Overall, 14 teams made it to the state tournament, with Union County advancing to the Class 2A state title game, Habersham Central (Class 5A) and Jefferson (Class 3A) making appearances in the Elite 8, and six others advancing past the first round.
Five area teams captured region championships: Cherokee Bluff (Region 8-3A), Buford (Region 8-6A), Gainesville (Region 7-5A), Habersham Central (Region 8-5A) and Rabun County (Region 8-A Division I).
Some of those teams are predicted to repeat as region champs, but will others take the next step? And the most intriguing question is: Who has the best shot at winning a state championship?
Several teams return several key players, which means expectations could be at an all-time high. Now, only time will tell who rises to the top as the 2025-26 campaign gets underway.
With that, here are the 2025-26 season previews for our northeast Georgia area teams:
(If a team is not listed, the coaching staff did not provide information.)
BANKS COUNTY
— COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Chuck Butler, 2nd season
— REGION:8-A Division I
— 2024-25 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 16-12, Class A D1 second round
— KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Kolby Watson (21 ppg, All-Region Region team), G Luke Dale (12 ppg, All-Region Honorable Mention), G Antonio Gonzalez (11 ppg, All-Region Honorable Mention)
— RETURNING STARTERS: F Dayden Rogers (12 ppg, 7 rpg, All Region Team), G/F Caden Watson (6 ppg, 5 rpg, 3 apg, 2 spg)
— KEY RETURNING PLAYERS/NEWCOMERS: Sr. G Brayden Knight, Soph. G Brycen Murphy, Fr. PG Aidan Beasley, Fr. SF Griffin Hill, Fr. SG Gavin Barker, So. G McCade Huff (transferred from Rabun County)
— STRENGTHS OF YOUR TEAM: Depth: Although young, the Leopards will have a pretty deep roster. “We have a young group that loves basketball and is very close. We have many freshmen and sophomores in our program who will play early and carry big roles on our team. The future is bright, and we keep getting better every single day.”
— QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR TEAM: Butler’s depth is young and lacking varsity experience. But Butler is optimistic about the youth. “We are relying on a lot of younger guys that don’t have Varsity experience. We know that this will be difficult at times, but we embrace the opportunity to play disciplined and composed and get better every single day.”
SEASON OUTLOOK: “We have a very optimistic outlook on our team this year,” Butler said. “We return two senior starters to hopefully serve as anchors for our younger guys that will play massive roles on our team. Our focus is to play disciplined, composed, and together, and we feel we have enough talent, despite being younger, to still make noise in our region. We can’t wait to see how our guys respond on the court and represent Banks County.”
FAVORITES TO WIN REGION: “I think everyone would have to look at Rabun as the favorites since they won it last year and return their core players. Huey Blalock is a good floor general who scores or creates for his teammates. I think we have to show them their respect until someone knocks them off that top spot.” – BUTLER
BUFORD WOLVES
— COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Wes Parker, 3rd season
— REGION: 8-6A
— 2024-25: RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 24-4, Region 8-6A Champs, Class 6A second round
— KEY PLAYERS LOSSES: G Edward Hunter III, G Kyle Carpenter, G Jack Taylor, G Ben Wilcox, G Javias Robinson, G Preston Rickards
— KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: So. G Braylon Williams, Sr. G Ethan Wilcox, PF Dream Rashad, G Preston Bush, So. PF Seven Rashad, G Ace Thomas
— STRENGTHS: “Well, I think this year if everything works out, then we will have depth at all positions and can play multiple lineups. The Rashad brothers are both over 6-foot-6, so we will have rim protection and the ability to throw it inside more.”
— QUESTIONS: “How quickly can we develop the chemistry we need to reach our full potential,” Parker said. “We have six players returning from football after their season. What lineups give us the best chance to put guys in the right place to make plays? We will be figuring it out a lot this season — especially more than in years past.”
