The 2022-23 boys basketball season will look a bit different.
With a new reclassification cycle, some teams across Northeast Georgia moved up, some moved down, and some stayed put.
It’s hard to tell if the changes have stacked any of the regions in our coverage area yet.
Looking across the board, Class A, which the Georgia High School Association split into two divisions – larger schools in D-1 and smaller schools in D – is the most interesting right now.
Top-10 ranked Tallulah Falls join former Class 2A playoff contenders Rabun County and Elbert County in the fight for the region title. Commerce, Athens Christian and Barrow also are housed in Region 8-A D-1.
Region 8-4A looks like it will have a dogfight to the end. It’s the largest region in the area with 11 teams and will be subdivided. All signs point to Madison County and Walnut Grove as the region's favorites, but don’t count out Cedar Shoals, who made the playoffs in Class 5A last year, and Chestatee, who has a boatload of talent back. East Forsyth will want a piece of the cake as well as North Hall. And … Joe Dix is back at East Hall. Can he fast-track the Vikings to the top of the region this season? We’re gonna enjoy watching this region unfold.
In Region 7-3A, Wesleyan is the talk of the town, but don’t count out White County. The Warriors return the region player of the year Jadon Yeh and have some quality athletes that add enough firepower to make a run. According to our sources, West Hall could be the sleeping giant in the region with four returning starters and a solid bench. Dawson County is young and could be the team you don’t want to play in February. The same goes for Gilmer and Pickens.
In Region 8-5A, Flowery Branch is in Year 4 of Jay Burney’s rebuild. The Falcons return a lot, including dynamic post-player Tyleek Worth. He’s tough to handle in the post, which means more double teams. If that happens, open up the 3-point floodgates.
Jefferson made the state quarterfinals last season, losing to Westover. It’s unclear how good Jefferson will be this season in Class 5A. Graduation hit the Dragons pretty hard. Can they reload?
In Region 8-7A, Buford, who finished Class 6A runner-ups last season, enters as the clear favorite to win the region. However, the No. 10 Wolves lost 35 points per game when Alahn Sumler (18 ppg) and Jaylon Taylor (17 ppg) graduated in May. The good news, London Williams and David Burnett return along with a pretty good supporting cast.
So, what to expect from the 2022-23 season is unknown at this point, but what we do know, February will be here before we know it.
(CHECK OUT THE GIRLS BASKETBALL PREVIEW HERE)
We offer below our 2022-23 season preview of every team in our coverage area.*
BANKS COUNTY LEOPARDS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Ryan Griffin, 3rd season
-- REGION: 8-2A
-- 2021-22 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 9-20, first round of the Class 2A tournament
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G/F Dakota Ivey and G Bradley Lewis
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 3
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. G Bradley Lewis, Sr. G Mason Adams, F Kolby Watson
-- STRENGTHS: With the return of the backcourt, the Leopards should be pretty good around the perimeter.
-- QUESTIONS: The Leopards will be in search of rebounding help this season. Giffin said the biggest question mark heading into the season is defense. If the Leopards can put together a solid frontcourt and defend well, they should be looking at a top-four finish.
-- KEY GAMES: The Leopards open the season at home against East Hall on Tuesday, followed by 16 non-region games before opening region play at defending region champion Elbert County on Jan. 11.
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: “No clue, we have some teams that I don't know much about yet.” – Griffin
BUFORD WOLVES
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Benjie Wood, 2nd season
-- REGION: 8-6A
-- 2021-22 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 25-7, Class 6A state runner-up
-- KEY PLAYERS LOSSES: G Alahn Sumler 18 ppg; F Jaylon Taylor- 17 ppg
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 2
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr C/PF London Williams (12 ppg, 8 rpg), Sr. G/F David Burnett (7 ppg, 5 rpg)
-- STRENGTHS: Despite losing the top-two scorers to graduation, Wood said he’s excited about the senior leadership returning to help this season.
-- QUESTIONS: Wood will look to his underclassmen to step up and help the seniors this season. He said they have a lot of young guys that will need to grow up quickly in Class 7A.
-- KEY GAMES: In his first season at the helm of his alma mater, Wood guided the Wolves to the Class 6A state championship game. Wood hopes to return to Macon this season, but it won’t be easy in a tough Class 7A. He’ll get his team ready with a tough non-region schedule as they opened the season with Lovett on Saturday and will play in a tournament against Parkview and Grovetown next week.
