Class AAAAAA

Region 1

Northside-Warner Robins (14-10)^5A
Lee County (13-16)
Coffee (11-15)^5A
Valdosta (9-16)
Houston County (7-18)^5A

It’s a wide open region in Region 1 with Northside-Warner Robins as the only school with a winning record in 2015-16. Team captains Jaylan Sandifer, Trayvon Willis and Tobias Oliver all enter their senior season while Marquaevious Williams rounds out the experienced attack. Sophomore Sammy Mike stands 6-foot-9 and represents a burgeoning rim protector for Coach Matthew Simon. He claims interest from UConn, Mercer, UGA, Georgia Tech, Florida State and Alabama. On the block he doesn’t have a go-to post move just yet, as he is more comfortable facing up and taking the mid-range jumper.

Lee County crept its way into the Sweet 16 and nearly upset Grayson, 60-58. Every key player was set to return for the Trojans as the team’s top nine scorers, but three players have transferred including second leading scorer Jaylin Wimberly, junior Stan Smith and sophomore Pooh Woolbright. Senior point guard Tyler McConnell (11.5 ppg) leads the team in scoring. Junior Otis Reece holds promise at 6-foot-3 after scoring 7.6 points per game. Senior Terrian Wester averaged 6.8 points as a 6-foot-3 guard.

Coffee returns a host of talent after graduation hasn’t hurt the Trojans’ growth. Sophomore guard Jayce Moore led Coffee in scoring and rebounding as a freshman with 9.6 points and 5.5 rebounds. Brothers Marquavius and Jarquavius Jefferson bring toughness and energy to the table their junior seasons. Both averaged over three steals per game in 2015-16 and had a nice summer with 16U Terrible T’s GA Boyz along with Moore. Jarquavius and Moore both made the Georgia Cup Finals 16U All-Tournament team. As a team, the Trojans must improve on their shooting. They shot just 87-of-470 from three-point land, a 19% rate.

John E. Slater enters his final season at Valdosta. As a freshman at Brooks County, Slater averaged 16.3 points per game. Upon moving to Valdosta his sophomore season, Slater’s scoring took a backseat. Last year as a junior, Slater began to turn it up again, averaging 13.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.9 steals. The 6-foot-2 guard is best when attacking the hoop.

Now that Ma’Kel Wallace is cleared to play, Houston County enters a region that doesn’t have any dominant favorites. Wallace had to sit out last year after transferring in from Veterans. The 6-foot guard does a little bit of everything on the floor and should have a productive senior season. Zion Johnson, Kolbey Singleton and Amari Colbert all bring back experience, athleticism and versatility for Coach Stephen Walls.

Region 2

Effingham County (22-5)^5A
Brunswick (19-8)^5A
Richmond Hill (17-10)^5A
Glynn Academy (10-13)^5A
Bradwell Institute (6-19)^5A 

Half of Region 3-AAAAA now calls Region 2-AAAAAA their home with the exception of Camden County, Statesboro, Ware County, Coffee and South Effingham. Effingham County saw a wonderful season come to a close after tripping up in the region tournament, falling to the three-seed and losing to Richmond Academy 85-74 in the first round of the state playoffs. The Rebels went a perfect 13-0 in region play during the regular season behind Deshaun Wilkenson (17.1 ppg), PJ Brown (11.2 ppg) and Rashad Griffin (11 ppg) who all have graduated. Remaining are seniors 6-foot-2 guard Jaden Rodriguez (13.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg) and 6-foot-2 forward Cody Hilbert (7.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg).

After winning the state title in 2014-15, Brunswick was eliminated from playoff contention after losing to Statesboro in the Region tournament quarterfinals, 48-42. Seniors Kymani Dunham and Dereck Lampkin are the most experienced on the team. Dunham, 6-foot-8, is a load in the low post that can’t be moved off the block. He has improved his ball skills and is more comfortable facing up and attacking the basket. He committed to College of Charleston on August 1. Rising junior guards Marcus Scott, Daquan Humphreys and Jaylen Jackson all represent the future of Brunswick basketball.

Richmond Hill must replace Isaiah Hill’s 20.3 points per game. Senior Trey Deloach (7.0 ppg) and junior Sam James (5.4 ppg) represent the team’s top two returning scorers.

Glynn Academy rolls the dice with head coach Terrance Haywood who was arrested in 2014 after being accused of failing to report suspected child abuse to the Department of Child and Family Services, a misdemeanor. He also was charged with providing false verbal and written statements to the GBI, a felony, while at McIntosh County Academy. Charges have since been dismissed in McIntosh County Superior Court. Haywood gets a fresh start in southeast Georgia. On the hardwood, the Red Terrors have a nice inside-out duo with seniors Durand Green and Dominique Walker. Green, 5-foot-8, led the Terrors with 15.3 points per game while Walker, 6-foot-7, averaged 10.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks.

Only three seniors graduate for a young Bradwell Institute team that was loaded with juniors and sophomores. An upset win over Woodville-Tompkins, 36-31, highlighted the Tigers’ season. Seniors Darryl Johnson and Jordan Alexander return as viable pieces. Will Douberly enters Year 1 as head coach.

Region 3

Heritage-Conyers (19-9)^5A
Greenbrier (14-12)^5A
Evans (13-13)^5A
Lakeside-Evans (11-13)^5A
Grovetown (11-13)^5A
Alcovy (4-21)

Heritage-Conyers jumped out to a 15-1 start last year before hitting speed bumps in region play. Heritage finished with the third-seed out of Region 8-AAAAA and lost to South Paulding in Round 1 of the state tournament, 62-58. The Patriots exit last year’s powerful Region and join a much friendlier grouping on paper. 6-foot-3 senior guard Byron Abrams has committed to Florida Atlantic after averaging 9.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.8 steals per game. Abrams might not be the clear-cut best player on his team however as Coach Vernon Denmark returns seniors Jordan Thomas and Isaiah Banks to a balanced scoring attack. Thomas, 6-foot-2, led the Patriots in scoring as a streaky three-point shooter, averaging 13.8 points and 2.4 steals while hitting 52 threes at a 32% clip. A true high-flyer, Banks, stands 6-foot-5 and holds an offer from UTEP. The explosive athlete averaged 11.6 points and 5.5 rebounds. 6-foot-7 junior Quez Hicks gets a chance to shine as the anchor of the Patriots defense. Senior guard Donovan Butler will see a boost in action as an energy player on the perimeter with D-II interest. His defense alone makes him a valuable piece. 6-foot-6 sophomore Avante Lederer should produce off the bench as well after gaining experience in the summer.

Greenbrier loses five players including Justen Hartfield. The 6-foot guard graduates after becoming the school’s all-time leader in points scored, pouring in over 1,400. He averaged 16 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists. The two-sport star signed to play basketball at Mars Hill and was Region 2-AAAAA Player of the Year in baseball. The returning roster consists of all seniors except for Richard Crawford III who made the varsity as a freshman and averaged 8.5 points per game as a Second Team All-County selection.

Evans graduates 10 seniors including First Team All-County selection Jo’el Grant. The senior moved in from Augusta Christian and led the Knights in scoring at 17.5 points and 4.5 assists. Big man Michael Steflik was also a First Teamer that needs to be replaced. Sophomore guard Cameron Cabarrus should take over the reins of the offense. He’s an aggressive scorer that isn’t afraid to mix it up inside.

Lakeside-Evans has a chance to spoil the party this year and emerge as a dark horse. 6-foot-6 senior Deon Berrien missed the first half of last season but made a major impact when eligible. He averaged 14.8 points and 13 rebounds as a high-motor big man that is aggressive attacking the ball in the paint. Berrien has grown his game over the summer, now comfortable off the bounce and from beyond the three-point line. South Alabama has shown interest. Berrien racked up the wins this offseason along with Kalen Williams and Brad Hilley on the 16U Georgia Bulls, building chemistry towards the 2016-17 season. Williams made a splash as a freshman last year averaging 13.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists. Williams can get to the basket and finish through traffic, but also is a lethal shooter, hitting a team-high 46 threes last year at a 40% rate. When driving and dishing, one of Williams’ favorite targets this offseason and in the future is Hilley. The junior whose father Jody has stepped down as head coach making room for Jeff Williams, a former Greenbrier Assistant, is a premier floor stretcher especially from the corner. Kalen Williams orchestrated the Bulls offense masterfully this summer and got Hilley open look after open look which he knocked down. Add rising senior forward Kre’Sean Hall into the mix after he averaged 11.1 points and 6.9 rebounds and the Panthers have a very competitive team.

Grovetown must replace 6-foot-2 guard Shamar Barrett, who led the Warriors in every category: points (17.5), rebounds (4.9), assists (3.0), steals (3.1) and blocks (2.0). Assistant Coach Raymond Epps slides over a seat to take over as first-year head coach. The cupboard isn’t completely bare, even though rising junior Trent Bowdre has transferred to Aquinas. Junior guard Eric Graham averaged 14.8 points and drilled 62-of-151 threes for a 41% rate en route to being a Second Team All-County selection. Joining him is fellow junior guard and All-Name Team member, 5-foot-5 Chance Fugghett.

The Alcovy Tigers continue to rebuild but have hope with AJ Paschal and Carnacion Cosby. Paschal started at point guard as a sophomore and brings a sense of leadership and direction on the floor. Cosby, the Tiger big man, is productive around the basket and is a reliable piece heading into his senior season. Junior guard Shaquille Brown has also shown flashes of being a trusted scorer for Alcovy.

Region 4

Jonesboro (28-5)^4A
Tucker (20-7)
Mundy’s Mill (19-11)^5A
Drew (13-10)^5A
Stephenson (12-12)^5A
Lovejoy (8-18)
Mt. Zion-Jonesboro (8-19)^4A
Forest Park (7-19)^5A
M.L. King (3-21)^5A 

Jonesboro saw its bid for a three-peat fall short in the Class AAAA title game against Liberty County, 58-52. Five-star 6-foot-5 guard MJ Walker returns for his senior season after taking his game to the next level averaging 22.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. Key guards Eric Lovett and Tariq Jenkins graduate their combined 24.2 points, 8.0 rebounds and 6.2 assists. Junior forward Jamari Smith looks for a breakout season as a springy athlete after averaging 9.2 points and 4.1 rebounds. 6-foot-4 junior guard Myles Black produced at a high clip this offseason and should be the next playmaker to plug in nicely next to Walker.  Jaylon Terrell joins the team for his senior season after starring in the Lovejoy backcourt as an athletic guard. Terrell holds an offer from Navy and brings a dynamic versatility to Coach Dan Maehlman’s defense.

Tucker loses Kenton Eskridge to Columbia but replaces him with another Eastside exile, Joshua Cammon. The 6-foot-3 senior was a team captain for Eastside after posting 13.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 3.4 steals per game. He presents a potentially explosive scorer that should be one of Tucker’s most consistent players. Seniors Joshua Butler, Joshua Vann and Darius Howard should all remain in the fold.

Mundy’s Mill put together a strong season out of Region 4-AAAAA behind Citadel signee Kaelon Harris (18.7 ppg, 5.6 rpg) who has since graduated. First-year Head Coach Dwight Callaway takes over the program after spending time as Lovejoy’s head track and field coach. Before that, he was an assistant at Riverdale. Callaway will look to implement an aggressive full-court pressing defense that doesn’t take its foot off the pedal. Tyree Keith and Mike Malolo are expected to bring back the most experience.

Drew begins life without explosive scorer, James Ruiz (22.3 ppg). William Black, a 6-foot-3 junior guard, is the team’s leading returning scorer at 10.3 points per game.

After one year on the job at Stephenson, Head Coach Rasul Chester returns back to Miller Grove. In steps Dwayne McKinney who from 2011-2013, led Southwest DeKalb to a 59-27 mark. McKinney has a nice nucleus made up of seniors Julian Larkin (9.2 ppg) and Aaron Sterling (7.6 ppg, 8.5 rpg) as an inside-out combination. Rising 6-foot-4 sophomore guard Jamir Chaplin has transferred to Meadowcreek, a huge loss.

Lovejoy loses Head Coach Gregory Freeman to Creekside, but returns a young team. Keith Harris and Antonio Byrd enter their senior seasons while Jordan Huntington, Andrew Burden, Rashad Dugan and Kristian Grant all saw time on the Varsity as freshmen. Malcolm Rouse is now a junior in the backcourt. The loss of Jaylon Terrell hurts the Wildcat backcourt.