— SEASON OUTLOOK: “I’m very excited about this team. I like them a lot,” Parker said. “I like the way they work. I think it’s going to be fun to be multiple this year in defenses we can play and style we can play. This summer, we had the ability to go big and then mix it up with a smaller lineup. The guys like being around each other, so I’m really excited about this year.
— FAVORITES TO WIN REGION: “Our region has always been competitive and had parity around the league. There are teams in our region with a lot of experience returning, and a few teams that lost many seniors,” Parker said. “I think Central Gwinnett has probably the best combination of returners with experience and the addition of a really good player in Dwayne Lawton. Several coaches have been with their programs for a while now and have their culture and standards cemented, so I expect another competitive region, but if I had to say, I would probably say Central Gwinnett right now.”
CHEROKEE BLUFF BEARS
— COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Josh Travis, 5th season
— REGION: 8-3A
— 2024-25 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 24-5, Region 8-3A Champions, Class 3A first round
— KEY PLAYERS LOSSES: G Boston Kersh, G Tyler Underwood, G Ben Craig
— RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. G Cooper Glover (14.8 ppg, 7.1 rpg), Sr. G Andy Quirarte (6.3 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.2 apg), Sr. SG Conner Robinson (7.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.2 apg)
— KEY RETURNING PLAYERS/NEWCOMERS: Jr. G Cole Brooks, Sr. G Tony Rushin, So. G JP Combs, Sr. G Alex Blurton, Sr. SF Cooper Dean; Jr. G Luke Nordholz (Gainesville), So. G CJ Payne
— STRENGTHS: Travis was quick to point out his team’s depth and ability to shoot. Last season, Bluff shot 33% from the 3-point line and averaged 72 plus points per game. “I can play a lot of guys and they can all shoot,” Travis said. “You can’t walk into a game against us and say, well, we’re not going to guard that guy … just pack it in the paint. You have to guard everybody.”
– QUESTIONS: Travis says all the questions surround his team’s size and ability to rebound.
–SEASON OUTLOOK: Much like last season, the Bears return a very deep, talented roster. Travis has put together a challenge non-region schedule, which should prepare them for a grueling Region 8-3A schedule. The Bears will only get better as the season progresses, which means they should be right in the mix for another region championship.
– FAVORITES TO WIN THE REGION: “East Hall and Jefferson” – TRAVIS
CHESTATEE WAR EAGLES
— COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Alan Griffin, 3rd season
— REGION: 6-3A
— 2024-25 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 4-22
— RETURNING STARTERS: G Ethan Dunn
— KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Colton Wilbanks, G Josh Bull
— KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Jr. Isaac Brown, Sr. Carson Hunt, Sr. Max Martin, Jr. Lucas Feltner, Jr. Blake Gammon, Jr. Colton Steele, So. Ethan Thome, Jr. Jon Day
— STRENGTHS: “We will be able to be two deep at every position, so we have really good depth. I expect us to be a good shooting and defensive team.”
— QUESTIONS: “Rebounding is a major point of emphasis; we will have to get better in this area.”
— SEASON OUTLOOK: “We have had a great summer and pre-season; we are very excited for this year’s team,” Griffin said. “They are going to play hard and compete.”
— FAVORITES TO WIN REGION: “The region was very young last year, so most teams are returning a lot of talent,” Griffin said. “Right now, it is anyone’s region to win.”
DAWSON COUNTY TIGERS
— COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Todd Cottrell, 5th season
— REGION: 6-3A
— 2024-25 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 8-18
— KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Sam Glover, G Kylon Driver
— RETURNING STARTERS: Sr G Landon Lee (14.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.8 spg), Jr G Mason Harvey (7.1 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 1.3 apg), Jr F Cayson Chester (6.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.1 spg), Jr G Jack Ledbetter (4.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.0 spg)
— KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. F Jed Morris (4.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg), Sr. F Garrett Matthews (1.7 ppg, 2.9 rpg), Jr. G/F Gunnar Weaver (4.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.6 apg), So. F Brody Sorensen (1.6 ppg, 1.6 rpg)
— STRENGTHS: After an 8-18 season, in which the Tigers finished fifth in Region 6-3A, the young roster is now experienced. Cottrell says that’ll be a huge strength of this year’s team, along with leadership and quality depth. Experience.
