot-11 senior Jordan Lartey brings length and a floor spacing presence to bomb away from deep alongside Sharper while 5-foot-9 junior Mariah Brown is a high-energy rangy defender. No. 7 Marietta has lofty expectations with a young roster loaded with D-I prospects. The Blue Devils mustered a 15-14 record last season, falling 66-62 at Lowndes in the First Round. Class 6A Freshman of the Year Leah DeWitt dumped in 25.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. 5-foot-8 junior Kyann Senior tallied 11.9 points, 11 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 3 steals per game as she was named Class 6A Best Rebounder. 5-foot-10 sophomore McKenzie Everett (9.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.2 spg, 1.1 bpg) holds tremendous upside as a versatile wing. Freshmen 5-foot-10 Alana DeWitt and 5-foot-7 Zoe Williams already hold major D-I offers. DeWitt thrives as a shooter while Williams, who already left Marietta once to play with Holy Innocents’ over the summer but is now back, is a heady playmaker. The Blue Devils have more than enough talent to contend for a state title if all their pieces fit together. No. 8 Etowah made serious strides with a young team, improving from 15-14 to 21-9, losing 55-51 at Buford in the Sweet 16. The Eagles hope to carry over their momentum from the summer as one of the most impressive defensive teams in the Metro Atlanta area. Etowah marks the fourth team out of Region 5 to open in the Top 10, following No. 2 North Paulding, No. 4 Cherokee and No. 7 Marietta. Three seniors that saw substantial minutes graduate but a strong core returns paced by 5-foot-7 junior Savannah Aparicio (12.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 3.3 apg, 2.2 spg). 5-foot-8 sophomore Caitlyn Garcia has begun picking up D-II offers after recording 8.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.8 steals per game. 5-foot-6 junior Jaiden Graham is one of the most important pieces to the puzzle as she thrives as an undersized forward with a guard skillset, consistently asked to defend larger players, rebound and create mismatches on offense as she chipped in 4.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.2 steals a night. No. 9 Hillgrove lost a heartbreaker in the Elite Eight at Cherokee, a three-pointer with three seconds left ending their season at 22-8 with a 57-54 defeat. The Hawks graduate two starters but return a deep group led by returning leading scorer 5-foot-6 senior Kierra Jackson (11.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.2 spg), a Savannah State-commit. 6-foot senior Aeris Macon was named Class 6A Best Shot Blocker after tallying 7.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 2.3 blocks per game. Junior Ashley Harris (6.3 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.1 apg, 2 spg), sophomore Tori Thompson (4 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.1 spg) and senior Shelby McCall (3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1 apg, 1.3 spg) balance out a long lineup. No. 10 North Forsyth posted a 30-1 record with a second consecutive undefeated regular season, but lost 55-47 to Newton in the Final Four after leading 23-18 at the half. Chattanooga-signee London Weaver graduates, leaving Emmanuel-commit Gabbie Gliatta as the heir apparent after averaging 15.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists as a junior. The sophomore class will play a major part in keeping the Raiders in title contention between Leah Bryan and Kendall Arnett. 5-foot-6 freshman Hartley Hurt is a blue-chip softball prospect but her tough-as-nails approach paired with her coach’s daughter intangibles will help her be a legitimate impact maker starting Day 1. Losing Ana Anzola, a Region 6 Honorable Mention selection, to South Forsyth in October will be a big blow although she has battled injuries early on in her career and may miss the season with potential ankle surgery. When healthy she has the potential to become an All-State level performer.
Class 5A
No. 1 River Ridge rallied to win their second state title in three years, erasing a 16-point deficit with 3:30 to play to shock Langston Hughes 52-47 to put a cap on a 31-1 year. The Knights graduate First Team All-State selections Class 5A Player of the Year Kayla Cleaveland (Georgia Southern) and Sophia Pearl (Furman) along with state championship game unsung hero Joy Tchamabe (Young Harris) but the Knights still have one of the most talented public school rosters in the state led by four-star prospect 6-foot-3 junior Finley Parker (14.6 ppg, 7 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.5 spg), Samford-commit Makayla Roberson (12.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 3.8 apg, 1.3 spg, 1 bpg) and UNC Greensboro-commit Kyla Cantey (10.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2 apg, 1.4 spg) who scored nine of her 12 points in the fourth quarter to lead the comeback in the title game. 5-foot-4 sophomore Reagan Mulligan will be thrust into the starting lineup after winning the GHSA Girls Three-Point Contest, ready to likely triple her scoring output of 2.9 points per game last season. 5-foot-7 sophomore Hadley Hooks and 5-foot-9 senior Whitley Coleman should see important roles this year. No. 2 Milton fell 91-64 to River Ridge in the Final Four, completing a 24-7 campaign. The Eagles will look different, relieving Coach Julian Barfield of his duties on October 17, replacing him with boys assistant Triston Cooper. Milton also graduates First Team All-State point guard Londyn Walker (North Carolina A&T) and key frontcourt members but there is still plenty of talent on the roster headlined by the inside-out duo of 6-foot senior Caroline Young (9.9 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 1.5 apg, 2.5 spg) and burgeoning star 5-foot-9 junior Deyva Davis (9.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.7 spg). The sophomore class holds major promise with 5-foot-11 Aaleanna Milord (5.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg), 6-foot Grace Musselman and 5-foot-5 Emmy Proffitt. 5-foot-10 junior swingman Tamia Tomlinson has flashed signs of an upcoming breakout season after chipping in 3.1 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. No. 3 New Manchester took a run to the Elite Eight before bowing out against River Ridge 80-44 to end the year 24-6. Undersized dynamo 5-foot junior Devin Furgess poured in 15.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Joining her in the backcourt is Austin Peay-commit Andrea Guilford, a former top prospect who has dealt with torn ACLs throughout her career. Now healthy, Agent Zero has a chance to reestablish her standing as a do-everything guard. 6-foot sophomore Katelyn Cherry has a high ceiling on the perimeter. Seniors Sydney Tigner and True Moye are veterans in the backcourt. No. 4 Brunswick tallied a 22-8 season with a 69-56 loss to Milton in the Elite Eight. The Pirates are set to return nearly everyone, highlighted by 5-foot-9 senior guard Martin Davis (14.