Class AAAAAA
1. Wheeler
2. Grayson
3. Pebblebrook
4. McEachern
5. Hillgrove
6. Buford
7. Peachtree Ridge
8. Norcross
9. Berkmar
10. Cherokee
Class AAAAA
1. Tri-Cities
2. Alexander
3. Woodward Academy
4. Decatur
5. Gainesville
6. Dutchtown
7. Langston Hughes
8. Winder-Barrow
9. Milton
10. Bradwell Institute
Class AAAA
1. North Oconee
2. Jonesboro
3. Pace Academy
4. St. Pius X
5. Southwest DeKalb
6. Westminster
7. Mays
8. ELCA
9. Tucker
10. East Forsyth
Class AAA
1. Cross Creek
2. Cedar Grove
3. Sandy Creek
4. Harlem
5. Cherokee Bluff
6. East Hall
7. Calhoun
8. Douglass
9. Westover
10. Troup County
Class AA
1. Columbia
2. Carver-Columbus
3. Butler
4. KIPP Atlanta
5. South Atlanta
6. Burke County
7. Hart County
8. Franklin County
9. Morgan County
10. Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe
Class A D-I
1. Putnam County
2. Southwest-Macon
3. Rabun County
4. Toombs County
5. Commerce
6. Towers
7. Vidalia
8. Fannin County
9. Jasper County
10. BEST Academy
Class A D-II
1. Manchester
2. Greene County
3. Chattahoochee County
4. Randolph-Clay
5. Macon County
6. Towns County
7. Hancock Central
8. Warren County
9. Clinch County
10. Turner County
Class 3A-1A Private
1. Holy Innocents’
2. Mt. Vernon
3. Walker
4. North Cobb Christian
5. Mt. Bethel
6. Greenforest
7. Paideia
8. GAC
9. Darlington
10. Calvary Day
The 2025-26 GHSA Boys Basketball season is here after a busy offseason which saw sweeping changes voted on and passed as a 1-32 playoff seeding was approved for next year’s reclassification cycle with Class 7A set to return as well. The GHSA also passed a new, “stricter” transfer rule that went into effect August 1. It remains to be seen if movement will ever be hindered as 223 transfers and counting have been reported as schools rushed to turn in their old Form Bs before the new policy went into effect.
Class 6A
On paper, No. 1 Wheeler is the clear-cut best team in the state, loaded with talent coming off the program’s tenth state title as the Wildcats finished 29-3, edging Newton 61-56. Class 6A Player of the Year 6-foot-6 Colben Landrew, a UConn-commit, powers a D-I filled roster which also features junior 5-foot-11 four-star playmaker Kevin Savage and seniors Amare James and Lamarrion Lewis. The backcourt is bursting at the seams with the additions of 6-foot-5 Ole Miss-commit Jaron Saulsberry (Norcross), 6-foot-4 sophomore Shamar Madden (Langston Hughes) and highly touted freshmen Puffy Walker and Nigel Matthews. No. 2 Grayson bowed out in the Final Four, losing 68-53 to Wheeler to end the season 28-3. The roster looks completely different after graduation and the loss of eight transfers. The new-look Rams will be paced by 6-foot-6 junior MJ Curry (17.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 3 apg, 1.5 spg – Grovetown), 6-foot-1 senior Donaven Thomas (20.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2.4 spg – Maynard Jackson), 6-foot-2 senior Malik Rideout (Peachtree Ridge) and 6-foot-7 junior Byron Lee (Peachtree Ridge by way of Glenn Hills). 6-foot-1 senior Tyler Williams is a holdover from the roster. Young talent will get opportunity to impact games headlined by 6-foot-4 freshman Austin Leonard who has Power 5 offers already. Grayson’s underclassman group could lead to many wins if it stays together and blossoms with sophomores 6-foot-7 Elijah Tillman, 6-foot-5 Jaryn Williams, 6-foot-5 Ethan Smith and 6-foot-2 CJ Crumpler showing promise along with 6-foot-7 freshman Jacori Thompson. No. 3 Pebblebrook knows when to turn it on. The Falcons barnstormed their way to the Final Four, losing a heartbreaker to Newton 56-53 to end the year 22-9. Seniors Zyree Brown and Jaylen Humphery pack a punch in the backcourt while 6-foot-7 junior Anthony Moon brings length and versatility to the frontcourt. The Falcons scored two key transfers to add more firepower in seniors 6-foot-2 DJ McMillan (13.5 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.5 spg – South Cobb) and 6-foot-3 Alex Jones (13.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2 apg, 1.9 spg – Westlake). No. 4 McEachern impressed all season long as 6-foot-4 junior Chase Lumpkin emerged as a breakout star, the All-State guard pouring in upwards of 20 points per game to power the Indians to a 24-5 mark, but upset in the Sweet 16 by Norcross 63-60. McEachern has a pair of big guard seniors in 6-foot-5 Ogo Ekweozor and 6-foot-3 Mason McMillian who provide bounce and outside shooting. 6-foot-8 senior Emmanuel Alofe is a rangy defender who can guard on the perimeter and is a lengthy shot blocker. The Indians lost sophomore Johnquell Garner to Westlake but added 6-foot-9 sophomore Tega Dubre from Grace Christian and All-State junior guard Zach Graves from Kell. No. 5 Hillgrove represents the third-straight team out of Region 3, following No. 3 Pebblebrook and No. 4 McEachern. Hillgrove recorded a 20-10 mark as the three-seed last season, losing 75-60 in the First Round to Newton. The Hawks are anchored by the All-State duo of 6-foot-7 junior Asa Montgomery (16.7 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 2 apg, 1.4 spg, 1.7 bpg) and 6-foot-2 Bryson Jatta (16.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.8 spg), the reigning Class 6A Freshman of the Year. Three transfers strengthen Hillgrove between 6-foot-3 junior Landon Grundy (7.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.3 spg – Maynard Jackson), 5-foot-11 senior Khalil Sylla (6.5 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 3.8 apg, 1.1 spg – South Cobb) and 6-foot-6 senior Kamso Unigwe (3.1 ppg, 4.4 rpg). No. 6 Buford lacks size compared to the big dogs in Class 6A but the Wolves have experienced, unselfish guard play with multiple three-point shooters. Buford finished 24-4 last year, losing 64-61 to Etowah in the Sweet 16. Class 6A Most Improved Player 6-foot-2 junior Carmelo Williams (16.2 ppg, 7.8 rpg) earned All-State honors. Senior guards 5-foot-10 Dillon Nixon and 5-foot-9 Torre Costin are undersized but dangerous playmaking shooters. 6-foot-6 senior Dream Rashad is a Purdue football-commit that moved in from Mountain View along with brother 6-foot-5 sophomore Seven which should help the frontcourt if available after the gridiron. 5-foot-8 junior Ace Thomas (7 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.6 spg – Carver-Columbus) and 6-foot sophomore Preston Bush (Lanier) should lengthen the backcourt rotation. No. 7 Peachtree Ridge took a trip to the Sweet 16, losing 73-51 to Newton to close the season 19-11 after capturing the Region 7 title. 6-foot-6 senior Gideon Kamuelyu anchors the Lions in the post with his physical southpaw skill set. 6-foot senior guard Duan Day is joined by 5-foot-11 junior Tyler Barnes, an elusive scorer that moved in from Discovery to replace Malik Rideout (Grayson). 