— QUESTIONS: While it’s true the Tigers have a ton of experienced depth returning, including four of five starters, Cottrell’s most significant questions about his team are defending consistently and rebounding at a high level. Cottrell’s teams are known for those two abilities. If his group answers those questions on game days, the Tigers could be a tough team to deal with this season.
— SEASON OUTLOOK: “We have improved this offseason. We hope to continue improving and remain in the hunt for a state tournament berth. This could be a very fun team to watch play.”
— FAVORITE TO WIN REGION: Cottrell wasn’t ready to add his team to the region favorites … just yet. He believes GAC, North Hall, Lumpkin County and Pickens will be the teams to beat for a playoff spot in 2026.
EAST FORSYTH BRONCOS
— COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Jay Burney, 3rd season
— REGION: 8-4A
— 2024-25: RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 18-12, second round of the Class 4A playoffs
— KEY PLAYER LOSSES: PG Louie Koulouvaris, PG Brit West, G McCade Karr, G/F Andrew Frank
— RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. SG Tyler Lesch (16.1 ppg,4.9 rpg, 2.1 apg), Sr. SG Hunter Holbrook (11.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.8 apg), Sr. SG Brennan Burns (8.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 4.6 apg)
— STRENGTHS: The Broncos’ depth will most definitely be the biggest strength of the team this season. Returning three of the four starters from last season will help the younger or less experienced players get varsity-ready more quickly. Burney also pointed to his team’s ability to score. He says this group is “very capable of being a really good shooting team.”
— QUESTIONS: As was the case last season, rebounding is the biggest question on Burney’s improvement list. He says, “We just rebound the ball better than we did last year.”
– SEASON OUTLOOK: North Oconee is everybody’s favorite to win the region. Eastside finished second last season with EaFo third. However, the Broncos and Titans were the only two to make it past the first round, and North Oconee beat Pace Academy for the 4A state title. Burney says his team is very capable of being competitive in the tough Region 8-4A.
— FAVORITE TO WIN REGION: “North Oconee” – BURNEY
EAST HALL VIKINGS
— COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Joe Dix, 22nd season
— REGION: 8-3A
— 2024-2025 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 23-6, Region 8-3A runner-up, second round of Class 3A tournament
— KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Jordan Richerson (transferred to Lumpkin County)
— RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. G/F Chasen Jones (17ppg, 7 rpg, All Region), Jr. G Bray Langston (15 ppg, 7 rpg, 2.5 bpg, All region, GACA All-state. Out until January with ankle injury), Jr. Koen Bryant (5.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg), So. Cooper Barton
— KEY NEWCOMERS: Jr. G Sebastian Spinelli, G Miles Mitchell, G Myles Johnson — STRENGTHS: The Vikings return several key players, including All-State player Bray Langston. However, Langston will miss the first half of the season with an injury. Still, though, the Vikings have depth that will be relied on heavily in the first half of the season.
– QUESTIONS: How will the Vikings look without starting G Bray Langston, who’s out until January with an ankle injury, and G Jamarcus Harrison, who decided to graduate early to enroll at Kennesaw State University.
— SEASON OUTLOOK: The Vikings have a roster full of talent in a region that is full of talent. Dix believes his team can be a contender for the Region 8-3A title and have success in the state tournament once the team is at full strength.