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 3.6 apg, 4.7 spg). Deep with athleticism, Brunswick features 5-foot-10 sophomore Samyya Gilbert (7 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.7 spg, 1 bpg), 5-foot-11 junior Jakai Alston (6.8 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1 apg, 2 spg) and 5-foot-11 junior Lauryn Walker (6.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 1.6 apg, 2.3 spg, 1.2 bpg). Also in the mix is 5-foot-9 senior Reagan Hicks if healthy. She averaged 7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.5 steals but is rehabbing from another ACL tear, making her availability likely a longshot until deep in the postseason. 5-foot-7 senior Zaenaj Gordon transfers in from Sparkman, AL to add even more quickness to the backcourt. No. 5 Morrow went 23-7 with a 74-61 loss in the Sweet 16 at River Ridge. The Mustangs graduate their top two leading scorers along with their number four option. 5-foot-5 senior Mikayla Dunston is an Alabama State-commit. 5-foot-8 junior Muzic Dace and 5-foot-8 sophomore Nyla Chivers are hearing from D-I schools. 5-foot-11 senior AJ Rials is an exceptional rebounder with springy agility while 6-foot-4 junior Janiyah Weaver moves in from Maynard Jackson where she averaged 6.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.9 steals and 2.6 blocks. No. 6 Coffee returns nearly everyone from their 27-2 Sweet 16 team which lost 63-48 to New Manchester. The Trojans graduate sparkplug defender Tyrianna Woodgett but Co-Region 2 Player of the Year 5-foot-10 senior Lexie Bradford anchors the interior coming off a season in which she posted 13.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1 steal and 1.4 blocks. Seniors Jasmine Porter (12.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.1 apg, 3.8 spg) and Paris Riley (9.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 1.8 apg, 3.5 spg) help set the tone for a team that likes to relentlessly press. 5-foot-9 junior Aria Paulk (10.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.8 apg, 2.7 spg) is important as the team’s top three-point shooter (22 3PTM). No. 7 Woodward Academy lost a heartbreaker to Bradwell Institute in the Elite Eight right before the buzzer, falling 60-58 to end the seasons 23-6. The War Eagles graduate their leading scorer and fourth option, leaving 5-foot-7 senior Lauryn Cooper (13.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 3 apg, 3.3 spg) to lead the charge with an offer from Maryland Eastern Shore in her back pocket. 5-foot-9 junior Mackenzee Williams (12.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.5 apg, 3.1 spg, 1 bpg) has been a double-digit scorer for the entirety of her career. Keep an eye on junior Kami Whitner (5.1 ppg) and seniors Dejah Morgan (3.3 ppg) and Kendall Drayton (3 ppg) to emerge in order to keep Woodward Academy dangerous in Class 5A. No. 8 Creekview posted a 23-6 mark with a 42-36 loss to Woodward Academy in the Sweet 16. What made Creekview unique was their twin towers in Anderson-signees 6-foot-3 Amilya Taft and 6-foot-1 Ashlynn Bleisath who have both graduated. The straw that actually stirred the drink however does return in 5-foot-4 senior point guard Kailyn Hamby, an All-State selection who has seemingly elevated her game ever higher over the offseason, averaging 22 points per game at GBCA Live while shooting 20-41 (48%) from beyond the arc over the four games. Now a truly guard oriented team, the Grizzlies will turn to 5-foot-8 sophomore Kylee Herrick, 5-foot-5 junior Finley Howard and 5-foot-4 sophomore Jocilyn DaGraca to spark the team offensively and defensively. A pair of 5-foot-10 forwards figure to play prominent roles in the frontcourt in sophomore Brenley Matthews and junior Payten Day. No. 9 Alexander claimed the Region 5 championship before falling on a last second putback to Veterans in the Sweet 16, 50-48 to end the year 20-9. The Cougars have an elite post presence in 6-foot-2 junior Nimah Ibidunni who holds multiple D-I offers after averaging 19.7 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 1.9 steals and 1.4 blocks per game. Alexander is at their very best when their scrappy guards are hitting threes around Ibidunni. 5-foot-4 senior Isabella Italiano (7.9 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 4.3 apg, 2.2 spg) is picking up heavy D-III interest while 5-foot-7 senior Jayden Allen (5.9 ppg) has emerged as a key outside shooter with length and is also starting to gain steam with college programs. Adding 5-foot-9 senior Oddyssey Murray (7.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.6 spg) from Douglas County is a major boon as the southpaw is a physical hardworking combo-forward. 5-foot-3 sophomore Jaida Stamper will see a bigger role in Year 2 as a combo-guard known for her three-point shooting. No. 10 Lee County will go as far as their dynamic 2027 duo takes them. The Trojans racked up a 20-10 mark a season ago, falling in the Sweet 16 at Bradwell Institute 52-42. Lee County’s top three players return headlined by juniors 5-foot-4 Camya Hutcherson and 6-foot Taliyah Porter. Hutcherson is becoming a household name as one of the best guards in the state, a potent point producer with a lethal three-point shot. The Preseason Third Team All-State selection averaged 13.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 3.5 steals last season while Porter posted 12.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 3.6 steals and 1.3 blocks, doing damage from the high post with her length and quickness. 5-foot-10 sophomore Jada Ridley (6.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg) is an important third-option.
Class 4A
The longest winning streak in the state of Georgia belongs to No. 1 Creekside who finished the season 32-0 for the program’s first state title defeating region rival Maynard Jackson for a third time, 57-37. Reigning Class 4A Player of the Year 5-foot-5 junior C’India Dennis is a nationally ranked blue-chip prospect coming off a season in which she poured in 20.9 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 3.8 steals per game. The rest of the 2027 class has stepped up alongside their leader with 5-foot-5 Jacy Mitchell (9.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2.4 spg) and 5-foot-6 Sydnee Hunter (7.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.6 spg) playing major roles with their speed and athleticism. 5-foot-6 sophomore Maliha Harris (7.1 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1 spg) is another blossoming option while 6-foot seniors Kiana Harvey and Ryleigh Roberson provide size inside. No. 2 Marist lost 54-43 to Creekside in the Final Four, ending their hopes for a repeat at 29-3. North Carolina-commit Kate Harpring is a top five player nationally and is the defending Gatorade Player of the Year for Georgia upon piling in 32.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 5.1 steals per game. Finding consistent offense around Harpring is always the biggest key to determining the War Eagles’ success against other top programs. 