CHEROKEE BLUFF BEARS
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Josh Travis, 2nd season
-- REGION: 8-4A
-- 2021-22 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 12-14
-- KEY PLAYERS LOSSES: none
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. G Carlos Marlow (15.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg), Sr. G Jhace Justice (8 ppg, 4.7 rpg), So. F Boston Kersh (10.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg), So. G Tyler Underwood (5 ppg, 3 rpg, 4 apg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Jr. PG Tanaka Mukono, Jr. SG Logan Holmes, Jr. G Bryce Horton
-- STRENGTHS: Travis said the biggest strength will be team chemistry. “They like one another and are playing for each other. This year, we should have depth in the backcourt. Last year, we played a lot of underclassmen, mostly freshmen, so it will be exciting to see how that year of experience has prepared them for this year.”
-- QUESTIONS: The Bears return a boatload in the frontcourt, but finding post-play is the biggest question.
-- KEY GAMES: The Bears open the schedule on Tuesday at home against Apalachee, followed by a road trip to Forsyth Central on Friday before opening region play at home against Seckinger on Dec. 2.
With a new region, it is hard to say who the front-runner is. North Oconee and North Hall have been good the last couple of years, and East Forsyth had a great year for a first-year school. East Hall will be tough toward the end of the season with the return of coach Joe Dix. Every game will be a battle, with a large region and only four spots available for state.
CHESTATEE WAR EAGLES
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Tanner Plemmons, 2nd season
-- REGION: 8-4A
-- 2021-22 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 10-19, first round of Class 4A playoffs
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 4
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Peyton Phillips, G Cade Williams, G/F Austin Bater
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. G Hugh Pruitt (6-foot, 10.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4.2 apg), Jr. G Josh Bull (5-foot-11, 8.2 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 3.3 APG), Sr. G Jarvis Weaver (6-foot-2, 10.1 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 2.3 APG), Jr. F Colton Wilbanks (6-foot-5, 16.4 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 1.8 BPG)
-- STRENGTHS: The War Eagles return a group of seasoned guards who understand Plemmons’ system. Plemmons hopes they’ll be able to mix up matchups defensive and score the basketball in several different ways, both in the paint and around the perimeter.
-- QUESTIONS: The War Eagles return most of their starting rotation and a deep bench this season. How the War Eagles perform down the stretch could be the biggest question.
-- KEY NON-REGION GAMES: The War Eagles opened their season against Blessed Trinity on Saturday. They’ll pick up key non-region games against Duluth, Lumpkin County and Jefferson before opening region play at Johnson on Dec. 6.
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: “Madison County and Walnut Grove” – Plemmons
DAWSON COUNTY TIGERS
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Todd Cottrell, 3rd season
-- REGION: 7-3A
-- 2021-22 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 6-20
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: F Luke Mulberry, F Lane Perry, G Jackson Binkley, F Tristan Talley, G/F Zach Holtzclaw
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 3
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Jr. G Trey Harvey (9.2 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.3 spg), Jr. G Caden Reed (7 pp., 2.3 rpg, 2.3 apg), Jr. G Ethan Parker (1 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 1 apg), Jr. G Joshua Priest
-- STRENGTHS: The Tigers return some quality experience and leadership that should help Cottrell’s rebuild progress faster in Dawsonville.
-- QUESTIONS: Cottrell enters the season looking for depth. The Tigers do return several key players but need to build depth quickly.
-- KEY NON-REGION GAMES: Cottrell pinpointed River Ridge, New Faith Christian and East Forsyth as three key non-region games that will help them prep for a tough Region 7-3A schedule.
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: “Wesylan” – Cottrell
EAST FORSYTH BRONCOS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Scott Bracco, 2nd season
-- REGION: 8-4A
-- 2021-22 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 12-19, first round of Class 3A tournament
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: none
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 3
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. Matthew Rouse (17 ppg, 4 rpg, 4 apg: All-Region), Sr. Bryce Bracco (15 ppg, 4 rpg, 3 spg: All-Region), Sr. Davey Hyams (12 ppg, 5 rpg), Jr. Gavin Scheu (4 ppg, 7 rpg)
-- STRENGTHS: The Broncos took significant steps in their first season, making a state tournament appearance. The Broncos return most of the team this season, giving them experience from the start. Bracco said depth and guard play will be a strength in his uptempo offense.
-- QUESTIONS: Even though the Broncos found some success last season, they’ll bump up to a tough Region 8-4A this season. How they handle the move will be the biggest question.
-- KEY NON-REGION GAMES: East Forsyth will open the season on the road Tuesday at Woodstock and will follow that with games against Dunwoody, Lumpkin County, Dawson County, Greater Atlanta Christian and Sequoyah before opening region play at a tough Madison County on Dec. 2.