– FAVORITE TO WIN REGION: Cherokee Bluff
FLOWERY BRANCH FALCONS
— COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: David Hawkins, 3rd season
— REGION: 8-4A
— 2024-25 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 9-17
— KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Landon Mealor (9 PPG, 3 RPG, 1 APG), G Joell Bennett (4 PPG, 2 APG)
— RETURNING STARTERS: Jr. G Brayden Lee (15 ppg, 6 rpg), Sr. G Jack Huey (12 ppg, 3 apg), Sr. G Brady Barrett (5 ppg), Sr. SG Nathan Corcoran (5 ppg)
— KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. G/F Adam Sanders: 2 rpg, 2 charges per game, G/F John Osorio: 7 ppg 4 rpg
— STRENGTHS: The Falcons return four of the five starters this season, as well as depth to go with them. Hawkins says the team’s basketball IQ is high this year, and they have players who are willing to play multiple roles.
“This year’s team has some depth at the guard position. This depth will allow the team to play faster and stay fresh in the final minutes of games. Our guards shoot well from the outside and should stretch the floor and create driving lanes. We finally have a true big man who can play with his back to the basket. This is something we have been missing for the last couple of years. I think our basketball IQ is high, and we have multiple guys who are willing to play roles in helping this team win games.”
— QUESTIONS: Although Hawkins says the Falcons “finally have a big man down low,” he’s still concerned about the team’s rebounding. “We are bigger and longer than we have been the last couple of years, but are still small for the region that we play in. So, being able to rebound is still a question when it comes to Region 8-4A play.”
— SEASON OUTLOOK: The Falcons play in a tough Region 8-4A, with the defending Class 4A champs, North Oconee. However, with the improvement up and down the roster, the Falcons could find themselves battling for a playoff spot in February. Hawkins believes his team can compete at a much higher level this season. “We have basketball guys that love the game and have worked hard to improve over the off-season,” he said. “This year’s team should be exciting to watch, a team that can play fast and stretch the floor with the three on nights that we are shooting the ball well.”
— FAVORITE TO WIN REGION: “We are in a very tough region (North Oconee has won the state championship the last two years) that requires a lot of focus and execution night in and night out to win,” Hawkins said. “I would say North Oconee is still the favorite in the region this year with their returning players. But East Forsyth and Eastside could also give them a run.”
GAINESVILLE RED ELEPHANTS
— COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Charlemagne Gibbons, 3rd Season
— REGION: 7-5A
— 2024-25 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 19-8, Region 7-5A champions, Class 5A first round
— KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Jaxon Jones
— RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. SG Brandon Nelson (7.6 ppg), Sr. PF Charlie Gersmehl (11 ppg, Belmont commit), Sr. PG KJ White (12.2 ppg), Sr. G/F Quintin Mansfield (6.7 ppg, Troy University commit)
– KEY RETURNING PLAYERS/NEWCOMERS: SR. G Sabastion Collins (2.3 ppg), Sr. G Bryce Jackson (6-foot-4), Sr. Kevin Curtis (7-foot), Jr. Ash Vollrath (6-foot-7)
— STRENGTHS: Gainesville returns four of the five starters from last season’s region title team and added a ton of quality depth, including transfers Kevin Curtis (North Atlanta), Ash Vollrath (St. Francis) and Bryce Jackson (Newton). Big Red will benefit from having the depth and experienced leadership on the roster.
– QUESTIONS: Gibbons has assembled one of the most demanding non-region schedules in the state with the likes of Woodward Academy, Kell, Pinson Valley, Ala. and Oxford, Ala. He says how they navigate the schedule will be the key to being a contender in a loaded Class 5A field.
— SEASON OUTLOOK: With the return of four of his five starters this year, including dynamic point guard KJ White, big man Charlie Gershmel, guard Brandon Nelson and Quintin Mansfield, along with a laundry list of other big-time players, Gibbons is very optimistic about the season. However, regardless of the non-region schedule, Gainesville faces a tough Region 7-5A slate.
— FAVORITES TO WIN REGION: Gainesville is obviously a region contender, but Gibbons said Milton, Lanier and Seckinger will be tough to handle this season.