5-foot-10 junior Katie Elder emerged last season to earn Second Team All-Region 5 honors while 5-foot-9 senior Cate Prophater is an experienced veteran. Junior Zella Janki, sophomore MJ Johnson and sophomore Azelia Shell will see important minutes. Two newcomers should make an immediate impact with softball star 5-foot-9 junior Megan Snipes transferring over from St. Pius X to serve as a physical enforcer while 5-foot-9 freshman Ellie Warren is a gifted perimeter scorer who can consistently knockdown open shots and will play a key role if she can earn playing time defensively. No. 3 North Oconee lost a wild triple overtime thriller to Maynard Jackson in the Final Four 80-79 after a last second foul call went against the Titans. The state’s premier double-double machine Kendall Wells (Oklahoma softball) has graduated but the Lady Titans still have a wealth of talent and a pipeline that continues to produce young stars. 5-foot-8 senior Laura Frances Willis is a smooth scorer that can fill it up at all three levels and is drawing interest from D-I and D-II programs after averaging 14 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 2.4 steals at the Sandy’s Spiel Fall League. 5-foot-10 sophomore Leah Pollack made an immediate impact in Year 1 with her instincts and ability to score from the mid-range, earning her Class 4A Freshman of the Year honors. Another DGD, 5-foot-5 senior Kate Bobo was named Most Underrated for her elite-level hustle resulting in steals and assists. Senior Leslie Bradley has major experience in the backcourt. 5-foot-5 sophomore Mackenzie Setchel has the makings of a breakout star, a wiry long guard who shoots the ball extremely well and is skilled at getting to the basket. Setchel was explosive at the Sandy’s Spiel Fall League, averaging 13.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 2.4 steals while drilling 12 threes over five games. The interior will look different this season but the Titans are loaded with size and strength between 5-foot-11 sophomore Kallie Mashburn and 5-foot-10 junior Amelia Glasscox. No. 4 Kell recorded a 22-6 season but was upset in the Sweet 16 by Maynard Jackson 53-48. The Longhorns are led by 6-foot-1 Howard-commit Kennedy Deese. Surrounding her is firepower in the form of juniors 5-foot-10 Asiah Thompson and 5-foot-9 lefty Maliyah Gilbert, both with D-I offers. 6-foot-2 junior McKenzie Green brings length and athleticism to the interior while 5-foot-9 sophomore Lyric Watson does the same on the perimeter. The Longhorns got even more athletic with the addition of 5-foot-9 sophomore Daphne White from Sprayberry. No. 5 Warner Robins lost two of their last three games of the season resulting in a 25-2 record, falling at North Oconee in the Sweet 16 73-61 in an up-and-down fast pace game. The Demonettes have a chunk of their starters back headlined by 5-foot-9 junior Trinitee Thomas, an electric do-everything All-State guard who holds D-I offers. She is joined by 5-foot-9 senior Janelle Turner and 5-foot-8 junior Laila Howard-Haney. Two transfers move in with 5-foot-9 junior Madyson Jones from Houston County and 5-foot-10 senior Kennedy Bradshaw from Central Fellowship Christian, a big-time scorer who fills it up with deep three-point range and can also score in the paint with her size. The lefty has compiled 12 offers, a vast majority coming this offseason from JUCO programs among other levels. She will be relied upon to space the floor and take some scoring burden off Thomas’ capable shoulders. No. 6 Midtown went 24-6 with a 59-54 loss at Dalton in the Sweet 16. The All-State tandem of seniors 5-foot-6 Devin Bockman (20 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3.6 apg, 2.3 spg) and 6-foot-2 Hailey Wortmann (16.6 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.4 spg, 2.7 bpg) has a new running mate with 5-foot-9 junior Journey Bryant, a Jackson State-offeree, transferring over from Luella where she averaged 10.1 points, 2 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 3 steals. Shawnta Pope replaces Martravious Little as head coach after a stint at Spalding. No. 7 Dalton amassed a 26-4 record, losing in the Elite Eight to North Oconee 62-57. The Catamounts graduate First and Second Team All-Region 7 players Jolie Wingfield and BB Bates, but return Region Player of the Year and All-State selection 5-foot-6 junior Aubriyana Camp, an elusive scoring machine. Also in the 2027 class is 5-foot-8 All-Region Honorable Mention pick Wisdom Kent and 6-footers Dana Gravitt and Georgia Sanders. 5-foot-7 sophomore guard Emery Silvers should play a factor in the backcourt this season. No. 8 Jones County had a sparkling 27-2 record but lost 57-40 at home to Northview in the Sweet 16. The Greyhounds graduate their leading scorer but have nearly everyone else back headlined by Preseason Third Team All-State pick 5-foot-6 senior point guard Aubrey Norris who averaged 9.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.8 steals while picking up D-II offers. 5-foot-9 physical combo-forward Kamiyah Adams enters her senior season with D-II interest as well after posting 13 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2 steals a night. 5-foot-6 senior Autumn Coleman (7.3 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 1.6 spg) is a trustworthy veteran in the backcourt while 5-foot-11 junior Liberty Pennamon (5.6 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2 apg, 2.1 spg) and 5-foot-10 sophomore Desirae Dumas (4.9 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.2 spg) look poised for breakout seasons with their inside-out versatility. All the pieces are in place for No. 9 Starr’s Mill to make a deep run after tallying a 22-7 record with a 49-33 loss in the First Round against Maynard Jackson. The Panthers are set to return their top five players. A slew of D-I offers have poured in lately for 6-foot-2 junior Lindsey Kopacek (14.6 ppg, 12.6 rpg, 1.7 spg, 1.9 bpg), a physical, overpowering post presence. The All-State big is joined by 6-foot junior Ava Glover (7.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.6 spg), a sizeable shooter who holds an offer from D-III Guilford College, but is also on D-I radars. 5-foot-9 sophomore Aftyn Heiden (7.3 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.5 apg, 2.7 spg) and seniors 5-foot-5 AG Morrison (7.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2 apg, 1.1 spg) and 5-foot-8 Sophia Olson (5 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 5.9 apg, 2.6 spg) round out a balanced group that can score inside and out. No. 10 Southwest DeKalb is inching closer to becoming a contender as the Panthers look to build off a 19-10 campaign which ended in the First Round at the hands of Warner Robins 58-51. Southwest returns a pair of First Team All-Region guards in 5-foot-4 senior Bailee Canty (10.9 ppg) and 5-foot-4 sophomore Jayla Walton (9.1 ppg). 5-foot-6 sophomore Ryleigh Kimmons was Region 5 Honorable Mention in Year 1 while 6-foot-1 junior Ryann Chaney carved out her niche as a top rebounder, pulling down 5.7 boards per game. Another scoring threat has been added to the roster in the form of 5-foot-5 junior Charmaine Owens who averaged 11.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 3.3 steals and 1.1 blocks at Arabia Mountain.