DeMaje Carter and TreJohn Taylor make up a scrappy Mt. Zion backcourt. Carter averaged 11.3 points and 4.4 rebounds as a sophomore while Taylor went for 11.3 points and 3.7 rebounds as a junior. Jaquan Torian, a 6-foot-4 senior, is also a nice piece that averaged 7.0 points last year.

Everything starts and stops for Forest Park with the play of senior Avery Wilson. The running back looking 6-foot-3 guard plays like he’s exploded out of a cannon with his strength and athleticism. He averaged 19.6 points and 5.4 rebounds his junior season. Wilson put together a solid offseason with 17U Infinite Skillz and should parlay his play into a big senior season. He will need help however if the Panthers are to clinch a playoff berth. Fellow senior Jahseel Herbert chipped in 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.3 steals a year ago. The 5-foot-10 guard will be asked to score more with the graduation of Stephen McDonald (13.6 ppg, 6.0 apg) and James Ragland (11.0 ppg, 8.5 rpg).

M.L. King saw one of the steepest declines in the state, falling from a 24-6 team in 2014-15 to 3-21 last year. The rebuilding process continues as Jaquan Jones graduates after posting 20.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 4.0 steals and 1.9 blocks per game. Rising sophomore Diamante Johnson saw some time as a freshman along with James Glisson. Atreyu Smith is the most experienced player after averaging 3.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.8 steals as a junior guard.

Region 5

South Paulding (25-5)^5A
New Manchester (17-8)^5A
Douglas County (16-12)
Alexander (13-12)^5A
Mays (13-14)^5A
Creekside (12-14)^5A
Langston Hughes (11-14)
Tri-Cities (10-14)^5A
Northgate (4-19)^5A 

Judging by last season’s records, Region 5-AAAAAA doesn’t look like the best, but don’t be fooled – this region should be one of the most competitive in the state even if it doesn’t have the High Major gusto that other regions might have. Region 5 has a chance to hold multiple Top 10 teams throughout the season.

South Paulding is the leader of the pack coming off of the Spartans’ best season in school history, an Elite Eight trip which was ended by eventual state champion Miller Grove, 66-41. Kane Williams has emerged as a D-I talent in Coach Gil Davis’ backcourt, committing to Georgia State. The 6-foot-3 senior averaged 16 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals per game as one of the state’s top playmakers. His No. 1 running mate is 6-foot-7 forward JaCori Wilson. The slender inside-outside forward gets most of his work done on the perimeter. He averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds as a junior. A consistent third scoring option must emerge from this battle tested defensive minded team. Drew Shephard and DJ Jackson round out the Spartan backcourt. The two seniors bring their own dimensions to the table with Shephard being a streaky three-point shooter and Jackson an undersized scrappy floor general with toughness. The addition of Knowledge Ruben inside may prove to be valuable over the next four years. The 6-foot-5, 210-pound freshman has moved in from Texas to join his older brother at South Paulding.  He is a physical presence with soft hands and good footwork on the low block. As he continues to improve his conditioning, Ruben has a chance to earn major minutes and potentially earn a starting spot sooner rather than later.

New Manchester loses a lot off their 17-win team but returns leading scorer Clint Bentley. Bentley is the engine that runs the Jaguar offense, averaging 13.3 points. The 6-foot guard is a tenacious and long-armed defender. Bentley should put up some impressive numbers his final season but will need help from his supporting cast in order to clinch the program’s third state playoff berth.

Brandon Robinson takes his 23 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists with him to UNC, leaving a massive void for Douglas County. Seven seniors graduate as the Tigers look set for a major rebuilding season. Senior guard Jahorie Copeland is expected to have the offense run through him. He put together a nice summer with the Smyrna Stars and should see his 3.4-point per game average in 2015-16 exponentially increase with his new found opportunity.

Alexander could be in line for a major uptick after an up and down 13-12 season. The Cougars’ top four scorers are all set to return. Alexander boasts a talented backcourt with senior Rod Rapley (13.3 ppg) and junior Grant Howard (11.9 ppg). Senior Arealious “Zeek” Copeland has length at his small forward position at 6-foot-4. Inside, senior post Damion Howell is a load at 6-foot-7 and averaged 10.6 points and 5.7 rebounds last year. With a deep backcourt, sophomore Cameron Armstrong is one to keep an eye on for the future. The 6-foot-1 guard has a playmaking slashing ability to his game. He impressed with 15U Team Forrest this summer along with 6-foot-7 sophomore Brady Spence. Armstrong is more of a finished product right now, but Spence’s length can alter shots inside. Both will battle to crack Coach Jason Slate’s deep rotation and for now, may be more of long term plays.

Mays snuck into the postseason and knocked off Sequoyah and Jones County before dropping in the Class AAAAA Elite Eight to Cedar Shoals, 66-45. The guard-oriented team loses Christian Jackson and CJ Arnold as important pieces, but 6-foot-5 junior guard Horace Wyatt, 6-foot-4 junior Malik McClain and tiny senior point guard Reo Wright are back. Wyatt’s status as an intriguing prospect has picked up steam over the past year and he will need to cash in with a solid junior campaign. McClain is another lengthy wing that can wreak havoc on defense. Wright stands 5-foot-9, but the jitterbug guard is a potent scorer. McEachern transfer Clayvon Croom, 6-foot-4, is another lengthy wing that can play a multitude of positions his senior year.

Creekside turns to Head Coach Gregory Freeman to lead the Seminoles into the postseason after Freeman endured a short stint at Lovejoy. The Noles lose over 30 points of combined scoring with the graduation of Shawn Rushing (14.7), Tremell Gooden (12.6) and Joshua Jones (11.7). If three-star football tight end Khalil McClain returns to the hardwood (12.8 ppg, 9.4 rpg), Creekside could have a tough frontcourt with the addition of Tyson Jackson. The 6-foot-7 rising junior posted 7.0 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game at Whitefield Academy and has gained muscle over the offseason.

Langston Hughes faltered last year in the brutal Region 3-AAAAAA after losing Chuma Okeke to crosstown rival Westlake. Nonetheless, the Panthers still return one of the most underrated backcourts in the state with two D-I caliber players. Khalil Cuffee saw his scoring average drop in 2015-16, but still led the team in scoring at 15.5 points while hitting on 42% of his threes. On August 25, Cuffee committed to SE Missouri State. The college-bodied 6-foot-4 guard teams up with 6-foot-4 Derrick Cook, a fellow senior, who exploded onto the scene his junior season and has since committed to Northeastern. Cook posted 15 points and 5.1 rebounds, flourishing in his lead guard spot. New to the picture is a potential game-changer in 6-foot-5 junior guard Landers Nolley II. Nolley started his career at Lovejoy before transferring to Curie, IL last year where he won a state championship. Now back in Georgia, Nolley provides shooting, playmaking and length to Coach Rory Welsh’s perimeter. If he can get his three guards to click at the same time, the Panthers will be tough to beat, especially if they can get stops on defense every night. Inside, 6-foot-5 senior Ahmid Bryant and 6-foot-5 sophomore Jaylen McCluney provide the bounce and rebounding. McCluney is as springy as they come inside and should be a major help in his expanded role. The energetic forward has progressed nicely this summer and has improved his finishing at the rim.

Tri-Cities big man Jordan Gaines came on late, earning a scholarship to Savannah State after finishing up his senior season. With Gaines gone, the backcourt should now be a strength for the Bulldogs with 5-foot-11 senior Derrick Dawson and potent lefty scorer DaMarcus Johnson returning. Johnson, a sophomore guard, already holds offers from North Florida and Southern. 6-foot-3 junior Eli Lawrence also picked up an offer from Southern.

Northgate searches for a leader after six seniors graduate including Jordan McGruder. Senior guard Nate Lee is expected to be a top option for the Vikings.

Region 6

Allatoona (31-1)^5A
Sequoyah (20-9)^5A
Dalton (19-7)^5A
Sprayberry (18-11)^5A
Creekview (16-10)^5A
South Cobb (15-11)
Harrison (12-14)
Osborne (8-15)
River Ridge (8-18)^5A

Allatoona couldn’t put a capper on their dream season, falling for the second year in a row in the Class AAAAA state championship, this time to Miller Grove in heartbreaking fashion 50-48. Known as the best defensive team in the state, the Bucs have holes to fill with an experienced backcourt graduating. Ephraim Tshimanga keyed the defensive pressure up top, averaging 12.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 3.1 steals as a senior. Also gone are Kevin Perry (9.9 ppg) and Dylon Ramsey (6.4 ppg) along with 6-foot-8 late-blooming center Randy Legros. Junior Trey Doomes’ stock has exploded this summer, earning offers from the likes of Auburn, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Florida Gulf Coast, Furman, Georgia Southern and more. The long armed 6-foot-3 guard returns after leading the team in scoring at 14.3 points per game and adding 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.6 steals. Doomes’ one soft spot has been his jumper which he has improved upon this summer. His defensive intensity atop Coach Markus Hood’s defense will set the tone this year. The Bucs will need scoring help to repeat last year’s success. Michael Johnson and Tyler Jackson are likely to man the backcourt their senior seasons. Inside, Rolan Wooden and TJ Goodrum must help on the glass. Chima Ogboi could be the team’s X-factor his junior season with his versatility as a 6-foot-4 forward.

Sequoyah goes back to the drawing board after Jordan Usher decided to take his talents to Wheeler for his senior season. Navy signee Cameron Cox is gone also after graduating. Allen Carden takes over as head coach after serving as the Sprayberry’s girls coach and brings a much needed X’s and O’s to the sidelines to try and maximize the Chiefs’ talent. It will be a major rebuilding year. Sophomores DJ King and Emanuel Jenkins likely represent the future.

Dalton loses 3/5 of their starting five including leading scorer Drake McCowan, but the Catamounts return senior point guard Nick Hurt and junior forward Aaron Fraire. Hurt poured in over 16 points per game last year while Fraire contributed mostly with his defense and length at 6-foot-5. Last season depth was a concern.

Sprayberry earned a playoff berth but was quickly dismantled by Miller Grove 101-41. The Yellow Jackets lose a lot of their sting as guards Djimon Wilson, Chris Cottman and Rian Oliver graduate from a quick backcourt. Senior 6-foot-7 forward Mo Merritt is out as well after transferring to North Cobb Christian. 6-foot-5 junior post Andrew Giles should see more time inside. He can score with his back to the basket but must make quicker and more decisive moves on a regular basis. 5-foot-10 senior Eddie Figueroa along with 6-foot-1 three-year starter Rodney Pearson will run the offense as shifty distributors that can get into the paint.

The pieces are in place for Creekview to make a run into the postseason, now it’s up to the Grizzlies to clinch their first berth since 2012-13.  The experience is there between 6-foot-6 senior forward Chandler Wright and senior guard Weber Sandlin. The swagger is there as well with junior guard KJ Jenkins, who filled it up this summer with 16U Team Atlanta.  Jenkins is a player to keep an eye on in Cherokee County with his sweet stroke from deep and his overall scoring mentality. If the core of Wright, Sandlin and Jenkins can produce, the Grizz have a shot to surprise some people.

South Cobb escapes from Region 3-AAAAAA, the toughest region in the state last year. The Eagles held their own and performed admirably, going 6-8 in the region. Trey Wade is gone after posting 19.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Younger brother Trevin doesn’t have his size, but at 5-foot-11, he can fill it up. He averaged 9.5 points, 3.1 rebounds and a team-best 3.0 assists per game as a sophomore. Fellow junior, Taje Ray, is 6-foot-1 and averaged 9.3 points and 4.4 rebounds. 6-foot-8 senior Ralueke Orizu needs a breakout season in the post after averaging 5.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks.

Harrison turns to seniors Tate Coston, Juwan Owens and Chris Brown to lead the Hoyas from the backcourt after the graduation of All-Region selection Austin York, the team’s go-to forward.

Senior LaTrell Tate powers Osborne. The lead guard averaged 15 points per game and made Second Team All-Region. Expect the Cardinals to play pressure defense with an aggressive and attacking set of guards.

River Ridge relies on senior guard Noah Fitzgerald, junior guard Chris Williams and senior post Destin Exinor. Fitzgerald averaged seven points per game and will lead from the backcourt along with the 6-foot-1 Williams. Exinor brings a high-energy motor which sometimes can get out of control. If he can stay composed, he is an entertaining competitor for Coach Ben Farist.