6-foot-6 senior Daniel Hollis is back in the GHSA following a sabbatical at The Academy Prep after starting his career at Cedar Shoals. The bouncy high ceiling swingman with lethal three-point range is joined by 6-foot-8 junior Will Kwei, a Friendship Christian transfer who scored 8.3 points per game. 6-foot-4 sophomore Samuel Ikama lands at Peachtree Ridge after leaving Norcross for North Gwinnett initially. No. 8 Norcross got hot in February, racing to the Elite Eight before running into the Wheeler buzzsaw, losing 80-50 to finish 18-12. Four players transfer from Norcross headlined by five-star junior Nasir Anderson (Prolific Prep) and Ole Miss-commit Jaron Saulsberry (Wheeler). Knockdown shooter 6-foot-6 junior Joshua Smith, 6-foot-4 senior AJ Gillespie, 5-foot-11 senior Jayden McGraw and 5-foot-11 sophomore Marlin “Deuce” Johnson return a bulk of the experience. Incoming young talent includes freshmen 6-foot-5 Cruz Jackson and 6-foot-1 MJ Mercer. Transfers 6-foot-3 junior Fulvio Dos Santos (34.8 ppg, 13.2 rpg, 3.2 apg, 3.5 spg – Tri-City Christian Academy, AZ) and 6-foot-6 sophomore LJ Byrd (The First Academy, FL) should get ample opportunity to put their fingerprints on the program. No. 9 Berkmar had a rocky rebuilding season in Year 1 under Coach Will Witherspoon, recording an 8-17 campaign. The roster has been reshaped with four transfers – two others electing to go elsewhere after playing in the summer with the Patriots. 6-foot-2 junior Chase Mohn follows Witherspoon from Walnut Grove while 6-foot-2 senior Adonis Brown comes over from South Gwinnett. A pair of Grayson move-ins transfer in with 5-foot-10 junior William Gause and 6-foot-9 senior Jayvon Rampersant, one of the hotter prospects in the southeast with multiple D-I offers piling in this summer. No. 10 Cherokee rounds out the Top 10. The R.E.A.L Warriors clawed their way to an Elite Eight berth at 19-12 before getting blasted by Grayson 83-43. Cherokee regained their momentum over the summer going 5-3 across the two GBCA Live events with signature wins over Grayson, Tri-Cities, East Hall, Walker and GAC. 6-foot-3 junior Braylon Luster cemented himself as a legitimate D-I prospect, scooping up offers from Kennesaw State, Chattanooga, Georgia Southern and Stetson as silky-smooth southpaw. Seniors 6-foot-5 Sean Hamilton, 6-foot-1 Hampton Cox and 5-foot-9 Kobe Fitzpatrick are key pieces; Hamilton a do-everything mismatch on both sides of the ball that plays much bigger than his size, Cox a sniper from beyond the arc and Fitzpatrick an underrated polished scorer. 5-foot-11 junior Kingston Eleazer could vie for substantial minutes in the backcourt along with seniors Aiden Evans and Hudson Moore.
Class 5A
No. 1 Tri-Cities claimed their third state title in seven years, going 26-6 and beating Region 4 rival Woodward Academy 66-55. The All-State tandem of 6-foot-8 Georgia Tech-commit Jalan Wingfield (16 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 2 apg, 1.4 spg, 2.2 bpg) and 6-foot-2 junior Tre Keith (18 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 4.1 apg, 1.6 spg) leads the charge. Junior Khalid Jones chipped in 5.9 points, 1.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists as a sophomore. 6-foot-8 senior Jayden London transfers back to Tri-Cities after a season at Langston Hughes while 6-foot-6 senior Mikey Woolridge (3.7 ppg, 2.3 rpg – Therrell) and 6-foot-7 junior Jaydin Brown (5.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg – McDonough) also move in. No. 2 Alexander fell back to the pack a bit but still had a productive 22-8 year with a 69-67 loss to Langston Hughes in the Elite Eight. The Cougars are loaded for a state title run with three transfers moving in to play alongside Colorado State-commit Pops Dunson (18 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 4.9 apg, 1 spg) and 6-foot-8 Charleston Southern-commit Marquise Leslie (10.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.3 bpg). 6-foot-1 senior Jayden Crawford poured in 24.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 3.2 steals per game while at Cristo Rey. Teammate 6-foot-7 senior Brayden Byard (7.9 ppg, 2.3 rpg) joins Crawford on the move after a brief summer stint with Chapel Hill. 6-foot freshman TJ Pigott left South Paulding during the school year to sit behind seniors Torian Greene (8.7 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.7 spg), Christian Moore (4.5 ppg, 4.7 rpg) and Cam Jackson. No. 3 Woodward Academy fell to Region 4 foe Tri-Cities in the title game 66-55 to close the season 27-5. 6-foot-6 junior Jarvis Hayes Jr. (13.7 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.6 apg, 2.1 spg) is now the team’s go-to option after the War Eagles’ top two scorers graduate. Younger brother Myles Hayes, a sophomore, will look to build off his 7.7 points, 4 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. Senior Donovan Johnson (4.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.4 apg) is trustworthy in the backcourt. Five-star 6-foot-10 sophomore Bentley Lusakueno transfers in from Pace Academy where he averaged 7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.3 blocks while 6-foot-5 junior guard Bradyn Elder slides over from Rockdale County. No. 4 Decatur is the third team out of Region 4 to crack the top four. The Bulldogs went 16-12 in Year 1 under Coach Rory Welsh, losing 50-41 at Dutchtown in the First Round. Decatur is set to return their top eight scorers in addition to a now healthy 6-foot-6 Tulane-signee Tobias Brinkley. The robust backcourt also features seniors Jason Welborn (16.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.6 apg), Bryce Howson (10.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 4.5 apg, 1.7 spg) and Quintavious Strozier (7.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.3 spg). Holding down the paint is 6-foot-7 senior Eli Beard (5.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.6 bpg) and 6-foot-8 junior Isaiah Wright (4.4 ppg, 4 rpg). No. 5 Gainesville flopped to end the year, capturing the Region 7 championship but getting blown out 70-49 by four-seed Sprayberry to finish the season 19-8. After adding five transfers last season, the collection has dwindled to three imports this year. 6-foot-10 senior Kevin Curtis (North Atlanta), 6-foot-7 junior Ash Vollrath (St. Francis) and 6-foot-3 senior Bryce Jackson (Newton). 6-foot-8 Belmont-commit Charlie Gersmehl and 6-foot-7 Troy-commit Quintin Mansfield power the frontline while seniors Brandon Nelson and Kevin White supply shooting and ball handling on the perimeter. No. 6 Dutchtown lost 72-69 to Lee County in the Elite Eight, finishing 27-5. The Bulldogs lose superstar rising sophomore AJ Williams to ELCA but return Co-Region 3 Player of the Year 6-foot-6 Maddox Melancon (12.6 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1 spg) and senior point guard Bobby Buggs (8.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 3.2 apg, 1.3 spg). 6-foot-1 sophomore Isaiah Dorsainvil is a burgeoning prospect looking to build upon his 6.8 points per game, a wiry shooter. The Bulldogs pick up 6-foot-7 junior Bryce Celestine from The McCallie School, TN and 6-foot-3 senior Jah’Siah Payne from New Manchester where he poured in 15.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.8 steals per game. No. 7 Langston Hughes slots in right behind their Region 3 rival coming off a 24-9 season which resulted in a Final Four run, losing 63-58 to Woodward Academy. Fairburn was a revolving door this offseason with four outgoing transfers and four incomers. 6-foot-1 senior Andre Jernigan (11.6 ppg – Morrow), 6-foot-5 junior Amari Estis (1.7 ppg – Creekside), 6-foot-2 sophomore Dominion Whitaker (North Springs) and 6-foot-6 junior Jason Hill (Starr’s Mill) bring a new cast to surround senior guards Addison Dyer – a Lander-commit and Andrew Taylor. No. 8 Winder-Barrow went to the Elite Eight at 26-4, bounced by Woodward Academy 64-57. 