Class 3A
Class 3A was full of excitement during the state playoffs as No. 1 Cherokee Bluff got hot at the right time and was finally able to consistently field their entire roster as they finished 25-8 and upset defending state champion Baldwin in the title game 66-58, rallying from down 33-27 at the half. The Bears will return four of their five starters including All-State guards 5-foot-9 Middle Georgia State-commit Claire Carlson (16.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3 apg, 3 spg, 1.2 bpg) and 5-foot-8 Notre Dame soccer-commit Bristol Kersh who reclassed to 2026 suddenly making this her final season. Kersh, who sporadically misses basketball games throughout the season due to soccer commitments, was the X-Factor when available, banking in a game-winner at the buzzer in the Final Four to top Jenkins 56-55 before totaling 22 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 steals in the title game. The Bears are still a viable threat when Kersh is out however as Carlson has proven to be able to rise to the occasion, upping her production during the postseason to 21.4 points, 6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 3.9 steals and 2 blocks per game, starring in the championship game with a game-high 23 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and 1 block. As good as the twosome is, role players won the Bears the state title as 5-foot-10 junior cheerleader Emery Jones came off the bench to score 14 points. Senior Audrey Graham is a Liberty softball-commit who starts and brings energy while 6-foot-1 senior Halle Wilson will have new responsibilities on and off the court this season. No. 2 Jenkins saw a tough non-region schedule payoff as the Warriors hit their stride late, winning eight-straight including the Region 3 Championship over Calvary Day 48-39 to set up statement wins over North Georgia powers Jefferson 47-38 in the Sweet 16 and Pickens 48-39 in the Elite Eight before a buzzer-beating loss at the hands of Cherokee Bluff in the Final Four 56-55. While most top programs in Class 3A get it done with individual star power, the up-and-coming Warriors used a by-committee approach to finish 20-9. Jenkins has intimidating elite length anchoring the paint between 6-foot-2 senior Taylor Young (8 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 2.7 bpg) and 6-foot-4 junior Heaven Arkwright (3 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.4 bpg), but it is the balanced guard play that does the bulk of the scoring. Seniors A’Niyah Browner (11 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.6 apg, 4.7 spg), Iycess Scott (8.1 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 1.2 spg) and Ke’Ara Jones (6.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.9 apg, 2.2 spg) come at opponents in waves as the Warriors return all their key contributors. 5-foot-3 junior I’Yarna Lee (10.1 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.7 apg, 2.9 spg) was a First Team All-Region 3 selection along with Browner and Scott. It may be a freshman that tips the scales in Jenkins’ favor as 5-foot-5 Mickiyah Fields moves in from the Beach district. Fields may be the most skilled guard on the roster and has one of the highest ceilings in all of Savannah with her ability to create off the bounce and score from all levels. No. 3 Sandy Creek has arguably the best player in the classification and possibly in the entire state in 5-foot-7 sophomore Morghan Reckley who won a gold medal with the USA U16 National Team at the FIBA AmeriCup this summer. Ranked in the Top 10 nationally, Reckley averaged 24.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, 5 assists and 5.8 steals en route to All-State honors and being named Class 3A Freshman of the Year as Sandy Creek finished 23-7 with a 58-57 loss to Luella in the Sweet 16. Finding help around Reckley will determine how serious of a threat the Patriots are to win a state title. Older sister 5-foot-6 junior Madison Reckley averaged 14 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 3.5 steals. 5-foot-11 senior Da’Maris Shields may play a big role after averaging 5.7 points and 5.2 rebounds across nine games. No. 4 Monroe is another team powered by an individual superstar. The Golden Tornadoes went 24-6 with a trip to the Elite Eight thanks to Class 3A Player of the Year 6-foot junior Kie’Aundria Acree, losing 63-54 to Cherokee Bluff. Head Coach Jennifer Acree’s four-star daughter dumped in 31.1 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals and 3.7 blocks per game as the ultimate do-everything workhorse. 5-foot-8 junior Taylor McKinzy is next in command at 17.3 points, 7 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 2.4 steals per game. The Nadas are desperately starved for any type of production outside of their terrific tandem in order to beat top programs. 5-foot-10 junior Glendalys Harvey is the next leading scorer at 6.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. No. 5 Gilmer compiled a 16-12 record with a trip to the Sweet 16, putting a scare into Fayette County before running out of gas losing 57-37. The Bobcats have their most talented roster in decades between the trio of 5-foot-10 junior Jace Sanderson (12 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 apg, 2 spg, 1 bpg) who has a Georgia Southwestern offer, 5-foot-10 senior Paula Robertson who is finishing rehab from a torn ACL and has multiple D-III bids and 5-foot-7 freshman Makenna Taylor, a high-scoring three-point shooter who already holds an offer from Columbus State. Also in the backcourt is 5-foot-4 senior Bree Burnette who was a Second Team All-Region 7 selection as the Bobcats are set to return three of their top four players from a season ago. No. 6 Oconee County went 19-8 but was blown out in surprise fashion at home in the First Round by Calhoun 56-37. The junior class is led by 5-foot-6 Eliza Oechsle (9 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 3.7 apg, 1.6 spg) and 5-foot-9 Jill Daniel (6.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.6 spg), a breakout candidate with her athleticism, aggressiveness and mid-range jump shooting, putting up 12 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 2.3 steals per game at the Sandy’s Spiel Fall League. 5-foot-6 senior Lydia Gay is an unsung key piece that does the dirty work with her hustle in the paint. Oconee County remains in the Top 10 thanks to replacing All-Stater Julie Azeltine (Emmanuel) with 5-foot-10 freshman Ella David, Head Coach Katie David’s daughter, a Preseason Second Team All-State selection who led the Sandy’s Spiel Fall League in scoring at 18 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.4 steals while draining 16 threes over the course of seven games. No. 7 Luella closed the year 26-4 with a 54-41 loss to Fayette County in the Elite Eight. The Lions are seemingly rebuilding after graduating the Region 5 Player of the Year (Jasmine Baxter – Jacksonville State), a First Teamer (Leilani Ward – Brenau), a Second Teamer (Skye Hunter – Northwest Florida State) and Region Defensive Player of the Year Kaely Ferrell while also losing their third leading scorer Journey Bryant to Midtown. 5-foot-10 senior Angel Thomas (10.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.5 apg, 2.3 spg) will be asked to carry the load alongside 5-foot-7 sophomore point guard Aria Williams (3.8 ppg). 6-foot-2 junior Naima Foster moves in from Griffin where she was Region 3-4A Co-Defensive Player of the Year and boasts a D-I offer from LaFayette. No. 8 Pickens was the number one overall seed heading into the state playoffs last season but was ousted in the Elite Eight by Jenkins 48-39, closing the year 27-3. The Nettes’ title-run window is closing as star guard 5-foot-10 Ellison Steinhauer is now a senior. While Steinhauer is good enough to carry Pickens to 20+ wins, she will need serious help from others if the Nettes want to top last season’s postseason showing. 5-foot-4 junior Reagan Ludington was an All-Region pick who facilitates at point guard. Pickens is at their best when spreading the floor for three-point shots between the likes of 5-foot-4 junior Bree Jewell and 5-foot-4 sophomore Kylee Bozeman. 5-foot-11 freshman Khloe Pruett transferred from Dawson County and could help in the frontcourt in the future. A bungled call helped send No. 9 Heritage-Catoosa home early last season, a 24-7 season ended at home against Baldwin in the Elite Eight 50-49. The Generals may have some early growing pains as two All-State picks in Macie Collins and Kayla Lopez have graduated on to Cleveland State Community College, but a strong core remains intact as the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. 5-foot-9 senior Tori Epps is willing to do the dirty work with her physicality. Seniors Bailee Hollis and Ema Tanner have a knack for being in the right place at the right time. The ceiling of the Generals may be determined by 5-foot-10 sophomore Paisley Collins, Macie’s younger sister. Collins enjoyed a breakout offseason, routinely flirting with double-doubles and leading the team in scoring. She received a Preseason All-State Third Team nod and will be counted on to anchor the interior for a small team. Disaster struck right before tryouts as 5-foot-8 junior Camdyn Carter, a lethal perimeter scorer who was named Preseason All-State Second Team, tore her ACL for the second time in her career, this time playing flag football, dropping the Generals from where they were initially set to open in the Top 10. No. 10 White County graduates a pair of All-State standouts heading to Piedmont in Kylie Watkins and Emma Lightsey from a team that went 22-8, losing 62-47 to Baldwin in the Sweet 16. 5-foot-10 wing Aslyn Burkett is a burgeoning inside-out prospect that anchors a deep junior class which features Coach Steve Shedd’s daughter Ella Kate Shedd, Anijah Moss, Kalynn Watkins and North Hall transfer Zara Gosse.