Region 7

Johns Creek (24-5)^5A
Centennial (14-13)^5A
Pope (14-15)
Chattahoochee (12-14)^5A
Alpharetta (11-18)^5A
North Atlanta (9-18)^5A
Northview (8-18)^5A
Dunwoody (8-19)^5A
Cambridge (6-20)^5A

After leading Johns Creek to its best record in school history, Pete Goggin was let go. In steps Keenan Temple, an experienced assistant coach with his previous stop coming at former Region 6-AAAAAA foe Lambert. The Gladiators lose a bulk of their scoring with Mason Henkel (11.9 ppg, 6.2 rpg), Ian Joseph (10 ppg, 5 rpg) and Miles Clay (9.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg) gone. Senior Mark Lancaster led the team in scoring at 15.1 points, but is off to IMG Academy to pursue his football career. Flying under the radar, sophomore guard Neil Ilenrey looks set to take the reins. He was mightily impressive at the Etowah Summer Shootout Showcase as a 6-foot-2 playmaker. He scored from all three levels, rebounded and passed the ball well. The well-built youngster continued his aggressive play with the Georgia Elite Ballers and turned heads at the HoopSeen Fall Preview. He has the makings of being a good one. Senior guard Andre Taylor will also see an increased role and should provide some help scoring the ball. Seniors Alex Ruoff and Topher Sullivan bring size to the table inside at 6-foot-5 and 6-foot-6.

Darrian Brown leaves a void at point guard for Centennial. He averaged 11.4 points, 6.7 assists and 4.2 rebounds his senior season. Junior guard Daylan Smith has transferred to Duluth. Junior Aaron Palmer played sparingly, but presents an undeniable size down low at 6-foot-6. Centennial also has bruising 6-foot-6 post Rodney Howard. He is a strong center that should see time as a sophomore. He will need to finish around the rim more consistently.

Pope enters Year 2 of their rebuilding process after graduating a great 2015 class. The Greyhounds have some potential breakout players in 6-foot-4 junior Jackson Baylark and 6-foot-2 senior guard Alex Watson. Watson was named All-Region Second Team last year as a quick handling lead guard. Baylark had a productive summer as a high energy defender and major athlete attacking the rim. With two dynamic pieces in place, Pope could contend for the top of the region.
Injuries hurt Chattahoochee last season as the Cougars were unable to make the postseason. DC Roumou, Trevor Anderson and Alex Kladis all graduate, leaving room for others to step up in 2016-17. Aside from an eight-man senior class, the Cougars suited up just two juniors, three sophomores and one freshman. Sophomore Grant Van Beveren should see some big minutes. The throwback post isn’t sexy, but the 6-foot-5 power forward can score with both hands around the basket and does the little things to help win games. He could carve out a nice niche as a strong back to the basket option, able to score over opponents with baby hooks.

Fredrick Hurt steps down from a wildly successful run at Alpharetta and gives way to Jason Dasinger, a former Pope assistant. The Raiders return a strong core that should put them through to the postseason again. Seniors Carlos Carriere, David Swillum and transfer Ellis Merriweather make up reliable group. Carriere is a lanky 6-foot-6 forward while Swillum is a steady guard that does the little things when he’s not attacking teams with his jumper. Merriweather is a Navy football-commit and on the hardwood, is a dynamic 6-foot-2 scoring guard that can fill it up. He moves in from nearby King’s Ridge Christian. Also in is talented sophomore guard Brandon Barron, who exits Westlake. Barron, 5-foot-8, is a confident guard that can get where he wants off the bounce. He has a soft touch when attacking the lane and a nice pull-up jumper off the dribble. Junior RJ Pass and senior Jaylen Young compose a reliable ball handling backcourt with junior Ryan Jenei a dangerous shooter. Junior Benji Oxman is a streaky knockdown shooter that can carry the Raiders from behind the arc if left open.

North Atlanta went through some growing pains last year and might go through some more now that rising sophomore guard Messiah Thompson has transferred to Pebblebrook. The 5-foot-8 guard led the team in scoring with close to 12 points per game and also chipped in over three steals a night. Over the summer he has manned the point guard position for 15U Atlanta Xpress. Senior power forward Derrick Donagan should be a lead option on offense. Move-in from Etowah, Andrew Stimpson, should see major minutes in the backcourt.

Northview losses last year’s leading scorer in Garrett Milan Stewart but returns 2014-15 leading scorer Justin Brown. Brown began his high school career as a Titan where he averaged 15.1 points per game. Last season he joined Milton but is now back at Northview, set to star as a Titan once again his junior campaign.  The guard will have full control of the offense along with senior Mason McBee who averaged 6.9 points in 2015-16. Sophomore guard Joseph Jones moves in from Missouri and will provide some depth as a defensive-minded athlete.

Dunwoody moves on without star forward BJ Millard who posted 16 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.6 blocks his senior season. 6-foot-3 junior forward Turner Nims showed promise last year averaging 6.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.6 steals. Junior Ty Lilly and seniors Will Benston and Connor Vieria bring back experience.

Coach Chip Flemmer continues to exude patience with fifth-year program Cambridge. Though the fruits of their labor might not come to fruition just yet in 2016-17, the future is starting to brighten up for the Bears. 5-foot-10 guard Kamar Robertson led Cambridge as a freshman last year, averaging 11.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists. Robertson is an energetic athlete that flies around the floor, stuffing the stat sheet. His aggressiveness will keep Cambridge in many games and could become contagious. He promises 20 wins from the Bears this year. If that’s the case, it will be one of the great turnarounds in the state. Elsewhere, senior Jackson Boyea chipped in 8.3 points and junior forwards Caleb Snyder and Kyler Ingram worked the boards well as undersized 6-foot-2 posts. Ingram quietly emerged as an imposing shot blocker as a sophomore, averaging 1.8 per game and swatting away nine shots in a game against Sprayberry. Sophomore David Banks is a lengthy forward that should make more of an impact in Year 2 after chipping in 3.1 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. The Bears graduate just one senior from last year’s team.

Region 8

Gainesville (21-6)^5A
Apalachee (19-6)^5A
Dacula (19-7)
Lanier (9-17)^5A
Habersham Central (5-21)
Winder-Barrow (2-23)^5A

Even without Georgia State signee D’Marcus Simonds and quality contributors Tae Turner and Messiah Dorsey, Gainesville is still loaded and has a chance to make a deep run in the state tournament. A powerful junior class is expected to carry the Red Elephants. 6-foot-6 KJ Buffen has seen his recruitment heat up, picking up offers from High Major schools such as Georgia Tech. The long forward gets the job done in multiple ways. With 16U Southern Stampede, Buffen controlled the glass and scored inside and outside. When he revs his motor up on both ends, he is a matchup nightmare. Fellow juniors Bailey Minor and Xavier Bledson present issues as well. While Minor may never be “The” guy during his high school career, he is a college level player. The 6-foot-5 stretch forward is automatic from the corners and can also take his man on the block. Minor isn’t afraid to mix it up in the paint on defense either. Bledson is a stocky guard with advanced court vision. He is good for a couple riffle passes a game and will rack up the assists this year as the Elephants like to spread teams out and pick them apart with their unselfish passing. The addition of 6-foot-6 twins Jarred and Jarrel Rosser from Newnan make the Gainesville junior class that much more potent as long as they stay focused, take to coaching and fit into the system. The Rosser brothers have high ceilings and can play spots 2-5 on the floor. Adding them to the mix alleviates some defensive and rebounding pressure off Minor and Buffen. No one will be stepping out of the shadow cast by Simonds more than senior Mike White. The 6-foot-4 guard has had an impressive summer. He is physically strong enough to attack the basket and finish through contact while he can also catch fire from beyond the three-point line. White really has a chance to breakout his senior season. 5-foot-11 junior point guard KaJuan Hale has moved in from Austin-East High School, TN. He is a football standout but also a savvy ball handler with speed and passing, who should fit in well with the Red Elephants’ style of play.

Apalachee graduates the best player in Barrow County history in Butler signee Kamar Baldwin (29.6 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 4.5 apg, 3.7 spg). It might take some time to match their 19-win output from last year, but 6-foot-6 junior Derek Miller showed signs of being a difference maker his sophomore season. Miller is still new to basketball and has untapped potential he is trying to harness. Coach Kevin Morris expects senior guard Omar Ahmed to ignite the Wildcat offense in 2016-17.

Dacula was shutout of the playoffs after an upset loss to Central Gwinnett. The Falcons finished the year 19-7 overall and 12-4 in Region 8-AAAAAA, an impressive feat. The dynamic scoring duo of Kevon Tucker (Wofford-19.7 ppg) and Derek St. Hilarie (Gordon State-18.3 ppg) sounds hard to replace but Dr. Russ Triaga’s Falcons haven’t skipped a beat this summer with sophomore point guard Mekhail Bethea leading the way. At Gwinnett County Media Day, Triaga said Bethea, “is as good as anybody I’ve ever coached. To be completely honest with you, he’s beyond where the three who just left were when they were sophomores.” Bethea’s court awareness and ability to hit big shots has parlayed into a North Florida offer. Bethea leads a talented squad paced by its guards. Junior Arusha Hunter, senior Gary Bishop and senior Justin Goodson all looked good alongside Bethea and junior Byron Wilson. A lack of size always presents a potential problem, but 6-foot-5 junior post Shayne Buckingham looks ready to take the next step in his third year as a varsity contributor. Buckingham is active on the boards and is starting to score around the basket with more consistency. Dacula will challenge for a top seed coming out of Region 8.

Lanier returns plenty from last year’s 9-win team including leading scorer, junior Adrian Martin. The 6-foot-3 guard poured in 15.6 points per game and added 2.2 steals. Joining him are seniors Tyler Taylor (8.3 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 3.5 apg), Juwan Jones (7.6 ppg) and Bryan Mungai. Junior point guard Christian Pasley is the orchestrator of the offense.

Habersham Central loses top guard Mason Kinsey (17 ppg, 5 rpg) and forward Cody Patterson to graduation. 6-foot Michael Babers and 6-foot-5 Austin Frady bring back some experience. The Raiders haven’t had a winning season since 2011-12. Junior forward Caleb Hodges showed a nice scoring touch as a sophomore. Sophomore point guard Caleb Gaines is crafty with the ball. He is expected to take the reins of the offense after leading the Currahee Defenders on the travel circuit. Gaines’ floater in the lane is one of his top weapons offensively.

Winder-Barrow looks to rebuild behind seniors Tyrese Demeritte, Deon Williams, Terence Butler and Tyrell Demeritte. The Bulldoggs haven’t been .500 since 2012-13 when current Flowery Branch head coach David Sokol roamed the sidelines.

Class AAAAA

Region 1

Warner Robins (21-3)
Bainbridge (21-9)^4A
Harris County (9-16)
Thomas County Central (5-21)^4A
Veterans (3-23)^4A 

The last team to beat Miller Grove in the state playoffs? Warner Robins in 2014-15. The Demons are the only hiccup in the Wolverines’ seven state titles in eight years. Last year, Warner Robins lost only three games but was bounced too soon, losing in the Sweet 16 to Southwest DeKalb, 65-60. Marquez Callaway is off to Tennessee to play football while 6-foot-8 Donovan Brown is set to play at Columbia State.  Juniors Jacolbey Owens (10 ppg) and Nelson Phillips (12 ppg) are next in line to lead the Demons. Owens is a big shot maker while Phillips is a long wing that can defend the ball well and create his own shot. Junior guard Champ Dawson moves in after averaged 10.8 points at First Presbyterian Day and will make an immediate impact to a young and talented backcourt. Jaron Zanders (6 ppg), Jaydon Norman (5 ppg) and Jam’l Dillard (4 ppg) round out a rising junior class.

Terry Smith takes over the reins at Bainbridge after coaching at Peach County. It will be a challenging task as UGA signee Tyree Crump, DeVonte Jones, Trevon Shaw and Myles Thomas all graduate. Senior D’Anta Williams should see the scoring burden placed on his shoulders after averaging 7.8 points and 5.6 rebounds as a 6-foot-4 guard.

Harris County and Head Coach Patavious Sorrell lose a pair of 17-point per game scorers in Donald Johnson III and Jaylyn Richardson. Junior 6-foot-2 guard Riqueito Leonard IV and 6-foot-7 senior Aquavious Fanning are the foundation of the Tiger team. Leonard averaged 11.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.5 steals while Fanning averaged a double-double and blocked nearly four shots a game. Senior three-point specialist AJ Coker moves into the starting lineup after serving as sixth man last year. He shot 45% from three in 2015-16. Guards Tre Terry and Tailique Williams are set to make their full-time debuts on the varsity squad and will bring with them tenacious perimeter defense.