6-foot-5 Furman-commit Jerrin Samuel is the engine, averaging 18.3 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists while shooting a blistering 45% from three. Finding scoring help around Samuel is imperative. The veteran team sees senior Britt Richardson star at point guard. 6-foot-4 senior Taphari McDonald and 5-foot-10 junior Grayson Engel figure to serve important roles. No. 9 Milton posted a 21-8 record, falling 58-56 at Woodward Academy in the Sweet 16. The Eagles will look very different this season, a team heavily predicated on their ability to space the floor. Sophomores Pierce Strom and Graham Whitehart can strip the nets from beyond the arc. 6-foot sophomore Mason Pridgett and 6-foot-1 junior Tate Golden bolster the backcourt options along with 6-foot-1 sophomore AJ Doyley, a Mt. Vernon transfer. 6-foot-8 junior Solomon Bratton will be asked to control the paint on both ends of the floor. With a talented veteran group, it’s time for No. 10 Bradwell Institute to make noise in the state tournament. The Tigers went 21-7 last year, falling to the three-seed and losing at Rome in the First Round 72-64. 6-foot-7 senior Chris Perry (14.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.9 apg, 1.2 spg, 1.1 bpg) is committed to North Florida while 6-foot-6 senior Jaylin Sweat (12.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.1 bpg) is a West Georgia-commit with his versatility inside the arc. 6-foot-4 junior Zi’on Thomas posted 12.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. A pair of juniors move in between 6-foot-2 Fortune Hicks (7.4 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1 spg) – McIntosh County Academy) and 5-foot-11 Jah’Barri Felix (Liberty County).
Class 4A
No. 1 North Oconee went back-to-back, winning their second-straight state title, stifling Pace Academy 60-51 behind Justin Wise’s 27 points, the 6-foot-4 guard now a junior coming off a season in which he averaged 20 points, 5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.5 steals and 1.5 blocks. 6-foot-8 Stetson-commit Banks Pourchier anchors the 30-2 group along with 6-foot-8 senior Luke Lawson. 5-foot-10 senior Blake Bracco is a steady floor general who shoots it well from deep and makes excellent decisions. The Titans will be without X-Factor Khamari Brooks, the UGA football-commit deciding to forgo his senior season to enroll early even before suffering a fractured hip. No. 2 Jonesboro saw a 22-9 season conclude in the Elite Eight, upended in overtime by Tucker 86-80. The Cardinals have great experience and athleticism, especially in the backcourt. Miami football-commit Cortez Redding (12.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 5.9 apg) is an elite two-way player while sophomore Calvin Goss (10.1 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 1.5 apg) is one of the best shooters in the classification. 6-foot-4 senior Frank Jackson averaged 11.3 points and 5.1 rebounds. The 2028 class has 6-foot-9 Tenaje Freeman finally healthy and 6-foot-4 jumping jack Jadarius Slaton (4.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg). 6-foot-7 freshman guard Symeon Watson is a unique playmaker equipped with wiry length and tremendous upside. No. 3 Pace Academy rolled into the state championship winning by an average margin of 37 points per game in the postseason before North Oconee stonewalled the Knights 60-51 to hand Sharman White is first loss in a state championship, ending the season 27-5. 6-foot-10 five-star sophomore Bentley Lusakueno left the program for Woodward Academy. The Knights’ core will have a chance to find a new go-to guy between 5-foot-11 sophomore Brielen Craft (5.4 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1 spg) and seniors Georgia Southern-commit 6-foot-9 Hayden Clay (4.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg), Brian Clark (3.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1 spg), 6-foot-5 Jaydon Avery (3.5 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.7 apg) and 6-foot-9 Jake Agolli (3 ppg, 2.9 rpg). Juniors 6-foot-5 Gavin Fountain (3.4 ppg, 2.8 rpg) and 6-foot-6 Henry Dickert (1.2 ppg) figure to play bigger roles with their ability to play on the perimeter and in the post. No. 4 St. Pius X lost 78-59 to Union Grove in the Sweet 16 to finish 20-10. The Golden Lions’ top three return and more importantly, are finally healthy. 6-foot-6 Clemson-commit Harris Reynolds is good to go after missing the start of last season while fellow seniors 6-foot-6 D’Marley Elliott and Westin Keppen are ready to balance the attack, Elliott a physical mismatch with his toughness in the paint and Keppen a dangerous shooter. Junior Max Etienne and sophomore Jackson Rusnak are rapidly improving pieces in the backcourt. No. 5 Southwest DeKalb slots in right behind their Region 5 rival as the Panthers graduate just their fourth and fifth leading scorers from a season ago which resulted in a 26-4 record but bounced in the Sweet 16 by McDonough 78-70. The backcourt tandem of junior Jackson Ushery (12.8 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.1 spg) and 5-foot-10 senior Thomas Glanton III (9.4 ppg, 3 rpg, 4.7 apg, 2.1 spg) is one of the very best in the county. 6-foot-4 senior Aaron Burks (9.7 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1 spg) is a strong, bouncy forward that explodes off the floor to block shots and catch alley-oops. Juniors Nazir Mergan (2.7 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 3.2 apg, 1.2 spg) and Jourden Smoak (3.5 ppg, 1.6 rpg) are critical role players. No. 6 Westminster graduates three seniors from a 19-7 team that lost 65-56 to McDonough in the Elite Eight. 6-foot senior Zade Elshihabi poured in 20.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.7 steals per game while shooting 39% from three. Seniors 6-foot-2 Nico Searl and 5-foot-9 sparkplug Caleb Patterson round out the backcourt. 6-foot-4 junior Carson Medor provides an important presence in the frontcourt while 6-foot-6 junior Conrad Ogden has all the tools for a breakout season, a skilled three-level producer that can play 1-5. No. 7 Mays totaled a 22-9 record, falling 64-59 to North Oconee in the Elite Eight, the closest game the state champs played all postseason. Mays graduates three of their top four scorers but have firepower back in seniors Jack Sparks (14.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 5.5 apg, 1.5 spg) and Omari Barnes (10.6 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 4.9 apg, 2.4 spg). Transfers strengthen the rotation between 6-foot-5 senior Jabari Hall (Kell), 6-foot-4 junior Tiago Lee (Langston Hughes) and 6-foot-5 sophomore Tyson Lee (Langston Hughes). Freshman guard Ashton Jones is well-regarded and could provide some perimeter scoring in Year 1. No. 8 ELCA finished just 11-15, missing out on the postseason. The Chargers graduate five of their top six scorers from a season ago as 5-foot-11 junior Ethan Allen (11.5 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2.4 spg) returns with the most experience. Four transfers move in headlined by the number one 2028 player in the nation, 6-foot-7 guard AJ Williams, moving back home after winning Co-Region Player of the Year at Dutchtown while averaging 17 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists per game. Joining the blue-chip prospect are twin towers 6-foot-9 sophomore Jeremiah Evans (9.4 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 1.4 bpg – Lovejoy) and 6-foot-8 junior Jamil Robinson (2.1 ppg, 2.3 rpg – Dutchtown). 