HABERSHAM CENTRAL RAIDERS
— COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Tommy Yancey, 4th season
— REGION: 8-5A
— 2024-2025 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 27-4, Region 8-5A champions, Class 5A quarterfinals
— KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Enzo Combs, F JoJo McCurry, G Jalen Davis, G Justus Gober, G Caden Garrison.
— RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. PF Judge Wilbanks (6-foot-7, 8 ppg, 7 rpg, All-Region), Sr. F Jake Mihalik (6-foot-10, 10 ppg, 6 rpg, All-Region)
— KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. Brody Bantaum (2.1 ppg), Jr. Micah Huff (1.1ppg), Jr. Eli Maye
– STRENGTHS: Although the Raiders lost three of their four starters to graduation last season, Yancey has plenty of returning talent from last year’s Elite 8 team. He says this year’s team will have the ability to have a varied offensive attack, and with a mixture of size and quickness, the Raiders should have success in Region 8-5A.
— QUESTIONS: With the graduation also comes some questions. Yancey does have to replace the consistent play of Combs, McCurry, Davis, Gober and Garrison. He says the biggest question is how well and how quickly the newcomers adapt to their new roles.
— SEASON OUTLOOK: Yancey’s season outlook is pretty simple: compete for the region title and make a deep run in the state tournament.
— FAVORITE TO WIN REGION: “Winder-Barrow” – YANCEY
JEFFERSON DRAGONS
— COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Kevin Morris, 9th season
— REGION: 8-3A
— 2024-25 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 19-8, Class 3A quarterfinals
— KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Dashaun Keith, G Josiah Morris, G Christian Hester
— RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. G Clay Owen (12.1 ppg, 46.3% eFG%, 30.4% 3FG%, 3.6 rpg, 1.7 apg), Sr. G Karter Sheilds ( 6.3 ppg, 52.8% eFG%, 5.7 rpg, Sr. G Colton Grant (4.7 ppg, 46.5% eFG%, 3.5 rpg, 1.1 apg)
— KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. G Ceven Nicely (3.5 ppg, 44.6% eFG%, 27.8% 3FG%), Sr. G/F Darren Pinkard (4.3 ppg, 61.3% eFG%, 2.2 rpg), Jr. G Griffin Drake (0.8 ppg, 24.6% eFG%, 0.5 apg)
— STRENGTHS: Morris says the “biggest asset” is the team’s depth. “We are looking to go about 10 deep off the bench this season,” he said. “This group is incredibly physical and versatile, well-suited to many opponents and in-game situations.”
— QUESTIONS: Morris is no stranger to getting some of his key players in late November to mid-December because of the football program’s playoff success. That always leaves the question: How can the Dragons handle November and early December without the key football players on the court? “We have at least six guys coming in from the football team,” he said. “So, how we handle the opening weeks of the schedule should be something to keep an eye on, as we expect to be without several key contributors. This challenge will immediately test the depth of our bench and the readiness of our younger athletes stepping into critical roles. The ultimate question, however, is how well we will be able to efficiently reintegrate those guys coming from football. We need to quickly find our competitive footing once our full roster is finally back on the floor, which is projected to be about midyear. We see this early adversity as an opportunity for some of our younger guys to develop.”
— SEASON OUTLOOK: “We are looking for a good year this season,” Morris said. “While we were certainly proud of the talented group that graduated last year and wish them the best, we are extremely confident in the players stepping up. We have plenty of depth and returning talent ready to make their mark on the season, and they are hungry to compete. Our goal is to play at a consistently high level and work hard every day to make some noise in the region and state.”
— FAVORITE TO WIN REGION: “East Hall” – MORRIS
JOHNSON KNIGHTS
— COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Gary Compton, 4th season
— REGION: 6-3A
— 2024-25 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 1-23
— KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Braydon Black, G Cruz Gober
— RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. G Monty Young (1.8 ppg, 4.3 apg, 1.4 rpg), Sr. G Maddon Whitmire (1.4 ppg, 2.3 apg), Sr. C Richard Silva
— KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. G Josh Smith, Sr. G Payton Smith, So. G Aidan Patterson
— STRENGTHS: The Knights return a lot of depth and a large senior class. Compton hopes that translates on the court this season. “It’s the biggest senior class in a long time – seven seniors and all but one have been together since their freshman year,” he said. “We have several with two or more years of varsity experience, and the others are excited that their time has finally arrived.”