Thomas County Central exits a deep 11-team Region 1-AAAA for the smaller five-team group in Region 1-AAAAA. The Yellow Jackets had to deal with five teams with 19 wins or more last season and should see a little more success this year. 5-foot-7 junior guard Tae Cooksey led the team in scoring at 9.9 points. 5-foot-11 senior Berle Jones should round out the backcourt after netting 6 points on average.

Veterans flopped to 3-23 last year, but talent returns for the Warhawks. Veterans will be anchored by a pair of seniors: 6-foot-7 Josh Linder and 6-foot guard Dathan Boyd. Linder averaged over 13 points and 12 rebounds while Boyd led the team in scoring with upwards of 14 points a night. The slender and active forward committed to Georgia State over the summer. The Warhawks will be under new leadership as Nick Brooks, a former Warner Robins assistant, assumes the head coaching job.

Region 2

Statesboro (22-9)
New Hampstead (17-11)^4A
Ware County (17-14)
South Effingham (7-19)
Wayne County (4-24)^4A

Statesboro had its ups and downs last year in Region 3-AAAAA, a region that featured six teams with 17 or more wins. It looked as if the Blue Devils had peaked at the right time but Statesboro fell in the Region title game to Camden County. They quickly rebounded, beating Cross Creek in the opening round of the state playoffs and looked destined to upset Riverwood in the Sweet 16, but the Raiders held the Blue Devils to just 13 points in the second half as Riverwood stormed back for a wild and controversial 48-47 victory. For the 2016-17 season Statesboro will rely on its guard play led by 6-foot-2 senior Marcus Kirkland. Kirkland along with junior Tyler Goodman worked well in the offseason together. Statesboro is at its best when they are knocking down threes.

New Hampstead set a school-record in wins with 17 last year under the guidance of Coach Tonya Mackey. Since opening in 2012, Mackey has overseen the steady progress of the Phoenix basketball team. In fact, the now fifth-year school has made the postseason every year except for its inaugural season. The Phoenix earned their first postseason win last year as they upset Upson-Lee, 73-56 as a No. 4 seed. New Hampstead returns its top seven leading scorers, six of which are now seniors led by the dazzling play of 5-foot-7 lefty Oronte Anderson. Anderson poured in 22.1 points and added 4.6 assists as a junior. The dynamo long-distance sniper hit on 63-of-102 threes for a 62% rate. Joining the attack is 6-foot-6 Xavier Jones (14.2 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 1.4 bpg) and Calvin Turner Jr. (12.8 ppg).

Ware County surged into the playoffs winning 11-straight games before dropping three straight to finish the season with an 89-61 loss to Warner Robins in the first round. Senior guard JeMar Lincoln finished up a strong junior campaign and will be the presumed go-to guy now that Michael Flynn has graduated. Jared Richardson, a 6-foot-6 senior forward, also returns as an important piece moving forward.

South Effingham’s returning leading scorer will be senior Derrick Newberry who pitched in over 6 points per game. The Mustangs graduate six seniors including top scorers Travis Simmons and Ben Brennan. Five sophomores suited up last year and should be in line to make contributions in 2016-17.

Wayne County will try to be more competitive this season after hiring Lemetrice Ray. The Yellow Jackets haven’t had a winning record since 2012-13. Though they only won four games last year, the Jackets scored major upsets of Ware County, 65-47 and Long County, a 20-win team, 74-64.

Region 3

McIntosh (29-3)
Morrow (22-8)
Fayette County (15-12)^4A
Whitewater (14-11)^4A
Starr’s Mill (12-12)
Riverdale (10-15)^4A
Griffin (7-18)^4A 

The most successful era in McIntosh basketball came to a close after losing to Miller Grove in the Class AAAAA Final Four, 72-52. Jordan Lyons (Furman), Dishon Lowery (Wofford), Will Washington, Isaac Kellum, Chase Walter all graduate; the Chiefs’ entire starting five. The future of the program now lies within 6-foot-7 shooter Cole Guenther. The rising junior is long and lanky and can catch fire with the best of them. It will be interesting to see him in his new found expanded role. If Guenther can add some more weight onto his frame and continue to build his confidence, the sniper could warrant some college looks. Guenther put on a three-point exhibition with Furman on hand to watch and has a handful of schools starting to lineup to track his progress. Senior forward Ben Bryant along with guards Will Strowman, Jaylen Holloway and Mitch Maxwell return with varsity experience.

Morrow was ahead of schedule last year with a young team, improving from 10-15 to 22-8. The Mustangs edged Shaw in overtime 57-55 in the opening round of the state playoffs before dropping to Allatoona 52-41. Junior guards Leviticus Glover and Keion Shinka-Parris spearhead the attack. Glover poured in 17 points per game while Shinka-Parris tossed in 11.1. Inside, 6-foot-5 senior forward Stanley Henderson averaged 13 points and 13 rebounds. Senior guard Di’Jon Brown also brings firepower to the table, scoring over 8 points per game and earning All-County Honorable Mention honors. With a now proven core still intact, the Mustangs could emerge as the team to beat in Region 3.

The reigning Region 5-AAAA Player of the Year, Furman-commit Noah Gurley, will try to help Fayette County make another trip back to the Sweet 16. The Tigers upset Buford 69-62 and later fell to Monroe in overtime, 72-67. Gurley, 6-foot-7, blossomed into a D-I prospect his junior season after earning Most Improved Player honors for AAAA. He averaged 16.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.7 blocks. Senior guards Austin Nesmith (9 ppg, 5.5 apg) and Phillip Young (8.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg) will join Gurley after second-leading scorer Jaylon Cheffin has graduated and Eric Williams has transferred to Sandy Creek.

Whitewater is in search for a new go-to guy on offense and some leadership after their top five scorers – all seniors – graduate. 6-foot-3 senior forward Jordan Wright posted 5.7 points and 6.0 rebounds a game last year and will likely be a focal point along with senior Josh Anthony and junior Josh Graham.

Starr’s Mill is next in line to breakthrough and make the playoffs sooner rather than later. The young team has gone through its growing pains but still managed to post a 10-8 record in Region 4-AAAAA last year. Junior guard Zach Pina leads the attack, averaging 15.5 points per game and 2.6 assists. He was named All-County last year following his Freshman Region Player of the Year honors in 2014-15. He had help from rising sophomore 6-foot-4 Nate Allison, who went for 12.2 points and 6.5 rebounds as a freshman. Allison followed in Pina’s footsteps, winning Region Freshman of the Year for 4-AAAAA. The inside-out punch also features junior Drew Hudson who chipped in 8.6 points and 4.6 rebounds. At 6-foot-5, Hudson poses matchup problems with his ability to shoot the long ball, rebound and defend. Only three seniors graduate from last year’s team. A winning record would be their first since 2012-13 when the Panthers finished 18-11.

Coach Derick Powell has taken baby steps in returning Riverdale back to its glory days. In his first year back on the sidelines, Powell directed the Raiders to a 10-15 season after Riverdale finished 6-18 in Xavier Trice’s final year. All five starters return for their senior years headlined by All-County Honorable Mention selections Jonathan Foster, James Johnson and Jeran Walton.

Willie Reese takes over as head coach at Griffin after a one-year stint at Meadowcreek.  The Bears have some talent for a 7-win team. 7-foot senior center Tyshaun Crawford is a late bloomer starting to come into his own. He committed to Georgia Southern and will be a long term project with an interesting ceiling. Right now the raw big man is a space eater that alters shots and has become more aggressive attacking loose balls and scoring inside. He averaged 9.2 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.0 blocks as a junior.  Tyrique Williams is a 6-foot-5 senior forward that led the team in scoring with 9.5 points and 5.2 rebounds. Junior Darrell Evans added 6.7 points and rising sophomore point guard Jacarlin Dennis pitched in over 6 points on average.

Region 4

Eagle’s Landing (24-5)^4A
Stockbridge (14-10)
Woodland-Stockbridge (14-10)
Jones County (16-13)
Dutchtown (11-15)
Union Grove (9-16)
Locust Grove (9-17)^4A
Ola (3-20)
Hampton (0-26)^4A

Eagle’s Landing saw a fantastic season destroyed in the first round of the state playoffs, losing to Bainbridge 80-49. The Eagles must replace top two leading scorers Jordan Lewis (15.6 ppg) and Antonio Gibson (11 ppg, 5.3 rpg). Back are young guards Tarrence Evans and Chris Hood who both produced as underclassmen. Evans averaged 10.2 points as a sophomore while Hood netted 7.8 points per game as a 6-foot-3 freshman. New to the fold is 6-foot-8 center Mohammed Abubukar who transfers in from Hamilton Heights, TN. The recent North Carolina A&T-commit is a major post presence that has a nice skill set inside and could become a game-changer with steady guard play around him. He is comfortable attacking from the high post, getting to the basket and has shown confidence in launching from the three-point line. The Eagles also added All-County First Team selection junior guard Brandon Thomas. The 6-foot-3 shooter averaged close to 18 points per game at region foe Locust Grove and has earned interest from D-I schools in the southeast with his pure jumper, netting an offer from Kennesaw State.

Virgil Fields and JaDon Davis take their talents to Albany State after starring in the backcourt for Stockbridge. The duo put up video-game like numbers, Davis averaging 23 points and Fields going for 19 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. Next in line to take over looks like Kavonte Ivery, a 6-foot-6 forward that averaged 11.1 points as a sophomore.

Woodland-Stockbridge loses some of its top scoring options but junior Jaylyn Clark and senior JayQuan Coles are expected back. Coles, a 6-foot-3, 275-pound defensive tackle on the football team, averaged 7.3 points and 5.1 rebounds as a space eating post. Senior Benjamin Ross is a high-flying wing that brings energy to the Woodland perimeter.

Jones County made a run to the Sweet 16 as a No. 4 seed, upsetting Camden County 66-62 before falling to Mays 70-68. The Greyhounds lose a lot from their explosive offense with Devin Wooten (23.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 4.1 apg), Landravious Bowden (16.2 ppg, 6.8 rpg) and Jayvaugn Patterson (13 ppg, 5.6 rpg) all graduating. Junior forward Kylan Hill’s transfer to Central-Macon hurts as well as he led the team in rebounding at 7.6 while averaging 8.9 points. Coach’s son, Dennis Woolfolk Jr., returns for his senior season after posting 5.6 points and 6.2 assists per game. Help could be on the way as Wooten’s younger cousin, Bryson Wooten, is set to attend Jones County for his freshman year. The 5-foot-10 guard could see playing time as a freshman after putting together a nice summer with 14U Macon United HypeSouth Elite.

Jamal Basit looks to steer Dutchtown in the right direction in his first year as head coach after a stay at South Gwinnett. Bryce Parks is in place for his senior season after averaging over 11 points per game. Parks works hard on both ends of the floor and isn’t afraid to facilitate. He will need some help around him as Que Askew and Innocent Onyegbula have both graduated as top scoring options.

With their top five leading scorers coming back, Union Grove has its sights set on making some noise and sneaking up on some teams. The Wolverines put together a 22-2 summer, winning their respective tournaments at Florida State and Georgia College. Junior guard Wesley Simpson is the catalyst after averaging 11.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.8 steals as a sophomore. Senior Jeffrey Crawford returns his 7.5 points per game as well as senior Austin Atkins who posted 7.3 points on average. The play of 6-foot-6 senior Braelen Bridges inside could be an X-factor if the post is able to control the paint after averaging 4.2 points and 3.8 rebounds.

Locust Grove continues to regroup behind rising 5-foot-7 sophomore point guard Renarldo Smith, who earned Honorable Mention for his play. The loss of Brandon Thomas is huge.

Ola returns juniors Chris Rodriquez (10.2 ppg) and Kaelon Hinton (9.8 ppg) along with senior post Bevon Wray (6.9 ppg) to a team that managed just 1-win in Region 4-AAAAA.

Hampton enters Year 3 of existence and comes off a 0-26 season following a 3-23 mark in their inaugural 2014-15 season. Senior guard Jaylen Love led the team in scoring as a junior at 11.2 points per game. Rising seniors David Brown and SirVetus Ratcliff were the team’s second and third leading scorers with over five points per game.