Class 2A
After falling to eventual state champion Hardaway in the Final Four 65-45, No. 1 Josey opens 2025-26 in pole position coming off a 24-4 season. The Eagles are led by seniors 5-foot-8 point guard Kerri Fluellen (15.2 ppg) and 6-foot forward Za’Miyah Jenkins (11.9 ppg), a pair of Preseason First Team All-State selections with D-I offers. Josey loses their second and third leading scorers but have a bulk back surrounding their two stars with 5-foot-8 senior Montana Jenkins (8.2 ppg) and 5-foot-5 junior Nikayle Serrano (7.2 ppg) leading from the backcourt. New to the program is 5-foot-10 senior Shamira Moss who moves in from region rival Butler where she averaged 4.2 points, 6 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. No. 2 Murray County reached new heights during last season’s 30-2 campaign, but ultimately fell short in the state championship against Hardaway 47-34. The Indians return nearly everyone but post Bayleigh Winkler (Montreat). Ledford sisters 5-foot-5 sophomore Blaklee – the Class 2A Freshman of the Year – and 5-foot-8 senior Callan are both All-State performers. Emma Blaylock and Hadley Dotson are veteran guards in the backcourt, a senior and junior, respectively. The Indians may be nearing the return of 5-foot-8 junior Miley McClure, the 2023-24 Class 2A Freshman of the Year before missing all of her sophomore season with multiple torn ligaments in her knee. A healthy McClure would add an important interior element to help replace Winkler and assist Callan Ledford in rebounding and scoring around the rim. No. 3 Columbia graduates the Region 6 Player of the Year (Aalon Turner) along with two First Team members but the Eagles were impressive over the offseason with an influx of young talent to support a veteran cast that finished 23-6 with an Elite Eight trip, losing 76-27 to Hardaway. 5-foot-10 senior forward Kendall Campbell is a powerful post presence that averaged 9.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.6 steals to land her as a Preseason All-State Second Team member. 5-foot-3 senior DeAsia Kelly (3.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.3 apg, 3 spg) was a Second Team All-Region pick while 5-foot-5 sophomore Dede Spaulding chipped in 4.7 points and 4.7 rebounds in her debut season. The freshman trio of 5-foot-5 Ziryah Bell, 5-foot-7 Londynn Nolley and 5-foot-6 Faith Andrews all looked like impact makers at GBCA Live. For good measure, Columbia also added 5-foot-3 senior Makayla Juhan from Mt. Zion-Jonesboro and 5-foot-4 sophomore Janise McCoy (3.3 ppg) from Maynard Jackson. No. 4 Thomson went 25-4, losing in the Elite Eight to region rival Josey 48-43. The Bulldogs graduate their top two players including Jada Kendrick (Howard) but are expected to return the rest of their roster. The senior-laden group has major experience and relies on a balanced attack. 5-foot-6 Janiya Scott (8.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1 apg, 2.7 spg), 5-foot-3 Paris Rosser (7.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 6 apg, 5.4 spg), Denesha Hester (7.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.6 spg), Dalysa Gilmore (6.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.2 apg, 2.8 spg) and 6-foot Jazzlyn Crenshaw (5.2 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 1.2 apg) round out a battle-tested nucleus. No. 5 Hardaway captured their first-ever state title in dominant fashion, running up a 26-6 record capped by a 47-34 win over Murray County. The Hawks lose a ton, graduating Akilah Shelton (Hampton), Mikayla Johnson (New Orleans) and Adazha Burrell (LaGrange) but breakout star 6-foot-1 junior Rhianna Boynton – the Class 2A Player of the Year – is back after exploding for 17.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1 assist, 2.2 steals and 1.9 blocks per game. Finding scoring around Boynton will be key, especially in the backcourt. Junior Jaylah Todd (3 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.7 spg) and sophomore Marlana White (2.7 ppg, 1.5 rpg) could be in line for major roles. No. 6 Hart County finished the season 17-12, securing the No. 9 seed in the state tournament before falling in the Sweet 16 at Sonoraville 59-34. The Bulldogs have a nice core back led by 5-foot-9 senior Kiasia Montgomery, a multifaceted wing who earned All-Region honors. Joining her is 5-foot-2 junior Jaycee Wiley, a Region 8 Honorable Mention selection. There will now be three Wileys on the roster as well-regarded freshman 5-foot-3 Jordyn joins Jaycee and 5-foot-4 sophomore Justyce. 6-foot sophomore Sarai Shealer and 5-foot-9 junior Londen Durrett figure to play prominent roles in the frontcourt. No. 7 Morgan County took a trip to the Final Four before losing 71-66 to Murray County to end the season 21-10. The Bulldogs will need to replace Region 2 Co-Player of the Year Jaden Young (Emmanuel) and Kymora Smith. 5-foot-8 senior Cydney Burke (12.5 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.9 spg) should get the lion’s share of the shots this season. Juniors Madison Holcomb (5.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.6 apg, 2.3 spg) and Miracle Ward (3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2 apg, 1.7 spg) will get plenty of chances to impact games from the backcourt. No. 8 Carver-Columbus posted their lowest win total (not counting a COVID shortened 2020-21) since 2014-15, recording a 17-11 mark which still resulted in an Elite Eight trip, losing 58-33 to Morgan County. The Tigers lose their only two All-Region selections and will attempt to rebuild and remain in the state title hunt behind 5-foot-9 senior Norquela Fitzpatrick, 5-foot-5 senior Bria English (6.6 ppg, 2.3 spg), 5-foot-7 junior Janyla Russ (5.9 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.6 spg) and 5-foot-6 sophomore Ka’Miyah Bass (4.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 1.1 apg, 2.5 spg) among others part of a large roster starting to come of age. No. 9 Westside-Macon enjoyed a renaissance; the program’s most wins since 2010-11 as the Seminoles finished 16-11 with a Sweet 16 appearance. There wasn’t much of a playoff feel however as the Noles played back-to-back Region 2 opponents in the state tournament, beating Callaway 38-37 to tie the season series 2-2 but losing to region champion Morgan County 70-54, closing the year 0-3 against the Bulldogs. A major reason for Westside’s success last season was due to Co-Region Player of the Year 5-foot-9 sophomore Domonique Billue, the rangy swingman putting up 17.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 4.4 steals and 1.1 blocks per game as a freshman. Seniors Taylor Talton (9.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 3 apg, 2.3 spg) and Jorden Billue (5.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg) will be key supporting members to help lift the Noles. No. 10 Tattnall County rounds out the Top 10 coming off a year in which Battle Creek went 20-6 with a 43-38 loss to Carver-Columbus in the Sweet 16. Strength of schedule is a concern for the Warriors as they captured the No. 4 seed in the state tournament but were bounced by the No. 20 seed, but Tattnall County returns five of their top six players including three Region 3 First Team members in senior Nashyia Grubbs, junior Anyia McMillan and 5-foot-8 junior Rihanna Bess – the Region Defensive Player of the Year. Junior Jyasia Walker and senior Jaylin Kennedy round out the core.