— QUESTIONS: Although the Knights have several returning players, Compton said some of the younger and inexperienced guards will have to play earlier than usual. “Some seniors will have to step into leadership roles to help lead our younger players,” he said.
— SEASON OUTLOOK: “This year we have our biggest and most experienced senior class in a long time,” Compton said. “Hopefully, that shows on the court with more leadership and competitiveness. This group knows our system and can focus on the little things it takes to win games. Our region is very strong, and we will need to apply more defensive pressure, minimize opponents’ offensive rebounds, and take care of the ball, limiting our offensive turnovers. The players have worked hard and are looking forward to the new season with new opportunities.
FAVORITES TO WIN THE REGION: “GAC, Lumpkin County and North Hall” – COMPTON
LUMPKIN COUNTY INDIANS
— COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Chris Faulkner, 3rd season
— REGION: 6-3A
— 2024-25 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 18-10, Class 3A first round
— KEY PLAYERS LOSSES: G Cal Faulkner, G/F TJ Gaddis, G Walker Scott
— RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. G Landon Pierce (11.6 ppg / 3.0 rpg / 2.2 apg), Sr. G/F Keiwhan Gallagher (6.8 ppg / 6.1 rpg / 1.2 apg), So. G Kolson Howell (2.9ppg / 1.6 rpg)
– KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Jr. F Tyler Cortes, Sr. G Hagen Glenn, So. F Martin Hulsey, Sr. PG Jordan Richerson (Transfer from East Hall)
— STRENGTHS: The Indians return three starters, and got a key transfer in point guard Jordan Richerson from East Hall. So, depth and varsity experience will be the strength this season.
— QUESTIONS: Faulkner wonders if his team can be a “more balanced scoring team.” He also questions whether some of his players can step into a larger role than they have played in the past two seasons. “Leadership and toughness are huge issues that we must address early in the season and see who is willing to be the driving force in those areas,” he said
— SEASON OUTLOOK: The Indians finished tied for second in the region last season. Faulkner said there is a lot of parity in the region this season, with multiple teams that can emerge as the region continues. “We hope to be in the mix for this in late January or February,” he said.
— FAVORITE TO WIN REGION: “GAC, Pickens, North Hall, Dawson County” – FAULKNER
NORTH FORSYTH RAIDERS
— COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: David Sokol, 7th season
— REGION: 6-6A
— 2024-25 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 14-14, Class 6A first round
— KEY PLAYERS LOSSES: G Brogen Casey, G Ty Womack
— RETURNING STARTERS Sr. P Michael Akinrinmade (12 ppg, 7 rpg, 1 bpg), Sr. F Patrick Carnes (8 ppg, 6 rpg)
— STRENGTHS: Sokol says his team plays with great effort and is a close-knit team. He also points to the team’s “versatility inside” and feels this will be a very competitive team.
— QUESTIONS: Sokol is says inexperienced guard play will be the biggest question heading into the season. He hopes his team can improve its outside shooting ability throughout the season.
— SEASON OUTLOOK: Sokol believes his team will show growth throughout the season. He says they are very coachable and want to get better. If those things happen, the Raiders could land themselves in the state tournament.
NORTH HALL TROJANS
— COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Jarvis Davenport, 3rd season
— REGION: 6-3A
— 2024-25 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 16-12, Class 3A first round
– KEY PLAYERS LOSSES: G Micah Jimmerson, G Rolan Imai, P Cooper Payton, F Cole Hulsey
— RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. Gunner Spain (16 ppg, 6 rpg, 3.2 apg), So. Walker Vining (8 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2 apg), Sr. P Kenny Sullivan (3 ppg, 5 rpg)
— KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. SG Jackson Richey, Jr. SF/SG Drew Cronan
— STRENGTHS: Davenport finally has the depth to do the old “East Hall line change” at North Hall. He says the team’s depth will be a strong point of the roster and hopes it’ll turn into “the ability to play numerous lineups” throughout the game.