Region 5

Miller Grove (31-3)
Lithonia (26-5)^4A
Southwest DeKalb (25-6)
Columbia (14-13)^4A
Arabia Mountain (10-16)^4A
Chamblee (7-19)^4A
Clarkston (6-18)
Cross Keys (0-22)^4A

Miller Grove captured its seventh state title in eight years with a 50-48 win over Allatoona, but life will be much different now that Head Coach Sharman White has taken his unparalleled success to Georgia State where he is now an assistant. Rasul Chester gets the nod as head coach after spending one season as the head man at Stephenson after years of being an assistant on White’s staff at Miller Grove. Guard play will once again power the Wolverines but a new lead dog has to step up with McDonald’s All-American Alterique Gilbert (UConn) and Aaron Augustin (Stephen F. Austin) gone. Aidan Saunders and Colin Young were also integral pieces while 6-foot-6 forward Raylon Richardson begins his college football career at UAB. Back is Tae Hardy, an explosive senior guard who now steps out of the shadows of Gilbert and Augustin. White described Hardy before last season as, “quietly kept as probably one of the best players in the state with his ability and what he can do with the basketball.” Hardy averaged 16.5 points per game at Southwest DeKalb before moving over to rival Miller Grove his junior season. The instant offense 6-foot-3 guard should balloon his scoring average which was 9.4 points last year. Top perimeter defender, senior Joshua Jackmon, is on the mend after tearing his ACL this summer. Jackmon’s athleticism can change games and he is a great rebounder for a 6-foot-3 guard. He posted 5.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.0 steals per contest. He is not yet 100%, but hopes to be soon. Sophomore guards Jalen Mason and Maurice Harvey seem poised to take the mantle as the next leaders of the pack moving forward. Junior AJ Bey and seniors Lorenzo Anderson and George Wilson provide depth and scoring as well at guard. Inside, 6-foot-7 junior Kevin Paige has increased his production and 6-foot-6 sophomore Tworn Seals is a rising prospect that is polishing his game around the rim. Seals has the body but his skillset isn’t at a level where he can be an impact player just yet. Added to the mix is Arabia Mountain transfer Jermon Clark. The 6-foot-7 junior post averaged 5.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. He will be a nice piece that should have a chance to start while Seals continues to work on his craft.

Lithonia was loaded last year and came away with the Region 6-AAAA title, the best region in Class AAAA.  The Bulldogs took a trip to the Final Four but fell to eventual state champion Liberty County, 81-68 after falling in an early 16-0 hole. It looks like it could be a rebuilding year as Jacara Cross (Jacksonville State), Rodney Chatman (Chattanooga), Tyleen Patterson and Tyheem Freeman all graduate. The most experienced players returning are senior guards Robert Hatchett III and Cortez Roberson, two guards that will be asked to carry the offense while rising juniors Sydarius Stinson and Ziven Alexander could see bigger roles this year.

Southwest DeKalb bowed out of the Class AAAAA playoffs in the Elite Eight with a 56-44 loss to Allatoona. 6-foot-4 forward Keith Gilmore was a tough cover and averaged 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists his senior season. Nathaniel Ambersley also leaves a void graduating his 12.5 points and 4.7 assists. Lastly, center TiQuan Lewis (10.9 ppg, 6.9 rpg) is also off to college. Diminutive 5-foot-7 senior point guard Darius Hogan is the team’s returning leading scorer. The streaky shooter hit a team-best 68 threes at a 37% rate on his way to averaging 8.8 points. Junior Mandarius Dickerson is an improving playmaker that should put together a nice season after posting 7.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists. Dickerson is teetering on the verge of solidifying himself as a D-I prospect. Two other juniors, Quincy Carter and Joshua Archer, bring quickness and potential to the Panther backcourt.

It’s hard to find a school that made a bigger splash than Columbia. Following an uninspiring 14-13 finish and an 8-10 mark in Region 6-AAAA, Coach Kerry Sandifer has stepped aside making way for 5-time state champion Dr. Phillip McCrary, who returns to Columbia after spending 25 seasons (1988-2012) on the bench, compiling a 546-185 (.746%) record. The Eagles return a long and athletic lineup bolstered by three transfers. Senior team captain Jalen “JJ” Cobb averaged a team-high 11.7 points as a junior guard. Rising juniors TJ Boykin and Lorenzo McGhee look ready to explode onto the high school scene after strong seasons with 16U Southern Stampede. McGhee, a 6-foot-4 guard, is an all-around scorer, able to get to the hoop with ease and can bury the three when open. He is also effective on the glass both defensively and offensively. Boykin, 6-foot-6, is a versatile wing player that disrupts passing lanes with his length. Cobb, Boykin and McGhee will be joined in the starting lineup by seniors Kenton Eskridge (Tucker) and Reyhan Cobb (Pius XI, WI). Eskridge starred with the crosstown Tigers as their leading scorer last year. The barrel-chested point guard can bowl over smaller defenders when attacking the cup. Eskridge ran with 17U Southern Stampede and played with and against some of the best players in the nation. Cobb played with Columbia his sophomore season before moving to Wisconsin where he averaged 10.7 points as a junior. The 6-foot-7 shot blocker provides energy, able to run the floor well and finish in transition. He will anchor the Eagles in the paint. 6-foot-7 freshman Joshua Taylor moves in from Holy Spirit Prep and represents a potential gem down the road that should make an impact in Year 1. He has a nice skillset, able to handle the ball in spurts and knock down jumpers. If Columbia can put it all together and build some depth behind its talented starting five, the Eagles should challenge for the region crown and have a chance for a postseason run.

A nucleus of Darius Giles, Jordan Sterling and Jamal Middleton should net Arabia Mountain some wins in a tough region. Giles, a 6-foot-3 senior guard, averaged a team-high 14.3 points last year. Sterling, a junior, averaged 8.5 points while Middleton, a senior, chipped in 5.1 points, 3 rebounds and 1.8 steals. The trio will be tested night in and night out and must hold their own. The loss of 6-foot-7 big man Jermon Clark will hurt the Rams’ interior defense.

Chamblee returns senior guard Odell Ferrell as their top scorer. Dazz Riggins and 6-foot-5 Glenn Robinson will be relied upon heavily in their final seasons as well. Robinson is a double-double threat after collecting five his junior season and provides toughness inside for the Bulldogs.

The Clarkston Angoras haven’t notched a winning record since 1988 – 28 years. The Angoras do however have a hidden gem in 6-foot-3 senior guard AJ McNeil. The sweet shooting and explosive athlete averaged 16 points per game and blocked 1.3 shots a night. McNeil broke out with 17U Team EAT this summer and has put himself in a nice position to continue his upward trajectory. The only problem is he hasn’t had much help, the Angoras scoring only 46.8 points per game last year. Running mate Mo Musa does return however for his senior season after averaging 10.8 points at point guard.

Cross Keys has lost an astounding 99-straight games dating back to 2012. Valiant efforts have been put forth by good coaches over the past five years with Arabia Mountain’s Dedrick Whiting the last coach to win a game back in 2011. Whiting’s final two seasons saw him go 0-35 while Kingston Clark, the current Woodstock head coach who brought the Wolverines their first playoff berth in 20 years in his first season at the helm, finished 0-41 from 2014-15. Last year it was Ron Jackson’s turn to feel the Indian woes, going 0-22. Cross Keys lands Duane Kelley, former Stockbridge and Alcovy head coach, who will try to resurrect the program. There is no light at the end of the tunnel yet. The Indians haven’t finished above .500 since 2006.

Region 6

Riverwood (29-2)
Grady (28-4)^4A
Jackson-Atlanta (15-14)^3A
Carver-Atlanta (10-12)
Decatur (11-15)^3A
Lithia Springs (10-18)
North Springs (6-18)
Banneker (5-21)

After dominating with a stingy defense (46.5 ppg) and a workhorse inside in 6-foot-7 Kohl Roberts (16.1 ppg, 13.9 rpg, 3.1 spg, 4.3 bpg), Riverwood will lean on its guard play following a school-record 29-win season. Coach Buck Jenkins’ son, Elijah, broke through his junior season as an up-and-coming college prospect. Jenkins averaged 4.4 points as a sophomore but last year honed his three-point shot and became one of the best shooters in the state, going 89-of-194 from beyond the arc, hitting at a 46% rate on his way to averaging 11.9 points. Jenkins, 6-foot-3, has good genes as his father is the All-Time leading Scorer at Columbia University. Jenkins committed to Embry-Riddle this past weekend. Also in the backcourt is senior Charnchai Chantha.  Chantha returned to Georgia after spending his sophomore year at Hamilton Heights, TN and brought with him a toughness versatile scoring attack. He hit 40% of his threes and finished averaging 10 points per game along with his team-high 4.9 assists. Both Jenkins and Chantha are proven commodities. The play of Amir Smith, Christian Sutton, Josh Brown and Nassir Mohammed will prove vital. Smith, a senior, steps into play important minutes in the backcourt now that Elijah Johnson has graduated. Sutton, a rising junior, did some good things this summer while Brown and Mohammed fill the gap left by Roberts. Brown is a springy 6-foot-6 senior while Mohammed is still growing into his body as a 6-foot-6 junior who hit a major growth spurt this past year. Last year scoring lulls killed the Raiders at times, but their defense carried them when they hit dry spells. When the Raiders are knocking down their three-ball, they can beat anyone. When they have an off night, Riverwood has to grind teams out which they did successfully in 2015-16.

Grady finished with a school-record 28 wins and advanced to the Class AAAA Final Four. The Knights however, were forced to vacate 10 wins, victories from January 26 on, for an ineligible player. Nonetheless, Grady put forth one of the best surprise seasons in the state even though expectations were high. Region Player of the Year Avi Toomer is off to Bucknell and will force Class AAAA Coach of the Year Brian Weeden to find a new go-to guy. A logical choice would be 6-foot junior guard DJ Brittian. The electrifying athlete averaged 9.7 points and 2.3 steals. He will be in charge of heading Grady’s lightning quick defense. The Knights will be small and quick this year with one of the youngest lineups in the region. Three to four freshmen are expected to contribute right away and see time in the starting lineup. Weeden’s incoming ninth graders will be the tallest players on the team aside from Louisville tight end commit Kemari Averrett, a 6-foot-7 presence in the low post who is still deciding whether or not to play basketball his senior season.

Jackson-Atlanta snuck its way into the playoffs by stunning 22-3 Westminster in the Region 4-AAA tournament, 53-48. JaQuavius Hayes rides momentum into his junior season after the 6-foot-6 post was named Most Improved Player in Class AAA, posting 21.9 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks per game. Senior guards Michael Graham (8.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg) and Quincy Gonzales (8.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.9 apg, 3 spg) surround Hayes. Travis Williams, a former head coach at Tennessee State, brings superior wisdom to the sidelines.

Carver-Atlanta attempts to build around seniors Patrick Hudson, Kenny Atkins and sophomore Demontra Hudson after the program failed to notch a winning record.

Terrill Hall, a dynamic three-sport athlete, powers Decatur. The 6-foot-4 senior averaged a team-high 14.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.6 steals. Next in line will be Dennis Bell, a senior power forward that chipped in 7.8 points per game. Uriah Pickens, a 6-foot-2 guard, is cleared to play his senior season after transferring from Clarkston and having to sit out. He had a very nice showing at the SEBA Atlanta All-Star Shootout.

Lithia Springs graduates their double-double machine, 6-foot-3 James Williams who posted 15.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game his senior season. Senior Ceaunte Zachary returns with the most experience and success on the varsity level after averaging 8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.6 steals. The combo guard is a nuisance defensively and thrives in the open floor.

A nice core is in place for North Springs as the Spartans are expected to return their top five scorers. Junior guard Vinnicius Viana led the way in scoring as a sophomore at 13.1 points while rising 6-foot-4 senior Grant Showell followed suit at 10.1 points, 9 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. 6-foot-4 junior Josh Smith, a baseball player, chipped in 5.3 points his sophomore season.

Banneker loses 6-foot-4 post Cramonta Snell, a Region 6-AAAAA Second Team selection. Snell averaged 14.5 points and 9.6 rebounds his final season. Along with Snell, in total the Trojans graduate their top seven scorers. 5-foot-1 point guard Deshon Astin is the team’s returning leading scorer at 3.5 points per game. Former North Springs head coach Carlos Cliett will try to turn Banneker’s fortunes around.