Class A D-I
Defending state champion No. 1 Fannin County opens atop the poll after winning the program’s third title, first since 1999. The Rebels finished 29-2, topping Banks County 51-42. Three All-State starters return in 6-foot senior Reese Lewis a double-double machine, 5-foot-3 senior Maggie Ledford a knockdown three-point shooter and 5-foot-5 junior Izzie Jabaley a pass-first playmaker. The emergence of 5-foot-5 sophomore Toccoa Hampton will be a major boon this season, giving the Rebels a fourth scoring option as a high IQ hustler with nice touch. The Rebels execute extremely well on offense, running the flex and cashing in on three-point chances. No. 2 Model finished 24-6, melting down in the Final Four against Banks County to lose 51-44 in overtime as the Leopards scored the final 13 points of the game while the Blue Devils coughed up nearly 40 turnovers against the press. Model has a blend of talented youth and veteran leadership as 6-foot sophomore Kamri Sanders, an All-State pick, is one of the top prospects in the classification with her unique inside-out skill. The senior class includes Region 6 Second Teamers 5-foot-6 Javia Samples and 6-foot Eva Poyner along with Honorable Mention selection 5-foot-5 Sasha Wood. 5-foot-10 sophomore Savanah Minshew is a breakout candidate, a highly skilled combo-forward that can both stretch the floor from beyond the arc and score through contact inside. No. 3 Rabun County posted a 14-13 mark, making it to the Elite Eight before falling for a third time to Region 8 rival Banks County 71-35. Handling the press was ultimately the LadyCats’ downfall a season ago. That weakness should be remedied with the long-awaited arrival of 5-foot-5 freshman point guard Millie Southards, a Preseason First Team All-State pick. Southards provides elite playmaking skill, toughness and the ability to score from all levels when needed. The future D-I point has weapons around her, namely 5-foot-6 junior Adelyn Thompson, another All-State guard. Thompson averaged 13.8 points, 2.5 assists and 2 steals per game. Playing alongside Southards should allow Adelyn to move off the ball more and create a slew of open catch-and-shoot threes via Southards. 5-foot-4 junior AddyBeth Owens (11 ppg, 3.1 apg, 3.3 spg) is a competent third scoring option with major experience. Rabun County doesn’t have much size making 5-foot-8 senior Madison Houck incredibly valuable. The unsung hero does the little things well, a tough-nosed rebounder, defender and extremely good passer from the high post. No. 4 Elbert County joins Rabun County in the Top 5 in a loaded Region 8. The Blue Devils netted a 24-5 record, upset in the Sweet 16 at Vidalia 44-38 as All-State 5-foot-9 junior Audrey Lunsford missed the game. Elbert County only graduates one senior from last year’s Most Improved Team, increasing their win total by 16 games. 5-foot-9 senior Zy Belcher was an All-Region selection while 5-foot-5 junior Aaliyah Allen and 5-foot-4 senior Kaylen Rucker earned Honorable Mention. 5-foot-6 senior Sarah Blackmon should supply three-point shooting for the Blue Devils. No. 5 Heard County racked up a 25-4 campaign, losing 68-53 in the Elite Eight at Fannin County. Two seniors graduate as the Braves’ top four players are scheduled to return. 5-foot-8 sophomore Azhia Kendall is an All-State pick at wing while 5-foot-5 junior Emma Lawson is a sharpshooter who set a program record with eight made threes vs. Springwood, AL. Juniors 5-foot-6 TT Lewis and 5-foot-7 Emma Beers were Second Team All-Region 6 members. The Braves are a tough out when they control tempo with their full court pressure. No. 6 Banks County lost in the state title game to Fannin County 51-42 to close the year 25-6 out of Region 8. The Leopards graduate significant firepower in All-State twins Reese and Ryleigh Murphy. 5-foot-7 senior Ansley Moore looks to build off her junior season in which she collected 7 points, 7 assists and 6 steals per game in Banks County’s vaunted press. Region 8 Honorable Mention selections 5-foot-11 sophomore JanaKate Gibson and 6-foot junior Marleigh Dale should have big seasons while 5-foot-7 senior Cannon Collier and 5-foot-10 sophomore Maecee Crumley look to provide consistent production in bigger roles. No. 7 Lamar County lost 34-31 at Model in the Elite Eight to finish the year 23-6. The Trojans return all of their key contributors headlined by Class A D-I Freshman of the Year 6-foot sophomore Jaziyah Foster (17.1 ppg, 8 rpg, 2.2 spg). Juniors 5-foot-6 Makayla Watts (12.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.9 apg, 2.9 spg) and 5-foot-10 Ella Bleu Leverett (7.7 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 1 apg, 1.3 spg) are major factors, Watts an athletic long-armed guard while Leverett is a physical back-to-the-basket scorer. The Trojans have tons of size down low as 6-foot senior Janiya Banks has drawn interest from D-III programs. Finding steady guard play aside from Watts will be imperative for Lamar County. The fortunes of No. 8 ACE changed with the late addition of Preseason First Team All-State pick 6-foot sophomore Ava Jenkins from Bleckley County, already her third school as she was set to attend Houston County coming out of middle school. Jenkins is an elite gamechanger with her length, athleticism and skill, pouring in 13.8 points, 11.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. She joins an ACE program that tallied a 21-5 record, bounced in the Sweet 16 by Fannin County 64-35. Jenkins’ Macon Mystics teammates 5-foot-1 sophomores Khloie (9.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 3.6 apg, 3.3 spg) and Zhoie (8.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 4.2 apg, 4.4 spg) Stanley are hyper aggressive defenders that impact games with their hustle. No. 9 Putnam County returns their entire roster from a 16-10 team that fell to Region 4 foe Lamar County 60-55 in the Sweet 16. 5-foot-6 junior Journey Waller is a Preseason All-State Second Teamer, a stat sheet stuffing guard. She gets significant contributions from All-Region Second Team selection 5-foot-10 junior Eriyana Little and All-Defensive Team members 5-foot-10 senior Jaikarccie Smith and 6-foot-4 sophomore De’Nadia Dunn. 5-foot-9 senior Kadyn Dennis earned Honorable Mention while 5-foot-5 senior Melody Richardson is a sparkplug defensively. No. 10 Central-Macon struggled with injuries last season but still managed a 21-6 record, falling in the Sweet 16 at Model 33-30. On paper, the Lady Chargers’ ceiling might not be quite as high after graduating a pair of Alcorn State signees in Jazlyn Johnson and Frances Anyakudo. A large 2027 class will be asked to take the reins of the program between Region 2 Honorable Mention selections Lawren Anderson, Addison Alexander, Selena Grier, Gabrielle Knowlton and Kacie Reeves. Sophomores 5-foot-9 Caylin Mathis and 6-foot Jamyree Simmons look poised for strong campaigns.
