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Banks County lost its biggest playmaker in Kolby Watson, who was good for 20-plus points per game last year. However, this Leopards group has a great mix of veteran leaders and newcomers who will help transition the team for the next couple of years. After a Sweet 16 run, these guys have a great shot to do the same this time around.
PRESEASON INFO
2024-25 Record: 16-12; State Sweet 16
Head Coach: Chuck Butler (2nd Season)
Returning Starters: 2
Key Departures: Kolby Watson (Emmanuel), Antonio Gonzalez, Luke Dale
Key Players: Dayden Rogers (All-Region), Caden Watson, Brayden Knight, Brycen Murphy, Aidan Beasley, Griffin Hill, Macade Huff (transfer from Rabun)
Offense: “Multiple. We blend motion and set plays together so that our guys can star in their roles,” says Butler. “We have worked a lot on being versatile to maximize the strength of the individuals and our team. We want to be able to adjust pace and style of play to meet whatever challenges we will face.”
Strengths: “We have a very talented group of younger players that absolutely love the game of basketball. They live in the gym and we are excited and eager to see their growth. We feel with their abilities coupled with the senior leadership we have returning will be a great combination to allow for success.”
Biggest Challenges: “Experience is our biggest challenge. We have talented younger guys that just need varsity game experience. As they get acclimated to the speed and physicality of varsity competition they will be very successful. They just have to stay poised in all situations and remain disciplined to execute. We will work a lot on composure and not letting emotions dictate our actions on the floor.”
“We have extremely high expectations for 25-26,” states Butler. “We know it won’t be easy with a younger team and we may have some growing pains early on, but we are so excited about this group. We have senior leadership that our younger guys can lean on while they get acclimated to the challenges of varsity competition. I see this being a very rewarding year for our team, program, and school as we embody growth and just keep getting better and better. Our future is very bright. Last year’s roster has carried the load for the past few years and we are excited to see a passing of the torch as a new group is ready to take the reins.”