5-foot-11 junior Mark Miller moves in from Pope, bringing football athleticism to the backcourt. No. 9 Tucker rolled to the Final Four, losing 76-40 to Pace Academy to close the year 25-7. All-State senior guard JaKobe Williams pinballed around this offseason, trying to leave Tucker as he made stops at Central Gwinnett and Cedar Grove but ultimately returned home. The lefty is a dynamic playmaker, putting up 17.6 points, 3.9 assists and 2.3 steals per game while thriving at drawing fouls and getting to the line. Williams’ supporting cast will be much different this year but frontcourt holdovers return in 6-foot-5 junior Kelan Smith (5.1 rpg, 1.3 bpg) and 6-foot-4 senior Amari Fernandez (5.1 rpg) two tough-nosed glue guys in the paint. Transferring in are 6-foot-1 sophomore Sterling Pritchett (9.9 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.5 spg – Lakeside-DeKalb) and 6-foot-4 brothers Adarian and Adrian Johnson (Alcovy). 5-foot-10 freshman Vance Wilder is a slick guard with court vision and a knockdown perimeter jump shot who will open up the floor for the Tigers and is already on college radars. No. 10 East Forsyth fumbled away a win against Tucker in the Sweet 16, losing 62-59 to end a 18-12 season. A lot returns for the Broncos, an experienced backcourt which features loads of shooting. 6-foot-3 senior Brennan Burns orchestrates the offense, the big guard able to get the ball to 6-foot-3 senior Tyler Lesch and 6-foot-4 junior Gavin Lesch who rain in threes. 6-foot senior Hunter Holbrook and 5-foot-11 junior Cooper Elzey round out the backcourt. The interior has length and strength between breakout candidate 6-foot-7 junior Kaiden Long and big-bodied 6-foot-6 junior Reece Styles.
Class 3A
No. 1 Cross Creek finished 27-3, losing 53-52 to Sandy Creek in the Elite Eight. The Razorbacks are loaded with 6-foot-6 junior guard Frashad Tisby the starring man. The junior class also features 5-foot-10 Derrick Shine and 6-foot-6 AJ Luke. Three transfers bolster the roster, especially two-time state champion 6-foot-1 senior Dontrell Jackson coming over from Westside-Augusta where he poured in 19.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 3.3 steals, one of the best two-way players in the area. 6-foot-2 senior Ian Leverette averaged 10.7 points, 6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 steals while at Grovetown. 5-foot-6 sophomore Aaden Nichols saw big minutes in Year 1 at Aquinas. No. 2 Cedar Grove has pressure to get the job done after nemesis Sandy Creek shut down the Saints to win the state title 39-38, ending Cedar Grove’s season at 28-4. In the blink of an eye, Cedar Grove’s core is now all seniors between 6-foot-7 Tennessee-commit Manny Green (18.9 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 3.3 apg, 2.2 spg, 1.4 bpg), 6-foot-10 senior Javonte Floyd (10.6 ppg, 11.3 rpg, 4.2 bpg) who is deciding between UAB and UCLA, and 6-foot-5 senior Dontavius Stringfield (6.9 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 5.3 apg, 3.2 spg, 2.1 bpg). The Saints add 6-foot-2 junior Jai’Marion Mathis (9.2 ppg – Douglass), 6-foot-3 sophomore Dakota Freeman (Druid Hills) and 5-foot-11 junior Kevin Rogers (Maynard Jackson) to their nucleus. No. 3 Sandy Creek is on the quest for a four-peat, entering the season with a chip on their shoulder. The Patriots clamped up Cedar Grove in the title game 39-38 to finish the season 29-3. Just like a season ago, Sandy Creek might not have the same individual star power as other perennial juggernauts but the Patriots know how to win on the big stage. Championship hero 6-foot-6 senior Avohn Florence returns after posting 18 points and 12 rebounds in the biggest game of his life. 5-foot-9 senior Antonio Rivers has patiently waited his time to lead the Patriots, the physical playmaker a surefire bet to raise his stock. Defensive ace Amari Latimer is a Wisconsin running back-commit. If he returns to the hardwood for his senior season, he’s a physical defender who can guard all five positions. 5-foot-9 junior Quentin Clopton could see important playing time in Year 3. 6-foot-4 junior Trey Carmichael (McIntosh) and 5-foot-10 senior Turtle Arzuaga (9.4 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 1.2 apg – Drew) transfer in. No. 4 Harlem finished 13-15, losing in the First Round to Cedar Grove 61-48. 6-foot-3 junior point guard AJ Williams is fully healthy after playing in just the final six games of last season as he recovered from a torn labrum. The coach’s son immediately made an impact, dumping in 19.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2 steals per game. The High Major recruit has new running mates transferring in from Augusta Christian alongside him in 6-foot junior Ty Shine (17.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.4 spg) who holds a Kennesaw State offer and 6-foot-9 290-pound senior Uzziah Morton (8.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1 bpg). The core also features 6-foot-3 senior wing Jayden Futrell (12.3 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 1.9 apg, 2.8 spg, 1 bpg). No. 5 Cherokee Bluff had another sour end to a great season, finishing 24-5 upset in the First Round by 31-seed Peach County 57-52. Two starters graduate but the Bears have a lot back and a lot to prove come February. 6-foot-5 senior swingman Cooper Glover is a Preseason All-State pick, a high-energy do-everything D-III prospect. The senior-laden group relies upon 6-foot-1 Andy Quirarte, 6-foot-3 Alex Blurton and 6-foot Connor Robinson. The long-awaited debut of 6-foot-1 senior Jordan Hayes is finally here, an athletic bucket-getter who was ineligible last season upon transferring over from Flowery Branch. His dynamic perimeter presence is a welcome dimension to the Bear backcourt, also is the veteran experience of 6-foot-1 junior Luke Nordholz from Gainesville who moves in after the Red Elephants’ stampede of transfers reached eight over the past two seasons. Region 8 rival No. 6 East Hall opens up right behind the Bears after losing three of four against Cherokee Bluff a season ago, finishing the year 23-6 with an 82-71 loss to Cross Creek in the Sweet 16. A serious late season car crash kept All-Region performer 6-foot-3 senior Chasen Jones out of the postseason. His return along with Co-Region Player of the Year 6-foot-4 Kennesaw State quarterback-commit Jamarcus Harrison and 6-foot-6 junior Braydon Langston gives Coach Joe Dix and athletic core that picks up full court. 6-foot-3 junior Koen Bryant is coming off an Honorable Mention selection. 6-foot-5 senior Kahlil Goss and 6-foot-5 junior Sebastian Spinelli, a Chestatee transfer, help lengthen the lineup. No. 7 Calhoun posted a 20-4 record, losing 64-57 to Dougherty in the Sweet 16. A coming-of-age roster stacked with dual-sport standouts graduates just their third leading scorer. 