Class A D-II
No. 1 Wilcox County romped their way to a state title, beating Washington-Wilkes 72-48 for the program’s first championship as the Patriots went wire-to-wire as the state’s number one ranked team finishing 28-1. Only one starter graduates as Class A D-II Player of the Year 6-foot junior Tyliah Benjamin is back to anchor the paint after posting 13.8 points, 14.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 3.1 steals and 3.5 blocks per game, dumping in 13 points, 21 rebounds and 5 blocks in the state championship. All-State guards junior Shamauri Martin (13.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 3.5 apg, 4.5 spg) and senior Zariah Martin (14.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 4.2 apg, 5.6 spg) pace the Patriots in the backcourt. 5-foot-9 senior Lezlee Roberts (4.9 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.1 spg) rounds out the attack. No. 2 Washington-Wilkes flew under the radar all season in Region 8, but a tough non-region schedule paid off as the Tigers captured the region championship and marched all the way to the state title game before losing to Wilcox County 72-48. The Tigers went just 14-9 with a young team that graduates their leading scorer but has a robust sophomore class back to lead the way. 5-foot-8 wing Samaria Young is an All-State selection after averaging 10.8 points, 8 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 3 steals. The hard-playing lefty is joined by 5-foot-7 Myasia Lewis, a physical combo-forward who provided 10.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 2.8 steals as a freshman. Rounding out the 2028 core is Zion Bankston, a guard who produced 5.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 2.4 steals a night. Junior Kaidyn Porter posted 6.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 3.3 steals. No. 3 Macon County finished the year 22-4, falling in the Final Four to Washington-Wilkes 66-55. The Bulldogs have one of the most gifted players in the classification in 5-foot-11 senior Morgan Cochran, an All-State wing that tallied 18.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.9 steals and 2.3 blocks per game. She is flanked by junior Aniah Lake (9 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.6 spg) and senior Aliyah Lake (8.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg). No. 4 Taylor County amassed a 21-4 season but ran into eventual state champion Wilcox County in the Sweet 16, losing 58-40. The Vikings are expected back their top three scorers powered by 5-foot-11 senior Jaydah Ford, an All-State forward that pitched in 13.3 points, 8 rebounds and 2 steals per game. Senior guard Alasia Montgomery collected 10.8 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 3 steals a night while 5-foot-10 junior Bathsheba Bell is a high-energy long-armed forward that tallied 7.9 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.1 steals. No. 5 Screven County rode 5-foot-8 All-State junior guard Jaliah Roberts to the Final Four, losing to Wilcox County 75-47 to end the year 23-6. The powerful coast-to-coast downhill attacker recorded 20 points, 8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.6 steals per game while 5-foot-10 Achanti Middleton added 14.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 2.6 steals as a freshman for the Gamecocks. No. 6 Telfair County finished as the two-seed out of Region 4 trailing Wilcox County, ending up 21-6 overall with a 54-51 loss at Washington-Wilkes in the Elite Eight. The Trojans graduate their leading scorer but everyone else returns. Sophomores Ty’Kristiany Jones (9.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.6 apg, 4.6 spg) and Aamoni Posley (6.6 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 1.6 spg) made huge contributions in Year 1 while juniors Ty’Teionna Jones (6.9 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 1.1 apg, 2.6 spg) and Hennessy Livingston (5.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.3 apg, 2 spg) are now fixtures in the rotation and will be asked to lead even more now that they are upperclassmen. No. 7 Clinch County is always a threat for a deep state playoff run as long as 5-foot-10 senior Amariah Dean is on the roster, a multi-time All-State selection, the lefty known for her elite athleticism. The Pantherettes posted a 15-13 record but still clawed their way to the Elite Eight before losing 62-56 at Screven County. Casey Daniel takes over the program replacing Chase Daniel who left for the Lanier County boys job. Clinch County expects back their top four players with senior Destiny Tolbert and junior Damariah Magby back as Region 2 First Team selections and senior NiNi Mingo a Second Team pick. No. 8 Metter finished 18-6 but bowed out in the First Round at Telfair County 67-63. The Tigers’ top four producers are back led by All-State selection senior Za’Kyah Byrd (13.6 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 4.5 apg, 3.1 spg) and junior Zion Saffore (14.1 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 2.2 apg, 5.8 spg). Seniors Zacarea Walker (7.8 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 2.4 spg, 1.1 bpg) and Keymara Johnson (7.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.9 apg, 2.6 spg) round out the attack. No. 9 Charlton County ran up a 21-7 record but fell to the three-seed in Region 2 and lost in the Sweet 16 at Randolph-Clay 70-56. The Indians have everyone back except for Region Defensive Player of the Year Mahogany Steele. 5-foot-2 senior Christiona Farmer is one of the best scorers in the state, the All-State guard dumping in 20.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3 assists and 2.7 steals per game. Juniors Rihanna Battle (14 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 4.4 apg, 4 spg) and Trenity Hamilton (11.3 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 1 apg, 2.5 spg) are major producers. No. 10 Bryan County marks the third team out of Region 3 to debut in the Top 10 following behind No. 5 Screven County and No. 8 Metter. The Redskins went 24-4 as the two-seed last season, losing in the Sweet 16 at Macon County 50-47. Double-double machine Ashanti Brown graduates leaving a void inside likely to be filled by Coach Mario Mincey’s daughter 5-foot-10 sophomore Layla Mincey who contributed 4.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 3 blocks per game. 5-foot-3 senior Jasmine Mikell (14 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 3.2 apg, 3.3 spg) returns as the team’s top scoring option while senior Elizabeth Harvey is back after chipping in 6.1 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 4.3 steals a night.
