With summer ball winding down, here’s an early preview of some of the top players in the GHSA’s newly formed Class 3A.

2028 5-5 PG Blaklee Ledford – Murray County
D-II and D-I programs should be getting more and more involved with Blaklee Ledford. A habitual winner, Ledford scored nine of her 13 points in the fourth quarter to guide Murray County past Hardway for the school’s first state title since 1965. Ledford is a fierce competitor. The ball is always in her hands in crunch time whether breaking a trap, facilitating, scoring a bucket or getting a stop. What Blaklee lacks in size, she makes up for with IQ, strength and mental fortitude. Ledford averaged 16.5 points, 6.7 assists and 4.2 steals in Year 2. This offseason, Blaklee’s been extremely efficient with her three-point shot while still maintaining her physical savviness downhill as a slasher, adept at getting to the foul line.

2028 6-0 F Ja’Ziyah Foster – Lamar County
Already a two-time All-State performer, Ja’Ziyah is an impact maker not only with her ability to score inside, but her foot speed and growing perimeter game as a stretch forward. Foster is at her best on the low block, a threat to score on putbacks and post ups. When she catches and finishes strong through contact, she is difficult to stop. Consistently playing with balance and strength allow her to dominate. Foster’s good at rim running for easy hoops and has shown expanding range on her jumper, capable of knocking down the open three. Ja’Ziyah averaged 18 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 2.2 steals as a sophomore. She will be the focal point for a Lamar County team which has a rapidly improving backcourt to surround Foster.

2027 5-7 G Jade Kitchens – Washington County
One of the more underrated players statewide in Georgia, D-II programs are starting to buzz about Jade Kitchens. Washington County has been one of the more consistent programs in Middle Georgia large in part due to the do-everything play of Kitchens. Jade, a Second Team All-State selection last season, is the straw that stirs the drink. Her athleticism, aggressiveness and well-rounded skill led her to average 16.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 4 steals and 1.2 blocks. Jade is a decisive guard who plants her foot in the ground to explode downhill where she finishes with fluid functional strength. She slices up defenses not only as a driver, but with her mid-range game and court vision as well. Defensively, she attacks weaker ball handlers and is instinctual when playing passing lanes.

2028 6-4 C Avantey Gilreath – Columbia
Gilreath has already attracted D-I interest, landing offers from Mississippi Valley State and Providence this offseason upon her move from Stephenson to Columbia. Avantey’s elite size is coupled with nimble feet for her frame. She can make quick moves in tight spaces showcasing deft skill when attacking inside, scoring through contact. Gilreath eats away at the offensive glass but can also get to the rim from the high post. She averaged 9.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game.

2027 5-5 PG Greenlee Lumpkin – Coahulla Creek
Coahulla Creek took a Cinderella run to the Elite Eight for the first time in school history as the 20-seed in the Class 2A State Playoffs. Greenlee Lumpkin’s breakout season was the catalyst for the big run, averaging 16.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 2.5 steals per game. The high-energy guard plays with loads of speed, bouncing around the floor making plays. While getting to the basket is her greatest strength, Lumpkin’s playmaking and three-point shot have steadily improved over the course of her career. Greenlee is one of the best players in underratedly talent-rich Northwest Georgia and has begun to see her name pop up on college radars, nabbing an offer from Bryan College in June.

2027 5-9 G Regan Trlica – Union County
Regan has capitalized on her opportunities over the offseason, steadily trending up as she has drawn the attention of D-II and D-I schools. The smooth playmaker averaged 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 1 block per game as a junior. Trlica is a creative offensive player comfortable both on and off the ball. Regan gets to her spots well, good at garnering separation off the bounce for pull-ups. She’s a crafty finisher with both hands at the basket and has exceptional floor vision, a sharp passer capable of hitting dump downs or kickouts to shooters. Trlica has momentum as Union County looks like a legit title contender.

2027 5-9 G Audrey Lunsford – Elbert County
The big guard earned First Team All-State honors last season, lifting Elbert County to the state championship game. With her size and strength, Audrey has the versatility to play 1-3. When she is aggressive attacking the rim, she is able to absorb contact to finish. She’s got a nice mid-range off the dribble and can even post up when needed. Lunsford averaged close to 17 points per game while sometimes being even too unselfish, looking to set up teammates instead of always hunting her shot. Her physicality as a rebounder and defender stick out. Schools from D-I to D-III have been evaluating.