6-foot sophomore Trace Hawkins led Calhoun to a state championship at quarterback as a freshman and also led the basketball team in scoring at 11.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.7 steals per game. Four seniors play substantial roles in Trey Perkins (9.2 ppg, 8 rpg, 1.3 apg), Jaxon Moore (8.8 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 3.4 apg, 1 spg), Blake Hammett (6.5 ppg, 4 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.2 spg) and Jaden Perkins (5.5 ppg, 1.8 rpg). 6-foot-2 sophomore Case Shropshire is a blossoming perimeter scorer that averaged 2.9 points as a freshman while 6-foot-4 junior Parks Layson is a serviceable post presence. No. 8 Douglass took a trip to the Sweet 16 at 19-9, falling 73-59 to Windsor Forest. 6-foot-6 junior guard Malachi Edgell (11.2 ppg, 10.9 rpg, 3 bpg) is one of the top stock risers in the state with his dynamic versatility. Seniors Brandon Battle (10.3 ppg, 3 rpg) and Charles Amica (4.2 ppg) are key pieces along with juniors JoJo Foster (5.2 ppg) and Promise Palmer (3.9 ppg). 5-foot-11 sophomore Markeese Palmer moves in from Creekside where he contributed 3.4 points and 2.3 rebounds a night. No. 9 Westover finished 18-8 with a 60-47 loss to Sandy Creek in the Sweet 16. The Patriots graduate their second and fourth leading scorers but return seniors Greg Williams (10.4 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1 spg), Jalen Holmes (9.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.2 spg) and Tykwavious Johnson (4.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg). No. 10 Troup County has been slowly building, improving their win totals over the past four seasons going from 4 to 10 to 12 to last season’s 16-9 record, losing in the First Round at Dougherty 71-59. The Tigers have nearly their entire roster back, headlined by the dynamic duo of seniors 5-foot-11 Jalen Brown (16.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2 apg, 2.1 spg) and 6-foot-3 Dee Moreland (13.2 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.6 spg). 5-foot-5 senior Gavyn Gates is the third head of the attack, pitching in 10.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.8 steals.
Class 2A
Miguel Johnson takes over No. 1 Columbia after longtime Head Coach Dr. Phil McCrary was fired after inexplicably spanking players with a shoe in the Bahamas. The Eagles haven’t won a state title since three-peating from 2010-12 part of a five-title span over six years. Columbia finished 23-6 last year, losing in the Sweet 16 at Butler 64-51. A pair of Baldwin transfers hope to get the Eagles over the hump led by All-State 6-foot-3 senior southpaw Deven Nelson (16.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.2 spg). 6-foot-10 senior Amos Bouie-Tumer (2.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg) also moves in, hoping to finally reach his untapped potential. A large core is still in place with Region 6 First Teamer 6-foot-7 senior Zayd Muhammad leading the way. The senior class also features 6-foot-4 Carlin Jacobs (6 rpg), twins Brandon and Bryson Bigsby, JaShawn Thompson and Princeton King. The junior class holds 5-foot-10 point guard Chance Reynolds and 6-foot-5 forward Jace Smith (7 rpg, 1.8 bpg). No. 2 Carver-Columbus was the front runner to win the state title all season long until Butler knocked them off in overtime in the Final Four 78-73, ending the Tiger season at 27-3. Scoring machine Tony Montgomery (Troy) graduates but is replaced by 5-foot-8 senior Jayddence Ford who is back in Georgia after a stint at Central, AL and a brief GBCA Live appearance with Spencer. Ford started his career at St. Anne-Pacelli and is a high-octane scorer who fills it up with his three-point shot. Joining him from Central, AL is 6-foot-3 sophomore Jaeden Taylor while 5-foot-8 senior TJ Benson moves in from Calvary Christian. The three transfers blend in with a deep group led by seniors 5-foot-8 Kobe Caslin (12.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 4 apg, 3.2 spg), All-State pick 6-foot-7 Tobiaz Tolbert (11.4 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 1.2 spg, 5.1 bpg) and potentially 6-foot-5 Texas A&M football-commit All-American Tristian Givens (8.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1.1 spg, 1.1 bpg). Junior Kodee Truesdale (10.9 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 3.1 apg, 2.3 spg) and 6-foot-2 sophomore TJ Woodson (9.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.1 spg) add to a deep athletic rotation. No. 3 Butler won their first state title since 1966, holding off Union County 57-49. Stephen F. Austin point guard Marcus Scurry has graduated but a strong core will have the Bulldogs in contention yet again, looking to carry momentum from their 21-8 season. 6-foot-3 senior Kwamane Bridges leads the charge after averaging 17.5 points, 7 rebounds and 1.6 assists, dumping in a game-high 22 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assists in the title game. Juniors 6-foot-3 De’Cori Fleming (6.1 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.4 bpg) and 6-foot-5 Jamil Walker (5.3 ppg, 10.9 rpg, 2.1 bpg) are rapidly improving and look like breakout candidates, especially Fleming who shined in the state championship with 11 points, 14 rebounds and 4 blocks. 6-foot-1 senior Ahmaad Anthony transfers from Cross Creek and will play a major role in the backcourt. No. 4 KIPP Atlanta is starting to become a destination inside the perimeter, the Warriors looking to improve upon last year’s Elite Eight finish, losing 66-59 to Union County to close the year 21-8. KIPP graduates their top two players but bring in three transfers with 6-foot-8 junior Galen Roberts (7.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg – Midtown), 6-foot-2 senior Kendrell Agnew (9.1 ppg, 2 rpg, 1.9 apg, 2.1 spg – Luella) and 6-foot-4 senior King Jones (Kell). The Warriors have serious length already in place with 6-foot-4 junior Akil Robinson (10.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.9 spg, 1.3 bpg), Preseason All-State pick 6-foot-7 senior Laqwaun Morgan (8.8 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.8 spg, 1.8 bpg) and 6-foot-1 junior Jeff Lockhart (8.1 ppg). No. 5 South Atlanta is coming off a Sweet 16 trip, losing 48-38 to Laney to wrap up a 20-9 year. Only the Hornets’ third and fifth leading scorers graduate. 6-foot-8 senior Duor Duor is a burgeoning star that averaged 13.9 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 2.8 blocks. 6-foot-2 senior Bol Deng tallied 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists while 6-foot-4 junior Christian Thornhill contributed 5.7 points and 5.9 rebounds. Finding more help in the backcourt would assist in South Atlanta surpassing last year’s win total. No. 6 Burke County lost to Carver-Columbus in the Sweet 16 75-54 to end the year 16-7. The Bears graduate their fourth leading scorer and return their star backcourt tandem of Class 2A Freshman of the Year 6-foot-1 De’Quayvian Lovette (17.7 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.5 apg, 2.7 spg) and 6-foot-1 senior La’Quinton Morgan (16.6 ppg, 4 rpg, 7.4 apg, 1.8 spg). 6-foot-1 senior Omarion Cobb (7.9 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.7 apg, 2.3 spg) is the third member of the backcourt. No. 7 Hart County lost 74-69 at Burke County in the First Round, ending the season 19-10. Region 8 Player of the Year 5-foot-11 junior Kurston Curry returns with 6-foot-3 senior Ramarcus Simpson as the Bulldogs bring back two of their top three players. 