Class 3A-1A Private
Last season did not go according to plan for No. 1 Hebron Christian, injuries helping bring the super team back to the pack getting blown out by Holy Innocents’ in the state championship 57-39 as the Lions went 0-19 from beyond the arc against the 2-3 zone. It was a busy offseason for Hebron Christian reloading the deck with four transfers but there are still some kinks to work out as multiple times over the offseason the Lions threatened to or actually did pull their team off the floor in the middle of losing games with drama occurring at GBCA Live among other locations. With that being said, the embarrassment of riches for last year’s 29-2 group features 5-foot-11 Georgia-commit Alanna Beckham and four-star 6-foot senior wing Gabby Minus who is returning from an ACL tear. The 2026 class got a facelift by adding All-State producers 6-foot-3 Kobi Barnes from Lakeside-Evans where she posted 21.1 points, 13.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.2 steals and 6.8 blocks and 5-foot-10 Nariah Nelson, rejoining former Veterans teammate Minus after putting up 22 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks as a powerful three-level scoring lefty. The junior class funnels in Michel Robbins (14 ppg, 8 rpg, 4 spg) from Jefferson and Mia Huckaby, now on her third school in three years after starting at Mill Creek before taking a sabbatical at IMG last season. 6-foot-2 freshman Elle Johnson left the Jefferson farm system to join Hebron Christian as well. No. 2 St. Francis finished 28-3 with a 63-61 loss to Holy Innocents’ in the Final Four. The Knights had a great offseason powered by their All-State backcourt of 5-foot-9 junior Giaunni Rogers (16.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.9 apg, 2 spg) and 5-foot-5 senior Camryn Golston (12.6 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 5.1 apg, 2.8 spg) both sorting through D-I offers. Sophomores 5-foot-5 Peyton Mann (6.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.1 spg) and 6-foot Emon Stephens (5.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.5 spg) should make even bigger contributions in Year 2. The junior class features two burgeoning breakout performers with 6-foot-3 Aila Courtenay (4.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg – 3 games) returning from ACL surgery to be named Preseason Third Team All-State and 6-foot-1 Adison Branch (2.9 ppg, 1.3 rpg) flashing her high upside throughout the summer on the perimeter. No. 3 Holy Innocents’ loses Class 3A-1A Private Player of the Year Hailee Swain (Stanford) and Coach of the Year Nichole Dixon (Girls Prep, TN) from last year’s 25-5 title team. Nathan Teymer takes over the program after serving as Texas State Associate Head Coach. The Golden Bears will be anchored by size between All-State selections 6-foot-2 junior wing Nakhai Worthy and reigning Freshman of the Year 6-foot-3 Loriel Murray. 6-foot-5 sophomore Aaniyah Branch has come on strong, adding multiple D-I offers to her resume. Sisters 5-foot-2 sophomore Makenzie Weaver and 5-foot-3 junior Makayla Weaver will be asked to orchestrate the offense while 5-foot-11 senior Elana McMasters is the most experienced player on the roster, a dangerous perimeter shooter. No. 4 Galloway posted a 20-9 record, losing in the Final Four to Hebron Christian 74-32. The Scots’ top two are back between Gardner-Webb-commit Taryn Thompson and 6-foot-1 junior wing Sophia Louis-Pierre, both All-State members. The trio of 5-foot-11 sophomore Keris Collins, 5-foot-9 senior Libby Abdur-Rahim and 5-foot-7 senior Ava Andrews will see a new member join their supporting cast in talented 5-foot-7 sophomore Tracy Wakefield, already on her fourth school after leaving Marietta Middle School for Cherokee for her freshman season, then transferring out mid-year to enroll at Woodstock but never suiting up for the Wolverines before finding her way to Galloway. No. 5 GAC collected a 17-13 record and was bounced in the Elite Eight by Galloway 50-39. With a bevy of talent returning, it would be considered a disappointment if the Spartans were unable to win the Region 6-3A crown, a tough public school grouping that should be a little more forgiving this season. 5-foot-5 senior Asia Johnson earned Preseason Third Team All-State recognition upon averaging 9.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.3 steals. Fellow senior 5-foot-11 Jermani Govan averaged 4.3 points and 5.5 rebounds. The junior class features 5-foot-7 Dru Jeckewicz (8.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.7 apg, 2.1 spg) and 5-foot-8 Lizzy Hathaway (4.7 ppg, 2.3 rpg). 5-foot-9 sophomore Barri Newman holds D-I offers coming off a season in which she contributed 10 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game. Two key additions replace the loss of Cobi Obi (McEachern) and Jaymee Carter (Discovery). 5-foot-9 junior Milan Johnson was a late move-in from Northview, a D-I prospect who averaged 9.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 2.6 steals. The highest ceiling belongs to 6-foot-3 freshman wing Peyton Frazier, a lanky inside-out threat who likes to shoot from the perimeter and is an effective shot blocker. No. 6 Athens Academy battled out of a tough Region 8-A D-I field to post a battle-tested 20-9 record, losing in the Sweet 16 to GAC 45-40 after beating them 36-35 on MLK Day. Four of Athens Academy’s top five performers are back powered by a strong 2027 class. 5-foot-8 shooting guard Millie Pugmire (13 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 apg, 3 spg), 5-foot-7 point guard Kendall Lawson (10 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 4 apg, 3.1 spg), 6-foot center Sally Swann (9 ppg, 8 rpg) and 5-foot-9 wing Chloe Love-Bell have great chemistry together, playing year-round. 5-foot-8 senior Josie Collins, an elite track and field athlete, was First Team All-Region upon posting 10 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals per game. No. 7 Trinity Christian lost 76-62 in the Sweet 16 at Galloway, ending the year 18-10. The entire roster is set to return led by a potent junior class. 5-foot-4 Elyse Norris is a Preseason Second Team All-State selection after averaging 17.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 3.2 steals. 5-foot-3 Madison Bennett averaged 14.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.6 steals while 5-foot-10 Reese Anderson who was named Class 3A-1A Private Most Improved Player, upped her averages to 14.5 points, 10.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.2 blocks. 5-foot-7 senior guard Naomi Craft holds a LaGrange offer. No. 8 Mt. Paran will look completely different after graduating their three-time state championship winning 2025 class. The Eagles went 26-5, falling in the Elite Eight to Hebron Christian 53-46. Mt. Paran gets back to work with a young core of 5-foot-9 junior Lindsey Gabel and sophomores Akira Driggers, Kennedy Smith, Kaylen Ojibway and Tyce Binion. No. 9 Whitefield Academy recorded a 15-12 record but lost 62-54 to Lovett in the First Round. Defense was an issue at times for the young Wolfpack, a team that can certainly score the ball between Preseason Third Team All-State 5-foot-11 guard Amelia Newman (17.2 ppg, 6 rpg, 2.6 apg, 2.8 spg, 1.2 bpg) and 5-foot-6 senior Emahni Chambliss (16 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 3.3 apg, 2.9 spg). Whitefield Academy loses Hailey Houlder (16.8 ppg) to Archer but adds 5-foot-7 sophomore Alivia Mitchell from Chapel Hill and sees massive size file in from the freshman class between 6-foot-3 Ava Anthony, 6-foot-1 Payton Palmer and 5-foot-9 Ryan Edwards, giving the Wolfpack serious upside. No. 10 Christian Heritage went 20-8 but was upset in the First Round by North Cobb Christian 67-56 as First Team All-Region 7-A D-I selection 5-foot-10 senior Carly Bramlett (14.2 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.5 spg) saw her season cut short with a thumb injury games prior. Now healthy, Bramlett leads the Lions alongside Coach Josh Hembree’s daughter 5-foot-7 sophomore point guard Annaka Hembree, who was named Most Underrated upon pouring in 16.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 4.1 steals per game. 5-foot-6 sophomore wing Brinley O’Ferrall averaged 8.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 3.1 steals while 6-foot sophomore Olivia Perry may be the X-Factor, a blossoming inside-out post that tallied 6.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1 steal and 1.7 blocks per game as a freshman.