— QUESTIONS: “Davenport questions his team’s response to adversity and play team ball. He also says, “How well we rebound the basketball, along with how consistent we can be nightly, is a question mark too. We have so many new faces in new roles that every night could be an adventure.”
— SEASON OUTLOOK: “I’m interested to see how we grow and develop this year,” he said. “There is always someone who steps up and fills a void that has been left by another player. I’m also hopeful that we can build on what we’ve done the last two seasons, make a playoff appearance and advance in the state playoffs. But regardless, we plan to play up-tempo basketball and defend the entire court for 32 minutes.”
— FAVORITE TO WIN REGION: “I think so many teams in our region look different this year that it’s hard to pick an outright favorite. I can see a possibility where four teams could come out as region champs. – DAVENPORT
RABUN COUNTY WILDCATS
— COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: David Adcock, 8th season
— REGION: 8-A Division 1
— 2024-25 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 23-6, Region Champions, Class A Division 1 second round
— KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Michael Bone, G Chase Alonso (transferred to Rabun Gap), G Macade Huff (transferred to Banks County)
— RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. PG Huey Blalock (20 ppg, 8 apg, 3 spg), Sr. F Hayes Free (6-foot-8, 15 ppg, 8 rpg, 2 spg, 2 bpg), Jo. G Reed Burrell (10 ppg, 4 rpg, 4 apg, 2 spg)
— KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. G Colton Crane, Jr. G Khanii Thompson, Jr. G/P Hayden Cannon, Fr. G Cord Burrell, F G/P Trace Adcock.
— STRENGTHS: Adcock says this will be one of the most skilled teams 1 through 5 that Rabun has had. Their ability to move without the ball and play off one another will make them hard to defend. They have five players who are capable of scoring 15 plus points on any given night, and four players who could shoot around 40% from the 3-point line. The Wildcats have four players who can lead the break, making it easy for them to get out in transition as they look to improve on their 72 points per game average from last season.
— QUESTIONS: Adcock said his biggest concerns this year will be their ability to rebound and defend inside. However, they do return leading rebounder Hayes Free from last season. The biggest area that Rabun County will be working on this year is defensive consistency.
— SEASON OUTLOOK: The Wildcats have the experience to make a run for the back-to-back Region 8A Division I titles. Adcock hopes his team can make a deep run in the Class A state tournament.
TOWNS COUNTY INDIANS
— COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Brian Hunnicutt, 5th season
— REGION: 8-A Division 2
— 2024-25 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 16-13, Class A Division II first round
— KEY PLAYER LOSSES: 0
— RETURNING STARTERS: So. PG Tucker Engert (18.5 ppg, 3.9 apg, 4.1
rpg, 2.5 spg, All Region as a freshman), Sr. SG Jonas Rouse (10.4 ppg, 1.6 apg, 7.0 rpg, 1.7 spg), Sr. F Dustin Barrett (10.5 ppg, 1.2 apg, 6.4 rpg, 1.5 spg), Sr. C Cruz Kitchens (8.7 ppg, 1.4 apg, 6.9 rpg, 1.1 spg), Sr. G Mason Pierson (4.2 ppg, 1 apg, 2.0 rpg, .7 spg)
— KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: So. G Sam Sarafin (2.4 ppg, 1.6 apg, 2.6 rpg, 1.6 spg)
— STRENGTHS: The Indians return a lot of young but experienced players to the roster this season. Hunnicutt says the experience is the biggest strength of the team.
–QUESTIONS: Hunnicutt said depth could be an issue for the Indians this season. “We need a few young guys to step up and provide depth off the bench.”