6-foot-3 Zayden Leverett will play a big role his senior season. No. 8 Franklin County took two of three against Region 8 foe Hart County en route to finishing 15-15 with an Elite Eight trip, losing 60-44 to Butler. Two of Franklin County’s four All-Region picks return led by 6-foot-2 senior Bentley Huff and younger brother 5-foot-10 sophomore Hudson. 6-foot-3 sophomore Sam Shaver, Coach Jason Shaver’s son, projects to play a big role with his ability to space the floor. No. 9 Morgan County posted a 22-7 record with a trip to the Sweet 16 where the Bulldogs fell to KIPP Atlanta 64-48. Out of their top five players, only their second leading scorer doesn’t return. Co-Region 2 Player of the Year 6-foot senior Zeki Locus averaged 13.4 points, 9 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 3.8 steals as a powerful downhill attacker. Seniors 6-foot-5 Kobi Jefferies, 5-foot-9 Jacoby Simmons and 6-foot Christian Monfort round out a veteran cast. No. 10 Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe went 18-10 last season, losing 65-48 to KIPP Atlanta in the First Round. Looking for a dark horse? The Warriors are scheduled to return their entire roster including seven seniors. A balanced attack sees three players average double-digit points in 5-foot-10 Quintaris Tanner-Garrett (11.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.7 spg), 6-foot-4 Darian Keefe (11.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.7 spg, 1.1 bpg) and 5-foot-10 Champion Bowman (10 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 4.8 apg, 1.4 spg). 6-foot-3 Jared Mitchell (9.6 ppg, 8 rpg, 1.6 apg, 2.2 spg), 6-foot-4 Zyan Eastman (8.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg) and 6-foot-5 280-pound AJ Hendrix (7.5 ppg, 5.6 rpg) provide length and strength. The Warriors showed an ability to punch above their weight class last season, scoring an 85-79 win over eventual state runner-up Union County during the regular season.
Class A D-I
No. 1 Putnam County opens atop the field after amassing a 27-3 record, falling to East Laurens in the Elite Eight 68-66. The War Eagles have a vast majority of their roster back, headlined by 6-foot-1 senior scoring machine J’Mari Greene, the All-State guard averaging 18.8 points, 3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 3.1 steals last season. The senior class also features 5-foot-11 Tamaud Woodson (12.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.1 apg, 2.3 spg), 6-foot-5 Shamar McClendon (8 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.6 spg) and 6-foot-7 Zay Hargrove (6.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg). Juniors 6-foot-3 Jeremy Banks (9.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.3 spg), 6-foot-3 Jaylen Nelson (5 ppg, 2.1 rpg) and 6-foot-3 Lake Oconee Academy transfer Jaden Hillsman (12.1 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 1.6 apg, 2.1 spg) will all be counted on heavily. No. 2 Southwest-Macon has unfinished business after their 27-3 dream season ended in nightmare as the Patriots were outscored 25-11 by BEST Academy in the fourth quarter including a 10-0 run to end the game, losing 62-56 in the state championship in front of a sold-out hometown crowd. The electric one-two punch of All-State seniors 6-foot-3 Chase Dupree (20 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 3.7 apg, 2 spg) and 5-foot-11 CJ Howard (15.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 4.7 apg, 2.1 spg) both are in play at the D-I level. Howard shined on the big stage last year, exploding for 31 points and 5 rebounds in the state championship. 6-foot-5 Rutgers football-commit Rinaldo Callaway averaged 5.5 points and 6.7 rebounds. 6-foot-8 sophomore Jamarcus West has a chance to become a difference maker while 6-foot-4 junior Alex Butts should see steady minutes upon transferring over from Westside-Macon where he averaged 2.8 points and 2.6 rebounds. No. 3 Rabun County finished 23-6 but had the unfortunate draw of having to play mis-seeded 15-seed BEST Academy in the Sweet 16, the Wildcats falling to the eventual champs 72-59. Rabun County boasts the best point guard in the state in 5-foot-10 senior Huey Blalock, the ultimate offense creator averaging 19.9 points, 3 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 2.8 steals per game. 6-foot-7 senior Hayes Free had a breakthrough season posting 15.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.4 blocks as a stretch-forward. 6-foot-1 junior Reed Burrell (10 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.4 spg) is an important third option. The Wildcats will welcome contributors from the freshman class between Cord Burrell and coach’s son 6-foot-4 Trace Adcock, a lanky 3&D guard who can catch fire from beyond the arc. No. 4 Toombs County got hot at the right time and nearly took a return trip to Macon, rumbling their way to the Final Four before falling to Southwest-Macon 65-54 to close the year 18-12. Three seniors power the defensive-minded Bulldogs in 6-foot Gavin Fletcher (13.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 1 apg, 1.5 spg), 6-foot-6 Parker Stanley (11.6 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 1.2 spg, 1.5 bpg) and 6-foot Cornelius Bullard (6.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.4 spg). No. 5 Commerce squandered a lead against Putnam County, running out of gas in the Sweet 16 to lose 72-63, putting an end to a 19-10 season. The Tigers have a lot coming back, a now experienced team looking to build off last season’s success. Three juniors lead the team in scoring between three-point sniper 5-foot-10 Maki Mitchell (12.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 99 3PTM 40%), 5-foot-10 Ty Sorrells (9.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2.1 spg) and 6-foot-1 Essien Lockleer (9 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 5.7 apg, 2.1 spg). 6-foot-1 sophomore Bryson Parks averaged 7.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.5 steals as a freshman while 5-foot-10 senior Jeremiah Jarrells chipped in 3.8 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.2 steals in a guard-heavy lineup. No. 6 Towers finished 16-11, blown out at Vidalia in the First Round 72-45. The Titans have talent and will be battle-tested coming out of a grueling Region 4. 5-foot-9 senior Jalen Kelly is the catalyst, coming off a year in which he averaged 16.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 3.7 steals. 5-foot-10 senior Cornelius Winfrey tallied 10.9 points, 3 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.6 steals. 6-foot-4 senior Corinthius Collins averaged 6 points and 7.3 rebounds while juniors 6-foot Mekyrius Miller (8.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.8 spg) and 6-foot-3 Dashaun Young (8 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.9 bpg) are key contributors. No. 7 Vidalia graduates their best player from a 22-7 team that fell 46-43 to Region 3 rival Toombs County in the Elite Eight. 6-foot-3 senior Rashad Brown is next in line to pace the Indians, returning after putting up 12.