Region 7

Villa Rica (18-10)
Kell (16-13)
Rome (13-11)
Carrollton (13-15)^4A
Cass (10-16)
Hiram (11-19)
Woodland-Cartersville (5-19)
East Paulding (5-21)
Paulding County (5-21)

Villa Rica put together a great 2015-16 season and nearly upset Gainesville in the first round of the Class AAAAA state playoffs before falling 68-62. County Player of the Year Tye Hill (16.4 ppg, 8.2 rpg) headlines one of three huge losses. Also gone are Justus McWilliams (13.4 ppg, 10.7 rpg) and Noah Smith (12.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg). The Wildcats will go back to an up-tempo aggressive style of play that will be paced by a trio of senior guards in Rodney Thomas, Nigel Taylor and RJ Williams. Williams provides versatility as a 6-foot-3 pass-first point guard that can play passing lanes and help on the glass. Thomas is a strong outside shooter that has improved his dribble-drive game and is a leader on the team. Taylor is another tenacious on-ball defender that can get past his man on offense. Joining the trio is junior Javonte Hart, a high-IQ point guard that Coach Jason Robinson simply describes as a “winner”. Left-handed senior Jamarcus Middlebrooks is an energetic defender that plays above the rim while Adrian Sanchez and Jacob Forrester both stretch defenses from beyond the arc. Lattrel Swanigan could be an X-factor with his scoring touch. He averaged close to 20 points per game on the JV as a sophomore.

Kell earned a state playoff berth behind the play of emerging 6-foot-8 power forward Brian Thomas. Thomas saw his stock skyrocket in the offseason with 17U Game Elite before a foot injury slowed him down in the latter months. Thomas committed to Florida Gulf Coast after posting 16 points, 11 rebounds and 6 blocks per game at Kell. Seniors Demetris Page, Caelon Ball and Wayne Bryant support Thomas while rising juniors Savvon Delgado and Jahwan Smith should see increased roles. Coach Jermaine Sellers has overseen the steady improvement of the program while JV Coach Chris Marcusky has helped with the development of the younger Longhorns.

Rome graduates key players Jai Creamer, Daniel Reyes and Trey Driver. Guard Jaden Rivera returns as one of the Wolves’ top options.

After losing in the state championship in 2014-15, last season Carrollton slipped to 13-15 overall. Top scorers Jarel Rowe and Desmond Webb both graduate leaving Carson Culverhouse as Coach Tim Criswell’s grizzled veteran. The 5-foot-11 shooter is lethal when left open and can carry the Trojans. He brings a toughness and a confidence to Carrollton who is rebuilding behind the likes of sophomores Caleb Mitchell and Trevon Reddish and junior Jeffery Johnson. Freshmen Melvin Edwards and Marcellious Lockett represent a bright future. Both youngsters played well at the HoopSeen Elite Preview, battling against older players. Lockett posted 11 points, five rebounds and four assists against the likes of Jarred Godfrey (Sandy Creek), Trey Stevens (Hillgrove) and Jalyn McCreary (Kennesaw Mountain). Lockett dropped 41 points as a 6-foot scorer at the Future150 Atlanta Main Event in April. Edwards, 6-foot-2, is an active defender with a knack for blocking shots.

Cass scrapped its way to a 10-16 mark under young first-year head coach David Brock. The Colonels showed signs of improvement coming down the stretch however. Gone is Bartow County Co-Player of the Year Mike Sims but Ashton Burley and CJ Bennett compose a steady and often explosive backcourt. Burley enters his junior season after putting together a nice summer with 17U Active Elite while Bennett is back for his senior season following an All-County selection along with Burley.

Hiram graduates eight seniors including 6-foot-8 Alcorn State signee Devon Brewer who led the Hornets with 10 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2 blocks per game. Coach Darius Hodge’s returning leading scorer is senior guard Elijah Hoffman who averaged 2.4 points.

Woodland-Cartersville took some thumpings last year but hope they will be better for it in the future. Top players Jonathan Pritchett, Jarvis James and Brady Jernigan all graduate.  Returning starters senior guard Camden Royal and sophomore Justice Hayes will play big roles as the Wildcats’ most experienced duo. Seniors Trevor Knowles, Jaden Pressley and sophomore Jaylen Ballard project to get major minutes. Colman Roberts, former girls head coach, looks to build a winning culture.

Joby Boydstone’s “System” didn’t work out in Year 1 at East Paulding. The Raiders averaged 71.6 points per game but allowed 85. Four of East Paulding’s five wins came by 20+ points, but 14 of their losses came by 20+ as well. Football star Jalen Browder poured in 20.8 points and 6.1 rebounds per game as a junior. Outside of Browder, the Raiders’ next returning leading scorer is senior Caleb Ivey who pitched in 5.6 points.

Paulding County moves on from Malik Rush who averaged 15.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists. Seniors Dionte Ruffin and Dawson Kramer are the returning leading scorers. Ruffin averaged 9.5 points and 4.7 rebounds. Kramer, a 6-foot-4 post, added 8.6 points and 5.3 rebounds. Sophomore guard Jamal McIver saw quality playing time as a freshman and posted 4.7 points a night. Junior Vance Anderson brings help at the wing. Anchoring the paint is massive 6-foot-8, 285-pound senior center Marcus Austin. The immovable post has been working on his conditioning after averaging 4.5 points and 6.1 rebounds. Austin is still extremely raw but has shown progress with his back to the basket on offense.

Region 8

Cedar Shoals (29-3)
Walnut Grove (24-5)^4A
Flowery Branch (16-11)
Buford (16-12)^4A
Clarke Central (8-17)
Johnson-Gainesville (7-18)^4A
Loganville (3-21)

Cedar Shoals nearly broke the 30-win barrier last year as the Jaguars lost to Allatoona in the Class AAAAA Final Four 48-46 in a thriller. Coach L’Dreco Thomas returns all his starters except for sparkplug point guard Jerrick Mitchell, who was named Most Underrated in the state. The Jaguars don’t have imposing size but they do have excellent chemistry and play hardnosed defense. Phlan Fleming, a 6-foot-5 senior, committed to Charleston Southern after a stat-stuffing summer with AC Georgia Phoenix. Fleming does it all as a long-armed defender who can get hot in a hurry from all over the floor. The Jags can space teams out and pick them apart when Fleming and 6-foot-3 senior Snipe Hall are hitting. Hall is another dangerous shooter that has expanded his all-around game. Scrappy guard AJ Jones and football tight end 6-foot-4 Stavion Stevenson, provide hustle and energy on both ends of the floor. In order for the Jags to sustain their success, all eyes will be on senior guard Damarrea Lowe. The slight of build point guard fit into the Cedar Shoals offense seamlessly this summer. Though he might not have the speed or overall leadership of Mitchell just yet, Lowe is a good passer who gets everyone involved and can rebound and defend well out of his position. Jai’vanni McDavid, Q’titrius Dillard and Darien Appling could all play important roles off the bench.

Walnut Grove jumped into the statewide picture with 24 wins but quickly fell out come playoff time as they were defeated 64-45 by Jonesboro in the Region 4-AAAA Championship and then were blown out by Monroe 71-45. The Warriors go back to the drawing board now that their top four leading scorers all graduate including guards AJ Jones and Faizon Jackson. 6-foot-3 senior forward Dashun Smith returns with the most experience after posting 7.8 points and a team-leading 6.9 rebounds per game.

Flowery Branch didn’t make the state playoffs, but did win bragging rights in Hall County by winning the program’s first ever Lanierland title in the 56^th annual edition. The Falcons lose major contributors in big men Gabe Holston and Trey Bailey, but return a savvy backcourt between seniors John Mills and Brannon Clark. Junior guard Blake Coxworth served as a top backup last year and should see his role expand. Senior Dalton Gerdts is a threat from behind the arc with nice 6-foot-4 length. Junior Justin Quick, 6-foot-3, has had a very strong offseason and should be a key piece moving forward. Freshman Caleb Murphy moves in from the Norcross district. The shifty guard might be able to contribute in his first year if he gets stronger on defense against bigger guards.

Coach Eddie Martin looks to continue to build Buford into a powerhouse in Year 2. In Year 1, Buford went undefeated in Region 8-AAAA but was upset by Fayette County in Round 1 of the state tournament, 69-62. True floor general Alex Jones is back for his junior season. The 5-foot-9 guard is one of the best pure passers in the state with advanced court vision. He has plenty of options to pass to this year as 6-foot-8 senior Sahlil Patel is back in the paint. Expect four new faces to suit up in Green and White. Sophomores Donell Nixon II, Marcus Watson and Karston Miller head to Buford while junior David Viti makes his way over from Lambert. Nixon, 5-foot-7, is a dangerous three-point shooter that averaged 12.4 points at Mountain View and drained 69 threes at a 45% rate. Watson comes from West Forsyth, NC and brings with him an imposing high energy 6-foot-6, 210-pound build on the wing with his best ball ahead of him. Miller averaged 7.9 points as a 6-foot-1 guard at North Gwinnett. Viti is a physical forward with some nice bounce that will attack opponents inside and outside.

Central Clarke held its own this summer and should be set for a better year behind 6-foot-3 starting quarterback and leading scorer, Jack Mangel. The junior is a streaky shooter that can carry the Gladiators when hot. He averaged 9.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists. Fellow juniors Martavius Darden and Quamontae Monfort bring back a nice cohesion. Darden chipped in 6.9 points and 1.5 steals while the 6-foot-5 Monfort put up 5.4 points, 4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks.

Coach Tim Slater stepped in to take the reins at Johnson-Gainesville following an impossible act to follow up; the Knights finishing 29-1 the year before behind Ty Cockfield and Roderick English. Though they didn’t have much success, the Knights look towards the future with sophomore guard Kylan Curry and juniors Qua Butler and Will Richter stabilizing the backcourt. Richter, 6-foot-2, moves in from St. Francis and should instantly fill a need of perimeter shooting. His experience with St. Francis and the Georgia Stars over the summer should bode well down the stretch. He has worked on attacking the basket and looks much more aggressive as the season nears. Curry is a pass-first point guard while Butler brings energy. Seniors Marcus Jones and Dwayne Wilson round out Johnson’s primary components. Wilson, 6-foot-5, is the Knights best player who came on strong at the end of last year. Good things usually happen when the athletic forward has the ball in his hands. Wilson should warrant attention when crashing the boards as well. For Johnson-Gainesville to hold its own, Wilson will need to become a nightly double-double threat. Also in the fold is 6-foot-4 junior Alex Sims who fits in nicely as role player in the post.

Loganville finished with three wins for the second consecutive season. Rising 6-foot-3 sophomore Jamar Moore could be a potential winning lottery ticket in years to come if he continues to progress. The athletic forward has raw upside that needs to be drawn out of him. Junior guard Tyler Circi returns some experience to the Red Devil backcourt.

Class AAAA

Region 1

Carver-Columbus (18-9)^5A
Shaw (19-10)^5A
Northside-Columbus (18-10)^5A
Westover (19-12)
Americus-Sumter (15-9)
Columbus (9-17)^5A
Hardaway (4-21)^5A
Cairo (2-24)

Carver-Columbus led No. 1 seed McIntosh 21-17 after the first quarter in the opening round of the Class AAAAA state playoffs before the wheels fell off and they lost 100-69. The Tigers graduate nine players, but 6-foot-4 senior forward Daniel Melvin returns. Melvin will be asked to take over the offense full-time as Lorenzo Madden, Stefan Harris and Jawon Pass all graduate. R.J. Cummings and Alex Wilson could help pick up the load also.

Coach Terry White guided Shaw from an 8-win season to a 19-win season in 2015-16. The Raiders suffered a cruel fate, losing 56-55 to LaGrange in the Region 1-AAAAA Championship then falling to Morrow in the first round of the state tournament, 57-55 in overtime. Shaw graduates its top four leading scorers headlined by Dakeen Diaz (16.4), Kourtney Shakespeare (11.8) and late blooming 6-foot-6 big man Cam Paulding who averaged 11.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks. With four starters gone and junior point guard Kam Parker returning, the Raiders will have some turnover with new faces ready to step in. Senior Devan Porter-Wilson is a 6-foot-4 post that averaged 6.5 points and 3.9 rebounds, but has experience being a go-to guy, averaging 10.5 points and 6.3 rebounds as a starter in 2014-15. Junior Jalen Ken is now healthy after an injury sidelined him for the second half of the season. The 6-foot-3 wing chipped in 6.8 points per game; Shaw going undefeated with Ken healthy to open the year. Senior Chris Hicks is a knockdown three-point shooter. The addition of versatile 6-foot-5 junior Lincoln Smith gives Coach White a solid scoring option and athletic defender. He averaged 11.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks while at region rival Columbus.

Northside-Columbus must fill a big hole literally and figuratively as 6-foot-8 Davion Thomas graduates after posting 17 points, 8.8 rebounds and 4.4 blocks per game. 6-foot-4 sophomore Jaykwon Walton made a major impact his freshman season averaging 10.6 points, 2.6 assists and 1.6 steals, but he has transferred to Carver, Al. Undersized forward Cordale Scott will take over for Thomas. At 6-foot-3 the senior averaged 9.1 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2 blocks per game. Rising sophomore Aaron Green turned some heads at the CB Hoops & Perfect Practice Fall League, the strong-bodied guard hitting seven threes in a game.