— SEASON OUTLOOK: Towns County weathered the growing pains last season to advance to the Class A D2 tournament. With their top-six contributors back, the outlook has shifted from growing up fast to hoping to compete for a region tournament and a deep playoff run.
— FAVORITE TO WIN REGION: “Greene County, Warren County and Towns County” – HUNNICUTT
UNION COUNTY PANTHERS
— COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Corey Garrett, 7th season.
— REGION: 7-2A
— 2024-25 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 26-6, Battle of the States champions, Region 7-2A runner-up, Class 2A runner-up
— KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Houston Henry, F Hayden Hughes, P Kaden Combs, G Maddox Young
— RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. PF Vince Marevka (11 ppg, 8 rpg)
— KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Jr. G Ethan Hogsed (4 ppg), Sr. G Holden Payne (6 ppg, 40 % 3FG)
— STRENGTHS: Although the Panthers lost their leading scorers from last season’s state title game run, Garrett does return some experience that can shoot the ball. That’ll be key early on for the Panthers as the newcomers get varsity time.
— QUESTIONS: The Panthers lost four starters from last year’s Class 2A state runner-up team, so team experience is a question mark.
–SEASON OUTLOOK: Garrett says they’ll have to maximize their potential and use the non-region schedule as a training ground for his inexperienced team. However, he still believes his team has enough firepower to contend for a region title.
— FAVORITE TO WIN REGION: “North Cobb Christian” – GARRETT
WEST HALL SPARTANS
— COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Chuck Graham, 3rd season
— REGION: 8-3A
— 2024-2025 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 6-19
— KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Xavier Felix, SF Teryk Tilley
— RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. PG/SG Troy Smith (15 ppg, 4 apg)
— KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. G Chad Hamilton (4 apg), Sr. G Zac Wanger (8 ppg, 5 rpg)
— STRENGTHS: The Spartans were riddled with injuries last season, which gave Graham an opportunity to build some depth. Even though the Spartans finished the season 13 games under .500, they’ll benefit from last season’s heartaches in 2025. Graham said the team’s depth, leadership, and experience are much welcomed.
— QUESTIONS: Just because the Spartans have depth returning this season doesn’t mean there are not questions. Graham says how his younger players respond to adversity will be a sign of how much they have improved since last season.
— SEASON OUTLOOK: Graham was very upbeat, talking about his team’s season outlook. He said he’s excited to watch this year’s edition of the Spartans develop. “This is my third season in Sparta, and I feel like we finally have something we’ve been missing in the past—depth. For the first time, we have the numbers and personnel to play the up-tempo style we want. Our first two seasons were injury-riddled, which limited our ability to do that. This year, we have a strong mix of experienced upperclassmen and promising young players. Ultimately, our success will come down to how well we handle adversity and stay committed to our standard—regardless of who we play or where we play.”
FAVORITES TO WIN REGION: “East Hall or Cherokee Bluff” – GRAHAM
WHITE COUNTY WARRIORS
— COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Miles Kendall, 1st season
— REGION: 6-3A
— 2024-25 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 5-21
— KEY PLAYER LOSSES: F Dawson Oliver, G Tripp Nix, G David Boman
— RETURNING STARTERS: Jr. SG Blayne Gunter (17.5 ppg, 7.2 rpg), Sr. SG Cohen Michaud (10.1 ppg, 2.5 apg)
– KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. PG Carter Nguyen, Jr. SF Cooper Adam
— STRENGTHS: New head coach Miles Kendall says his team’s shooting and defensive play will be the strength of the team.
— QUESTIONS: The Warriors are under their third head coach in as many seasons. So, finding some consistency early on will be key in Cleveland. Kendall said consistency is a big key and building team toughness.
— SEASON OUTLOOK: “The Warriors do return some experience to the roster. With that, Kendall says his outlook on the season is to “compete, give ourselves a chance to win the tough games and exceed expectations.”
— FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: “No clue. It’s wide open.” – Kendall
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