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.8 steals per game. Vidalia doesn’t have anyone else back that scored over five points per game. 5-foot-7 sophomore Brycen Burns (4.9 ppg) and 6-foot-1 senior DJ Wallace (4.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.5 apg) should see significant leaps in production. No. 8 Fannin County made history last year marching to the Elite Eight for the first time after upsetting Dublin 74-53 in the Sweet 16. The Rebels’ Cinderella story ended at the hands of eventual state champion BEST Academy 69-43, putting a capper on a 20-10 season. 6-foot-7 junior Kolton Kaylor emerged, the lefty no longer a secret as he earned a Chattanooga offer at GBCA Live and has been in constant contact with Clemson. The best college prospect in the classification has size next to him in 6-foot-6 junior Keaton Watkins, a powerful low post presence with a blossoming outside game. Guard play will determine how deep the Rebels can go. Seniors 5-foot-11 Matthew Ponton and 6-foot-3 Brody Henson will be important pieces. No. 9 Jasper County marks the third team out of Region 4 to crack the Top 10 following behind No. 1 Putnam County and No. 6 Towers. The Hurricanes are expected to return four of their top five players from a team that went 14-14 with a First Round exit at the hands of Temple, 67-49. 6-foot senior JaMarkus Thomas was a First Team All-Region selection while 5-foot-8 junior Dereon Pennamon nabbed Second Team honors. 5-foot-11 Tayshawn Reeves made the All-Defensive Team and Honorable Mention along with 6-foot-1 senior Aidon King and 6-foot-1 junior Chance Ross. No. 10 BEST Academy has a long way to go to match last year’s 25-7 state championship winning team which stunned Southwest-Macon with a 10-0 run to end the game, winning 62-56. 6-foot-2 junior Xion Evans (11.7 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.3 apg) and 6-foot-7 senior Alexander Barrett (6.2 ppg, 7 rpg, 1.1 spg) should be cornerstones. 6-foot senior Ja’Kai McDowell (Druid Hills) and 6-foot-7 junior Rakiye Graves (Lithonia) are new faces. 6-foot junior Mahdi Light could step into the forefront this season.
Class A D-II
No. 1 Manchester is set to return three of their top five players including their two leading scorers from an 18-5 team that lost 65-49 to eventual state champion Savannah in the Sweet 16. The senior heavy Blue Devils turn to 5-foot-9 All-State guard Dre McGhee (15.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.2 spg), 6-foot-3 Preseason All-State forward Jaedyn Terry (14 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 1.4 spg) and 5-foot-10 Brontae Jones (7.3 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 2 spg) to help set the tone. No. 2 Greene County marched to the Final Four at 22-8, losing 49-41 to McIntosh County Academy. Junior Braylen Hurt is a Preseason All-State selection while fellow 2027 Ge’Corey Brown is coming off a season in which he was named All-Region 8 Offensive Team. 6-foot senior Dontriel Grable moves in from Hancock Central where he averaged 11.8 points, 3 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. No. 3 Chattahoochee County recorded a 20-10 record, losing in the Sweet 16 at Hawkinsville 65-58. The Panthers have one of the best backcourt duos in the state between Preseason All-State picks 6-foot-2 senior Champ Simpson (22.9 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.9 spg) and 5-foot-10 sophomore A’Nyzhon “Bam” Purnell (8.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.3 apg, 2.7 spg). ChattCo’s top three scorers are all back as 6-foot senior Javen Tullis (7.8 ppg, 3 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.9 spg) rounds out the attack. No. 4 Randolph-Clay went 26-3, but fell in the Sweet 16 to Warren County 51-38. 6-foot senior Tyrion Smith is a Preseason Second Team All-State selection after averaging 13.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 2 steals. 6-foot-6 junior Josiah Daniels averaged 7.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists. No. 5 Macon County fell 50-49 in the First Round at Manchester to end the year 20-6. The Bulldogs turn to junior Quentrelle Perkins (11.4 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.2 spg), 5-foot-11 junior Lavoris Smith (10.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.2 apg, 1.7 spg) and 5-foot-9 sophomore Tarigee Collier (8.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.5 spg) to remain competitive. No. 6 Towns County is expected to return their top four players from a 16-13 team that lost in the First Round at Turner County 63-52 but hang their hat on wins over Region 8 opponents Warren County (62-61) and Greene County (48-41), a pair of semifinalists a season ago. 5-foot-11 sophomore Tucker Engert made an impact in every sport he played as a freshman, especially basketball as the Preseason First Team All-State guard dumped in 18.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4 assists and 2.8 steals per night. He is surrounded by a veteran cast of seniors in Jonas Rouse (10.4 ppg, 7 rpg, 2 apg, 2.1 spg), Dustin Barrett (10.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.7 spg) and Cruz Kitchens. No. 7 Hancock Central is under new leadership as Brandon Johnson slides over a chair for the head job. 6-foot junior Josiah Ingram is an All-State scoring machine that averaged 17.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.9 steals for a Bulldog team that finished 15-8, the Region 5 Champions however losing in the First Round to Early County 62-52. 5-foot-10 sophomore Najee Reynolds should have a major year, a powerful guard who scores through contact and can knock down jumpers. He pairs with 5-foot-10 junior Karter Harper (7.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.5 spg) and 5-foot-9 senior Makai Davis (4.5 ppg) a scrappy on-ball defender with speed. No. 8 Warren County always seems to peak at the right time, again getting hot with a run to the Final Four before falling to eventual state champ Savannah 64-55 to close a 21-10 year. The Screaming Devils should take a step back on paper as four of their top five scorers graduate but 6-foot junior Torossie Leslie remains (11.1 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 4.3 apg, 1.9 spg), keeping Warren County dangerous. 5-foot-10 senior Jamarion Darden will be asked to step up after contributing 4.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.6 steals per game. No. 9 Clinch County ran up a 22-3 record but fell in the Sweet 16 to Mitchell County in overtime, 51-41. The Panthers lose their top two scorers but return options 3-8 led by juniors Kamarrion Johnson (7.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.6 spg), Shane Burns (6 ppg, 5.6 rpg), Jakyri Posely (5.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.1 apg) and Kyiis Mingo (4.5 ppg, 4 rpg, 1 apg) along with sophomore Traviian Miller (6.2 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1 apg, 1.5 spg, 1 bpg). No. 10 Turner County follows behind their Region 2 rival in the poll, coming off a 20-9 season which ended in the Sweet 16 at the hands of four-seed Early County, 58-38. Region Co-Defensive Player of the Year 5-foot-11 senior Curtis Grant and Co-Freshman of the Year 6-foot-2 Quintavius Prather will be focal points.
