Norcross (20-9; First Round)
The Lady Blue have a ton of talent with Stetson-commit Tobi Owolabi an All-State point guard and 5-foot-10 junior Gabby Thomas, a D-I recruit, a major stock-riser with her lethal perimeter game. Catherine Harris enjoyed a strong summer as a physical downhill attacker. Norcross has a pair of 6-foot-5 posts inside between Taylor Johnson and Geontae Simpson, the latter starting to earn D-I offers. On paper, Norcross has a lot more individual talent than most teams across the classification. If they are able to play into their strengths, they will be a tough out.
Archer (23-7; Elite 8)
Injuries and transfer have besmirched the Tigers losing Braalyn Whitehead to an ACL tear and D-I recruits Layla Adams and Hailey Houlder to out of state programs. Sharpshooter Saniya Sharper is a West Georgia-commit, while Taliya Smith returns after winning Region 4 Co-Defensive Player of the Year. Sarah Jurry looks to build off her Honorable Mention campaign heading into her senior season. 6-foot-4 freshman Nkenna Nwokoro will be an impact maker inside.
Carrollton (25-4; Sweet 16)
West Georgia-commit Kaliyah Oliver had a breakthrough season last year averaging 16.1 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.6 steals. Her and Newberry-commit 5-foot-11 Zuri Quintyne bring major toughness to the frontcourt. If the youth of sophomores Paizley Hicks (6.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg) and Harlow Kendrix (3 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.3 spg) along with 6-foot-2 freshman Jaleeah Miller play up to their potential, the Trojans’ ceiling will elevate even higher.
Cherokee (16-10; Sweet 16)
The Warriors graduate a host of starters with All-State playmaker Ansley Dunn back as their star guard. Her alone makes Cherokee extremely dangerous, a well-coached tough-nosed team that never stays down for long even with large roster turnover. The addition of 6-foot freshman Kynlee Polk from Valor Christian is a big one, a versatile swingman that put up 10.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 4.3 steals per game as an eighth grader. Plenty of opportunities are available for players in newfound elevated roles this season with Khloe Milam and Chloee King looking like important pieces while freshman Lili Shelton holds long-term value.