Westover caught fire and took a magical run to the Elite Eight before being done in by a reverse layup at the buzzer by Grady’s Avi Toomer to score a 54-52 win. The Patriots were up-and-down for most of the season before their strong guard play steered them to a 7-3 finish down the stretch. Floor general Allec Williams graduates after posting 15.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 2.7 steals and 1.2 blocks. Also gone is 6-foot-7 Jacobi Cratic who anchored the paint at 9 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. Game-changing talent returns however in junior Kris Gardner (8.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 3.1 apg, 2.2 spg) and sophomore Jordan “Snow” Brown (8.2 ppg). Gardner is more of a distributor while Brown is a lights out shooter with deep range. Brown hit 48 threes at a 49% rate while Gardner was no slouch himself, draining 40 deep balls at a 53% clip. 6-foot-3 senior Quindavious Smith provides toughness with his 7.4 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.2 steals.

Americus-Sumter dropped from 26-6 to 15-9 as its two leading scorers graduated following 2014-15. The Panthers went with a more scoring by committee look last year with rising senior Kiante Sims averaging a team-high 9.5 points. Sophomore Joshua Lusane showed some promise as a freshman and junior Eric Hall Jr. should see more responsibility after averaging 6 points his sophomore season.

Columbus only saw a two-game win increase but has its leading scorer, a junior, returning. All-State All-Name Team member Noah Lott led the Blue Devils with 11.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.9 steals. The 5-foot-8 guard must cut down on his turnovers (4.2). Senior Elijah Gardner should see a boost in production following the loss of Lincoln Smith to Shaw. He averaged 9.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks as the team’s fourth leading scorer in 2015-16.

Hardaway loses its top scorers but returns 5-foot-10 senior guard Antonio Campbell. The Hawks haven’t had a winning season since 2012-13. Kendall Mills is expected to take over the time consuming duty of now coaching the boys team along with the Lady Hawks. Mills replaces Pershin Williams who has accepted a job at Columbus State.

Cairo went from Final Four Cinderella story in 2014-15 with a 20-12 record to 2-24 last year. The Syrupmakers graduate just two players after sporting three sophomores and four freshmen.

Region 2

Upson-Lee (23-4)
Perry (18-11)
Mary Persons (18-11)
Spalding (11-14)
Howard (11-16)
West Laurens (3-23)

Upson-Lee saw its dominant season upended in the first round of the state playoffs, stunned by New Hampstead 73-56. O’Qualon Harris graduates, but the Knights return enough to the tank to be a force in Class AAAA. 6-foot-3 junior guard Tye Fagan averaged over 19 points and 7 rebounds as a sophomore. 6-foot-4 sophomore defensive end Travon Walker holds an offer from Alabama to play football but also is a standout on the court. The big man still has a few inches left in him and is a double-double machine with his soft hands on the low block. Walker should be regarded as one of the most reliable big men in Middle Georgia moving forward. Sophomore guard Zyrice Scott powered the 16U Middle Georgia Supersonics to a USSSA National Championship alongside Walker and Fagan. Scott should burst onto the scene this year at point guard and will continue to improve as he gets stronger.

Perry’s Damion Bagley did it all last year, pouring in 19.3 points and 9.3 rebounds as a 6-foot-3 junior forward. He joins senior Evan Lasseter and junior Jacori Burks in the backcourt. Junior guard Jake Smith played with the 16U Middle Georgia Supersonics and presents an unselfish and versatile 6-foot-1 guard. He averaged 5.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.7 steals.

Burgeoning star Cameron Holden enters his junior season for Mary Persons. The 6-foot-5 guard put up big numbers, averaging 18.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 2.5 steals and 2.1 blocks. Holden scores inside and out and is patient when surveying the defense. His top three teammates in terms of scoring all graduate. He must receive help from rising seniors Roger Akins (6.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg) and Clay Moore (5.3 ppg).

Spalding is the only new team added to the mix in Region 2. The Jaguars didn’t have a sparkling overall record but they still managed to go 8-5 in the difficult Region 4-AAAA. Spalding gave a scare to some of the top teams in the region, losing in overtime to 24-5 Eagle’s Landing 59-57, to Henry County 74-70 and to 20-10 Eastside, 65-62 to end their season in the Region Tournament. Senior Rasheed Marshall and sophomore Zion Puckett will help lead the offense.

Howard graduates its top six leading scorers including center Chris Quainter who averaged a double-double. Junior forward Christian Butler returns with the most experience.

It was a struggle for West Laurens last season but the Raiders do return everyone except 6-foot-5 forward Kintevius Robinson. 6-foot-4 junior Keyonta Tyler led the team in scoring (11.1), rebounding (9.1) and blocks (1.1) as a sophomore. Senior CJ Watson chipped in 7.1 points and 2.6 assists as shooting guard while rising sophomore Ty Edmond handled himself well, averaging 4.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.4 steals and a team-leading 3.2 assists per game. Ed Ford comes in as head coach after serving at Montgomery County.

Region 3

Richmond Academy (22-7)^5A
Thomson (19-9)
Burke County (16-8)
Cross Creek (14-12)^5A
Baldwin (10-16)
Hephzibah (0-24)^3A

Richmond Academy had eventual state champion Miller Grove on the ropes with a lead heading into the fourth quarter before bowing out 64-57. Leading scorer Madison Williams (Illinois State) graduates along with key pieces Rashad Calloway and Chris Jones. 6-foot-5 senior forward Moses Williams returns after posting 10.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. Rising left-handed junior guard DT Stephens pitched in 8.7 points per game and has a chance to take his game to the next level with Williams gone.

Thomson is a tough-nosed team that fell to St. Pius 56-55 in the Sweet 16. 6-foot-8 San Antonio Brinson broke his wrist late in the season and hindered the Bulldogs’ chance at a deep playoff run. Six seniors are gone including Brinson. Leading the charge this year are seniors Darius Turman, Radaren Johnson, Rodriguez Wiley, Jucorius Thomas and Tra Parker. Johnson and Turman were honored as Second Team All-Region selections while Wiley and Thomas were Honorable Mention. Turman, 6-foot-4, and Johnson, 6-foot-1, will power the Bulldogs. Turman averaged 12.3 points while Johnson chipped in 11.2 points. Both are Team Captains. Thomas, a 6-foot-2 receiver on the football team, averaged 9.4 points per game and brings physicality inside but also a soft touch outside. Wiley averaged 8.3 points per game off the bench as a sharp shooter. 6-foot-4 sophomore Zavian Smith has a chance to impact the paint. Coach Michael Thomas Sr. enters his 34^th season at Thomson and has tallied 594 career wins.

Burke County fell in the first round 73-67 to Mary Persons in the state tournament. The Bears battled with Liberty County and Thomson throughout the season in Region 3-AAAA. Coach Purvis Dukes must replace First Team All-Region performer Kamario Walker. Luckily, 6-foot-6 senior Quan Wilson is back after garnering Second Team honors. Senior guard D’Zarious Holmes looks to build off his Honorable Mention selection.

Cross Creek scratched its way into the playoffs, earning a No. 3 seed after losing to Richmond Academy 82-47 in the Region 2-AAAAA semifinals and beating Jones County 72-67 in the third-place game. In the state playoffs the Razorbacks were bounced in Round 1 by Statesboro 66-54. Guard Moses Jones graduates after leading the team in scoring with 17.6 points. Seniors Artis Chapman (8.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg) and KJ Brown (7.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.3 bpg) hold the most returning experience.

Coach Buck Harris left the glitz-and-glam of Laney to build up Baldwin in Milledgeville. Like any program filled with youth, the Braves had their ups and downs. The future looks bright however as Donta Justice and Brendan Robertson powered the team as a freshman and sophomore respectively. 5-foot-10 Justice netted a team-high 14.3 points to go along with his 3.1 rebounds and 2.8 steals. Robertson went for 10.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals.

Hephzibah took an 0-fer in Class AAA and will try its hand at AAAA. The Rebels will need to replace Reggie Fields who also starred on the soccer team.

Region 4

Eastside (20-10)
North Clayton (19-11)^3A
Salem (17-12)^5A
Henry County (15-11)
Woodward Academy (15-13)
Druid Hills (14-12)^5A
Luella (8-16)^5A

The winner of the regular season gets an automatic bid to state in Region 4-AAA. A lot will be different for Eastside as one of the state’s top scorers, Isaiah Miller, has now transferred to Newton for his senior season. Miller poured in 25.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 4.3 steals and 1 block per game. Also gone is team captain Joshua Cammon, who posted 13.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 3.2 steals as a junior guard. Cammon is off to Tucker. 6-foot-4 senior wing Keiondre Perry is the last remaining key piece. He averaged 15.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3.2 steals and 1.2 blocks. Perry should see his numbers explode after a great summer scoring the ball in a variety of ways. Senior center Jesse Walden stands 6-foot-9 and is a late blooming big that right now is a space-eating rebounder.

North Clayton will look to play inside-out with 6-foot-8 Lipscomb-commit Ahsan Asadullah back on the low block. The skilled big averaged 15.1 points as a junior.  Coach Martisse Troup’s senior class will be the deciding factor in how far the Eagles go. The group is used to winning, claiming the Clayton County ninth grade championship and the JV title the following year. Jamal Buster and Alexander Quaynor must play bigger roles since Jamarcus Sanders and Kindle Vildor have graduated. Buster has garnered D-II and JUCO interest at point guard.  Football players Jordan Alexander (6-foot-4, 210 lbs) and Yaya Diaby (6-foot-5, 190 lbs) bring size and strength in the paint next to Asadullah. The group played well this summer, winning Session I of the Georgia State Team Camp.

Salem fought its way into the postseason out of the incredibly deep Region 8-AAAAA. The Seminoles fell to Allatoona 61-49 after pushing the Bucs to the brink in the first half. Gone however is leading scorer Michael Green (17.4). Forward Chandler Davis and guards Parris Woods and Devontae Hedgespeth also leave holes. Seniors Jordon Simons and Denzell Bryan will see expanded roles this season.

Henry County has the goods to become a threat in Class AAAA. Seniors Javon Greene, Damion Rosser and Kovi Tate all boosted their stocks in July, especially Greene who committed to George Mason. The 6-foot-2 guard can catch fire from beyond the arc and leads the offense as the primary ball handler. Rosser, a New Orleans-commit, is a 6-foot-4 guard that attacks the rim. His length and strength makes him hard to stop once he gets going downhill. Tate, a 6-foot-5 forward, was ineligible to play last year after transferring in from Woodland-Stockbridge. Tate is a high energy post that plays above the rim. He brings great work ethic and toughness in the paint. Seth Brown also gets cleared to play. Brown, who joined the trio with 17U Atlanta All-Stars this summer, is another 6-foot-4 athlete that can help out in multiple ways. The Warhawks can make some noise if they can get stops consistently on defense.

Woodward Academy scored a 53-52 win over Monroe Area in the opening round of the AAAA State Playoffs before dropping to Westover, 75-66. A strong three-man senior core returns in Julian Cameron (11 ppg), Hunter Falconer (9.9 ppg) and 6-foot-6 Brennan McDaniel (9.6 ppg, 7.5 rpg).

Coach Jerome Lee helped Druid Hills capture their first winning season since 2013. The Red Devils lose just one senior in Noah Harrison (5.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg). 6-foot-5 senior wing Dillan Hall (7.5 ppg, 5 rpg, 2.5 bpg) brings versatility while Jordan Foote (13.1 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.2 bpg) and Antonio Edge (7.7 ppg) both return. Cameron Starkes has transferred to Lakeside-DeKalb after posting 8.8 points per game as a junior.

Luella returns seniors Hunter Davis and Dwayne Thomas along with junior Kymain Williams after losing Javaun Anderson and Jordan Campbell to graduation.

Region 5

LaGrange (23-6)^5A
Sandy Creek (21-8)
Cartersville (20-7)
Central-Carroll (13-15)^3A
Cedartown (9-14)^3A
Troup County (7-14)
Chapel Hill (8-19)^5A

LaGrange graduates a strong senior class filled with guards, highlighted by Rico Smith, a potent playmaker. Back however is senior Laperion Perry who has more than enough juice to carry the load in the backcourt. Big men Bryan Fanning and Kenan Gray both stand 6-foot-6 and will bring balance to the Granger offense in their senior season.