Class 3A-1A Private
No. 1 Holy Innocents’ posted a 27-4 record, romping their way to the program’s first state title, crushing North Cobb Christian 84-45. Replacing the production left behind by All-American Caleb Wilson (North Carolina) will be Belmont-commit Devin Hutcherson (14.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.2 spg) and 6-foot-7 senior Khalid Worthy (7.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.1 apg). 6-foot-3 sophomore Jaden McCullough (7.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2 apg, 1.3 spg) has picked up numerous offers over the offseason and should up his numbers even more after the transfer of Kingston Whitty (Christ School, NC). 6-foot-2 senior Jordan Mays (5.1 ppg), 6-foot-8 sophomore Colt Witzigreuter and 6-foot-3 freshman King Araujo will play significant roles. No. 2 Mt. Vernon lost in the First Round 53-50 to Providence Christian to close the season 15-12. The Mustangs have a revamped roster with the additions of juniors 6-foot-2 JJ Page (17.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.5 spg – Galloway) and 6-foot-7 Noah Brady (Centennial). The duo joins All-Region 5 seniors 5-foot-9 Gabe Alterman and 6-foot-5 Darrell Dickens III. 6-foot-5 junior Quint McGrath gives the Mustangs an elite shooter while 5-foot-7 freshman Jamaal Oliver represents a bright future. No. 3 Walker finished 24-4, losing in the Sweet 16 at a hot-shooting Hebron Christian 73-59. The Wolverines graduate only one relied upon senior. 6-foot-1 senior Anderson Carey (16.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.4 spg, 70 3PTM 52%), 6-foot sophomore KD Hernandez (16 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 3.7 apg, 2 spg, 45% 3PT), 6-foot-5 junior Lorenzo McCorvey (8.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 3 apg, 1 spg) and 5-foot-10 junior Sean Nalls (5.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.7 spg) form a deep core. Added to the mix are 6-foot-1 senior Devan Fernande (Cherokee) and last second import 6-foot-8 sophomore Jordan Agjene from Africa International College. No. 4 North Cobb Christian lost 84-45 in the state championship to Holy Innocents’ to end the year 28-4. 6-foot-8 juniors Brock Bass-Bonner (Cardinal Ritter, MO) and Will Russell (Seneca, SC) transfer away — the Eagles’ top scorer and fifth option. 6-foot-7 junior Xavier Butler posted 15 points, 12 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.5 blocks per game. The robust 2027 class also returns 5-foot-9 Grant Robich (13.9 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 6.5 apg, 2.3 spg), 6-foot-5 Isaiah Chandler (11.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 3.3 apg) and 6-foot-2 Jordan Wiseman (6.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.8 apg). 6-foot-4 sophomore Joshua Cooper should see more minutes in Year 2. 6-foot freshman Peyton Easley is highly regarded. No. 5 Mt. Bethel lost in the Sweet 16 to North Cobb Christian 76-64 to end the season 16-13. A bad back cut 6-foot-9 Freshman of the Year Peter Julius’ season short after he averaged 18 points, 13 rebounds and 5 blocks per game being named a MaxPreps Freshman All-American. 6-foot-4 junior Roman Avery is in line for a big season alongside seniors 5-foot-10 Nate Robinson and Oneida Baptist, KY transfer 6-foot-6 Dennis Esemuede. 6-foot-5 freshman Cadien Hudson has one of the highest ceilings in his class. No. 6 Greenforest went 23-6, losing 57-51 to North Cobb Christian in the Final Four. BJ Thomas takes over the program after serving as assistant coach. 6-foot-2 junior Kyree Taylor is a Preseason All-State Third Team selection after averaging 7.9 points per game. 6-foot-2 senior Kaden Thomas averaged 6.1 points per game. Five transfers move in to fortify the program with seniors 6-foot-6 Agei Aguelet (Friendship Christian) and 6-foot-8 Bradleon McDonald (McCallie School, TN) and juniors 6-foot-4 Noah Bain (McCallie School, TN), 6-foot-10 Alyko Raphael (DME, FL) and 6-foot-1 Savion Stewart (Edison Academics, FL). No. 7 Paideia navigated their way to the Elite Eight at 17-12, losing to Cinderella story Mt. Paran 67-54. The Pythons enter the senior seasons of 6-foot-4 southpaw CJ Harper (17.4 ppg, 6 rpg, 5 apg), a Preseason First Team All-State selection, and 6-foot-3 David Oglesby-Smith (20 ppg, 10 rpg). 5-foot-9 junior Tristan Mitchell was a Region 5 Honorable Mention pick. 6-foot-7 sophomore Stevie Shields will be relied upon to score on the perimeter and use his length to help protect the rim. No. 8 GAC notched a 24-7 record, falling 71-51 to Greenforest in the Elite Eight. Scepter Brownlee takes over the job, coming in from Calvary Day. 6-foot-8 sophomore Baer Bailey (8.5 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 1 apg, 1.3 bpg), 6-foot-5 senior Ledger Kincaid (7.6 ppg), 6-foot-2 junior DJ Newman (4.5 ppg, 4 rpg) and 6-foot-2 junior Romeo Moreno (4.3 ppg) round out the key returners after the Spartans graduate their top three scorers. 6-foot-2 junior Damon Horton transfers in from Brookwood. No. 9 Darlington posted a 20-9 mark with a Sweet 16 loss at GAC 59-54. Only two seniors that played significant minutes have graduated. A talented senior class features 6-foot-5 Brent Bell (15 ppg, 9 rpg), 6-foot-8 lefty Cam Selig and 6-foot-3 Christian Teasley. Juniors 6-foot-2 Jordan Wilkerson is a binge scorer from beyond the arc while 6-foot-1 point guard DJ Hall is picking up D-I interest. The freshman class could make a huge splash led by 6-foot-9 rebounding machine Joseph Ogunyemi, 6-foot-5 point-forward Mitchell Raughton who chose Darlington over Model and 6-foot-4 wing Ethan Hight. No. 10 Calvary Day sees new leadership as Bob Martin takes over after guiding Pickens the past two seasons. Injuries hurt the Cavaliers to end the year as 6-foot-10 star Kuol Deng wasn’t able to finish against St. Francis, losing in the Sweet 16 67-52 to close the year 19-8. Deng has since left for Oak Hill Academy, VA. 5-foot-9 junior Jamin Martin follows his father from Pickens while 6-foot-1 sophomore Ranier Whipple II moves over from Bethesda Academy where he averaged 8.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. Holdovers from last year’s group include Region 3-3A Defensive Player of the Year 6-foot-8 senior Chol Kiir. 6-foot-2 senior Demetrius Brown and 6-foot-4 junior Marlon Knight were First Team All-Region selections in the backcourt. 6-foot-3 sophomore Jamari Jenkins is an impressive athlete.