Southwest DeKalb (23-7; Sweet 16)

The Panthers graduate their top scorer but have a maturing nucleus back and are now in a weak region where the Panthers should be considered the heavy favorite unless Maynard Jackson has reloaded after a 12-10 season and seeing their top two scorers graduate. Southwest DeKalb is expected to be anchored by juniors Ryleigh Kimmons (9.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg) and Jayla Walton (8.8 ppg) with seniors Ryann Chaney (9 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.1 bpg) and Charmaine Owens (1.7 apg) back with major experience.

Evans (21-6; Sweet 16)

Evans drops down a classification and should be in the mix for a Region 1 title with Preseason All-State Second Teamer 5-foot-4 junior Janiyah Quiller back to lead the way, the high-energy bouncy guard posting 15 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 5.2 steals per game. The Knights graduate their second leading scorer but most others return with seniors Charity Joyner (10.3 ppg) and 6-footer Briyanna Jones (8.5 ppg, 7.2 rpg) reliable pieces.