Sandy Creek takes a big blow from their Elite Eight team, losing Christian Turner (Gardner-Webb), Keith Heard II and AJ Freeman to graduation. Rising senior, 6-foot-6 Elias Harden who led the team in scoring at 20.9 points, has transferred to Pebblebrook and has committed to play at Xavier. 6-foot-7 Evan Jester will shoulder the load as an inside-out threat stretch-four. The bouncy high-IQ forward has interest from a handful of Ivy League schools after posting 9.7 points and 8.6 rebounds as a junior. TJ Bickerstaff represents a bright future as a 6-foot-6 wing. Xavier Brewer provides length as a 6-foot-8 junior while Chris Porter, Kameron Miller and Jarred Godfrey all will see increased roles as juniors in the backcourt. Eric Williams transfers in from Fayette County to help as a forward and Khalid (KJ) Wilkins comes in for his senior season after leading Mt. Vernon Presbyterian in scoring.

Cartersville moves out of Region 7-AAAA, which they dominated, and now faces a step up in competition. Jaylon Pugh guides the Purple Hurricanes his junior season. The 5-foot-10 guard was the Region Player of the Year as a sophomore, averaging 15.6 points and 4.6 assists per game. Pugh’s court vision and deft three-point stroke (97 made; school-record of 10 in a game) makes him the catalyst on offense. TJ Horton brings back starting experience after averaging 6 points and 3.3 assists per game. 6-foot-5 sophomore Isaac Gridley and 6-foot-6 junior Trevor Lawrence will anchor the paint. Lawrence, who is ranked the No. 1 player in the entire country for the Class of 2018 in football as a 5-star quarterback, enters his first season with the Hurricane basketball team. He had an outstanding summer rebounding and blocking shots for Coach Mike Tobin. Another newcomer, Avery Showell, transfers in from St. Francis. The Wake Forest football commit is an athletic 6-foot-1 forward that can slash to the basket.

Central-Carroll took a trip to the Class AAA state playoffs earning a bid out of tiny Region 5 with a 4-7 mark in region play. East Jackson ended their season in Round 1, 72-63. Deion Sims slides over as head coach and will look to build on last year’s success. Soccer standout, rising junior Jarrod Jackson is back after leading the Lions in scoring at 11 points per game. Senior Xavier Hammett brings size and help on the glass at 6-foot-3, the team’s biggest player.

Cedartown returns Second Team All-Area guard Quan Neal as their best player. Trevon Wofford, 6-foot-4, is a rising junior that earned an Honorable Mention selection.

Troup County must replace Dexter Shealey in the backcourt along with four other seniors. The Tigers are set to return three juniors and two sophomores. Rising juniors Jarrious Jefferson and Montez Crowe are expected to become focal points of the offense after playing well in spurts last year.

Long-time coach Ken Austin steps in to take over at Chapel Hill after last serving as a girls assistant at Langston Hughes. Nine panthers graduate including First Team All-County selection Dallis Jacks who netted over 17 points per game. New faces will join Austin as just four seniors are back and Kevin Burton Jr. enters his sophomore season.

Region 6

Northwest Whitfield (20-7)
Heritage-Catoosa (20-9)
LaFayette (12-13)
Southeast Whitfield (9-17)
Pickens (9-20)
Ridgeland (6-19)
Gilmer (5-19)

Northwest Whitfield earned the No. 3 seed out of Region 7-AAAA. The weak region took a thumping against the classification’s best, Region 6. Region 7 brings everyone back except for Cartersville to the new Region 6. The North Georgia region suffered losses by an average of 33.5 points in the first round, none uglier than the Bruins’ 88-37 loss to Lithonia. The Tunnel Hill group returns its two best players this season in senior Paxton Pardee and junior Luke Shiflett. Shiflett, the quarterback of the football team, was an All-Area First Teamer while Pardee earned Second Team honors.

Heritage suffered a 70-38 loss to Columbia as the No. 2 seed. Cole Wilcox, a 6-foot-5 forward and ace pitcher, led the Generals with 13.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game as a sophomore. Tylon Gaines brings quickness to the Heritage backcourt after posting 7.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.5 steals as a junior.

LaFayette boasts the Class AAAA Freshman of the Year, 5-foot-11 guard Alex Kelehear. The sweet-shooting playmaker canned 60-of-137 threes (44%) en route to averaging 14 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 2.3 steals. The young Ramblers lose just one senior who played sparingly off the bench meaning Kelehear and the group could push for a postseason bid. Tyrese Hunter enters his senior season after averaging 12.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.1 steals as a 5-foot-11 guard. Rising sophomore Andrew Pendergrass is a versatile piece at 6-foot-1. He averaged 7.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.8 steals while hitting 42 threes. Senior post Austin Shropshire helps on the glass, posting 5.1 points and 5.3 rebounds.

The state’s best scorer you’ve never heard of, Ty Pendley, graduates from Southeast Whitfield. The North Georgia scoring wizard poured in 27.8 points per game, good for third-best in the entire state. Pendley, a 5-foot-10 guard, even led the nation in free throw percentage his final two seasons, nailing 93% as a junior and 90% as a senior on a whopping 254 attempts – 9.7 trips per game his final season. As great as Pendley was, the loss of 6-foot-4 post Noah Ramsey also hurts the Raiders as the double-double threat averaged 8.8 points and 9.0 rebounds. Pendley was named The Daily Citizen’s All-Area Player of the Year while Ramsey earned Second Team honors. Senior Cristian Antillon (8.1 ppg) and 6-foot-4 junior Luke Johns (7.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg) must pick up the load.

Pickens snuck into the postseason for the first time since 2010-11 and were quickly outclassed by Grady, 78-44. The productive inside-out duo of big man Trent Rizoti (12 ppg, 7 rpg) and guard Holden Roop (16.9 ppg) has graduated leaving the Dragons in search of a new top scorer. Fourth and fifth-leading scorers Joseph Gossett and Avery Luke are set to return. Gossett, a junior guard, averaged 4.9 points while Luke, a senior forward, chipped in 4.2 points and 2.6 rebounds. Junior forward 6-foot-6 Blake Gorth has a chance to make an impact.

Ridgeland will lean on its backcourt with senior Markieon Jones and junior Markeith Montgomery. Jones teamed up with now graduated Tavian Bridges to form a potent 1-2 punch last season and will be asked to be the Panthers’ number one option in 2016-17.

Gilmer graduates an experienced senior class and looks to six rising seniors from last year’s roster which included zero underclassmen. Riley Hice, 6-foot-2, enters his senior season as the Bobcats’ presumed favorite to anchor the offensive attack. Coming up from the JV will be Kell Weaver and Noah Chastain who were among the team’s top scorers last year.

Region 7

White County (17-9)
Blessed Trinity (13-14)^3A
West Hall (13-15)^3A
Marist (9-18)
Chestatee (0-23) 

White County sees prolific scorer Whit Mauney graduate after the Region 8-AAAA Co-Player of the Year pumped in 24.5 points per game and finished his career with 1,381 points. All-Area Honorable Mention selection Brad Hurst (11.4 ppg, 9.7 rpg) also graduates, but 6-foot-5 wing John Ward returns after his Region 8-AAAA All-Region junior campaign where he posted 18.3 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. Sophomores Austin Harris and Jay Lepkoske bring back varsity experience as does junior football standout Kaleb Crane.

Built on their foundation of playing grind-it-out defense, Blessed Trinity will try to bounce back from a sub-par 13-14 record; their first under .500 record since 2005-06 which was in part to playing a very difficult schedule which featured nine state playoff teams. Jackson Svete and John Michael Bertrand graduate, but rising senior guard Kyle Swade and sophomore CJ Abrams are experienced in the backcourt. Swade is a nice shooter who was a team captain last year averaging 10 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists while knocking down 83% of his free throws. The 6-foot-2 three-year letterman entering his senior season played over the summer with the FCI Warriors. Abrams, a three-sport standout, provided athleticism and scoring as a freshman. At 6-foot-1, Abrams was the team’s third-leading scorer at 9 points per game. 6-foot-2 Ben Shappard enters his junior season coming off an injury in the final game of the regular season. He averaged 7 points and 3 rebounds as a versatile piece that can play positions 1-4 for Coach Patrick Hughes.

West Hall turns the page on a tumultuous scandal-filled offseason and looks to former girls assistant Bobby Pless to regain stability of the program. Esteban Ulloa exploded his senior season to post 22 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals per game as he was named Second Team All-Area. The graduation of Dylan Curry and Tyquan Statham hurt, but the Spartans return talented 6-foot-4 swingman Xzavier Reid who should get the lion’s share of shot attempts his senior season.

Marist struggled in the difficult Region 6-AAAA, but gets a fresh start in Region 7. Patrick Zeck, a 6-foot-7 forward, averaged 13.6 points, 9 rebounds and 2.5 blocks his final season before signing with Gardner-Webb. Senior guard Whid Childs steadies the War Eagle backcourt along with shooter David Sever. Junior 6-foot-5 forward Jake Mauldin brings versatility and the ability to score in the paint and from the perimeter.

Brookwood assistant Kevin Strickland takes over the task of trying to turn a winless Chestatee team into a winner. Junior guard Donovan Hernandez has started on the varsity his entire high school career and brings poise and composure to the backcourt. Junior Cooper Wilson, senior Joel Salcido and sophomore Cameron Gwyn are all floor stretchers with their shooting. Senior Barron King and junior Nick Lyles return as starters in the frontcourt and bring with them their toughness from the gridiron.

Region 8

St. Pius (24-7)
Stephens County (16-9)
Madison County (15-12)
Jefferson (9-18)^3A
Oconee County (8-17)^3A
North Oconee (7-22)

St. Pius exits Region 6 and finds a much more comfortable home in Region 8. First Team All-Region selection Kerney Lane is gone as the 6-foot-7 forward begins his career at Alabama-Hunstville. Key pieces Christian Merrill and Jakob Spitzer also depart from the Golden Lion starting lineup, but there is still more than enough left for St. Pius to make a run at the region crown after snagging the No. 4 seed and taking a trip to the Elite Eight last year. The backcourt is both young and talented with Matt Gonzalo entering his sophomore season along with twin brother Brian who is coming off hernia surgery. Matt is a strong athlete at point guard who is continuing to blossom as his role grows larger. Senior forward Will Lucado is also on the mend after breaking his wrist during the soccer season. Rising juniors Christian Mattei and Everett Lane, Kerney’s younger brother, have put in work during the offseason and should see their production increase. Senior Carson Seramur has the opportunity to put a stamp on a winning career while move-ins Kennedy Willis and Troy Stephens bring their own dynamic to the roster. Both juniors, Stephens is another guard who will vie for playing time while Willis is a skilled yet raw 6-foot-7 forward from Therrell. The Golden Lions will be patient on offense and won’t beat themselves.

Stephens County looked good as gold heading into late January before the wheels fell off. The Indians lost their last five games of the season after starting 16-4 and in the process missed out on the playoffs. Tay Jones graduates but a nice core is intact for Coach Chad Bridges. Deundra Singleton anchors the Indians in the paint as a 6-foot-7, 240-pound junior. Surrounding him is senior guard Nunu Walker, junior Jackson Bell and sophomore Ty Nails. Nails, 6-foot-4, might have the highest upside out of the group along with Singleton.

Madison County returns two of their top scorers in seniors Keith Gantt and Trevon Daniel who played well out of the Red Raider backcourt. 6-foot-3 senior Golston Gillespie provides some size while Jackson Bailey is a 6-foot-4 junior.

Coach Bolling DuBose enters his 41^st year at Jefferson, coming off of a state playoff appearance even though the team finished nine games under .500. Three starters are gone heading into AAA play. Big men Daniel Butler and Kasen Rainey return as starting frontcourt members. Finding consistent guard play will be important for the Dragons now that star running back Colby Wood is focusing on football.

Oconee County hires Dawson County head coach Thad Burgess to take the reins. The Warriors have some experienced players returning headlined by senior guard Roques Dowdy. Junior Ty Paschal has quick hands defensively while rising sophomore Rahul Das is the most talented out of the bunch. The 6-foot-3 forward doesn’t pass the eye test, but his fundamentals and his exceptional rebounding makes him an impactful player. Das is a nice piece for Burgess to build around moving forward, especially with the loss of Jace Bonds on the perimeter, a transfer to East Jackson.

North Oconee brings back a pair of All-Area performers in 6-foot-3 senior standouts Jack Chambers and Matthew Quint. The Titans made a postseason appearance but were thumped in Round 1 by Sandy Creek, 84-38.