Picking the eventual region basketball champions is never an exact science — and that unpredictability is what makes the game so exciting.
From regular-season surprises to postseason upsets, basketball has a way of keeping fans on the edge of their seats to the final horn.
As the 2025-26 season gets underway, here’s a look at the area teams we expect to lead the pack, those ready to challenge them, and the dark horses with a shot to shake things up.
THE FAVORITES
Cherokee Bluff (Region 8-3A)
The Bears finished the season 24-5, winning Region 8-3A. Sure, they lost the program’s leading scorer, Boston Kersh, and steals and assists leader Tyler Underwood. Still, they have a talented, deep roster returning with the likes of Cooper Glover, Cole Brooks, Conner Robinson and Andy Quirarte. The Bears are the top contender in the region, and if the roster produces like head coach Josh Travis thinks it will, they could be set for a deep tournament run.
East Hall (Region 8-3A)
The Vikings were dealt two blows before the season even started: Jamarcus Harrison is enrolling early at Kennesaw State, and Power 4 guard Bray Langston is out with an injury until January. However, the Vikings have plenty of depth in the program, and won’t start region play until January, when Langston is supposed to return. Regardless of who takes the helm of the offense over the next two months, the Vikings will be in the mix for the region title and poised to make a deep run in the Class 3A tournament.
Gainesville (Region 7-5A)
Big Red has a roster full of Division I college prospects. They also return four starters. They also have a front court that averages over 6-foot-7, including a 7-footer in Kevin Curtis. Still, though, the Red Elephants have a solid starting rotation, led by the area’s best point guard, KJ White, and a big man in Charlie Gersmehl, who can play inside and out. It’s pretty evident with one of the most talented and deep rosters in the area, Gainesville is the team to beat in Region 7-5A.
Habersham Central (Region 8-5A)
Sure, the Raiders lost a lot of production to graduation, but head coach Tommy Yancey’s program is built to reload, and that’s what they’re doing in Mt. Airy. They have two bigs back in Judge Wilma’s and Jake Mihalik. The biggest question is in the backcourt. Who will step up to fill the void left by Enzo Combs, Jalen Davis, Justus Gober and Caden Garrison? If the Raiders reload in the backcourt, they should contend with Winder-Barrow for another region title.
Jefferson (Region 8-3A)
As usual, head coach Kevin Morris has to wait longer on some of his key players, as the Jefferson football team will most likely make a deep playoff run. The good thing for him is that region play doesn’t start until January. Despite the missing pieces, the Dragons have a deep roster, and by the time January rolls around, Jefferson will be at full strength and a contender in tough Region 8-3A.
Rabun County (Region 8-A Division I)
The Wildcats return three starters, including point guard and leading scorer Huey Blalock and big man Hayes Free. Head coach David Adcock says this is his most skilled starting rotation he’s had in a long time, including a very good shooting team. Region 8-A Division I is Rabun County’s to lose.
COULD CONTEND
Banks County (Region 8-A Division I)
Although the Leopards are an overall young program, they are deep. They return two starters with a bench full of sophomores and freshmen. How that depth develops over the course of the season will dictate the Leopards’ ability to contend in a tough region. If it develops, Banks County could give Rabun County a run in the tournament.
Buford (Region 8-6A)
The Wolves lost several key players to graduation. They do return several players that will help the Wolves contend in the region. However, they’ll be without at least six football players. Once they return, how fast they acclimate to basketball will be key in region play for the Wolves. Right now, Central Gwinnett is the team to beat in the region. The Wolves have the dudes to contend with; it just depends on how fast they jell.
East Forsyth (Region 8-4A)
The Broncos were third in the region last season and reached the Sweet 16. They return four starters from that team, along with several key players returning to the rotation. Depth is not a concern for head coach Jay Burney. The Broncos won’t be afraid to shoot it, and they have the guns to score with anybody in the region. Everybody’s favorite is defending champion North Oconee. A two-seed might be all the Broncos can get, but they won’t go down with a fight in a rugged Region 8-4A.
Lumpkin County (Region 6-3A)
Lumpkin County lost Cal Faulkner but picked up point guard Jordan Richerson (East Hall) in the off-season. Richerson gives the Indians an instant jolt with his guidance and IQ, and the Indians return three starters as well as a deep rotation. Head coach Chris Faulkner is looking for a more balanced scoring team. Who steps up for the Indians will determine if they are in the hunt for a region title in February.
North Hall (Region 6-3A)
It’s hard to get a read on the Trojans. They lost four key players, including guard Micah Jimmerson, Rolan Imai, and forward Cole Hulsey, but do return three starters in Gunner Spain, Walker Vining, and Kenny Sullivan. But how do the Trojans replace the explosiveness and scoring of Hulsey? Davenport says he has depth, enough to play multiple lineups during a game. That’s a good problem to have. Region 6-3A is wide open. With Davenport’s style of play, expect the Trojans to contend for the top spot.
Towns County (Region 8-A Division II)
The Indians were young in terms of varsity experience last season and still posted a 16-13 record, earning a playoff berth. Now, his entire starting rotation returns, including leading scorer, sophomore Tucker Emert. Head coach Brian Hunnicutt hopes to build depth in non-region play, and if that happens, the Indians could contend for the Region 8-A Division II championship.
Union County (Region 7-2A)
The Panthers are the only team in the AccessWDUN coverage area that played for a state championship last season. They did not win the region title. This year, the head coach, Corey Garrett, has the task of replacing four of the five starters from the runner-up team. He has a pretty good roster, but it’s inexperienced. If the Panthers can hone their skills during non-region play, they might just be playing for the region title.
DARKHORSE DAWGS
Dawson County (Region 6-3A)
The boys’ basketball downturn could be over in Dawsonville. Head coach Todd Cottrell returns four of his five starters from last season, along with a good bench rotation. But it’s what happens on the court that will decide if the Tigers are a true contender for the region championship. In a wide-open Region 6-3A, anything could happen. But, for now, the Tigers remain in Darkhorse Dawg status.
Flowery Branch (Region 8-4A)
The Falcons return four of the five starters this season and have plenty of depth in the program. But does all that translate into a playoff berth in a tough Region 8-4A? Head coach David Hawkins is very optimistic about this season and believes his team has enough firepower to contend for a playoff berth. For now, we’ll give them Darkhorse Dawg status.
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