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: “It’s a wide-open region.” – Bracco
EAST HALL VIKINGS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Joe Dix, 1st season
-- REGION: 8-4A
-- 2021-2022 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 16-9, Lanierland Champions
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G/F Christian Torres, G Clete Cooper
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. G Levi Holtzclaw (10 ppg, 2.5 apg), Sr. G/F Cletus Agborsangaya (14 ppg, 8 rpg, 3 apg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. F Cam Herrick, Jr. G Maddox Smith
-- STRENGTHS: The Vikings return seniors Holtzclaw and Agborsangaya. Dix will look to them for leadership.
-- QUESTIONS: As Dix returns to a program he was a part of for 22 seasons, 14 as head coach, he starts where he left off, building depth. Dix said the development of the young inexperienced talent will be a big key to success this season.
-- KEY NON-REGION GAMES: East Hall opened the season at home against Banks County on Saturday and will travel to Banks County on Friday, followed by games against White County and Flowery Branch before opening region play at Walnut Grove on Dec. 2.
FLOWERY BRANCH FALCONS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Jay Burney, 4th season
-- REGION: 8-5A
-- 2021-22 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 12-14
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Trey Shaw, G JP Aguilar
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. F Tyleek Worth (16 ppg, 9.7 rpg), Sr. G Jack Burney (6.3 ppg, 2.1 apg), Sr. PF Fe Honors (5.8 ppg, 6 rpg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. SG Jackson Owens (10 ppg, 2.8 rpg), So. PG Jeremiah Ware (9.3ppg 1.6 apg), Sr. PF Fe Honors (5.8 ppg, 6 rpg)
-- STRENGTHS: Depth, team chemistry and knowledge. “We are more talented as far as being able to play 9, 10 guys,” Burney said. “We are better with our assignments and understanding where to be and where the teammates are going to be. So, our team chemistry is better.”
-- QUESTIONS: Outside shooting ability. “The biggest thing is how well can we shoot it behind the line,” Burney said. “We’ve got a big in Tyleek that most people will have to double … he’s just hard to deal with down there. So that means there are a lot of kick outs and one extra pass for open 3’s. Can we consistently make those?”
-- KEY NON-REGION GAMES: Burney said the Lanierland opener against No. 2 seed Gainesville and the rest of the field will be the biggest key non-region games. “I would say Gainesville is the favorite to win the tournament,” he said. “Of course, that’s not where we want to start, but it is what it is. I would say those are key non-region games for us.”
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: “I haven’t seen a lot of them. We saw some of them this summer. Of the ones I saw, I thought Winder-Barrow was really good.” – Burney
GAINESVILLE RED ELEPHANTS
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Chuck Graham, 5th season
-- REGION: 8-6A
-- 2021-22 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 5-18
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Chamarion Bush, G/F Qua Coley
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. G Charlie Reisman (13 ppg), Sr. G Julius Jackson (8 ppg, 4 apg), Jr. G Ellis Pitts (10 ppg, 5 rpg), Sr. G Dre Raven (8 ppg, 6 apg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Jr. F Octavian Demory, Sr. F Keyonate Flenoy
-- STRENGTHS: The Red Elephants have all but one returning starter back this season, which puts them way ahead of last season’s schedule. Graham is pleased with the depth, quickness and ability to score.
-- QUESTIONS: Gainesville added some transfers to the roster in the offseason. Graham says how they will be able to mesh together on the court is the biggest question.
-- KEY NON-REGION GAMES: Gainesville open the season against Collins Hill on Monday and will be at home against Clake Central on Saturday, followed by games against Mt. Zion, Laney, King’s Ridge and North Springs. Those, along with Lanierland, will be a good tune-up for a tough region slate, set to open at Habersham Central on Jan. 6.
HABERSHAM CENTRAL RAIDERS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Tommy Yancey, 1st season
-- REGION: 8-6A
-- 2021-2022 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 15-14, first-round Class 6A tournament
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: PG Malachi Dooley, SG Mekhi Mawdesley, G Omar Garcia, G Kaden Hooks
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. F Bryce Pittman (12.8 ppg, 5.7 rpg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Jr. G Brannon Gaines (4.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.5 apg), Sr. G Cole Gary (3.4 ppg, 1.5 rpg)
-- STRENGTHS: Yancey said the team’s best strength is quickness.
-- QUESTIONS: The Raiders return experience to the roster, but how quickly they catch on to Yancey’s system is a question. Yancey also said rebounding is a concern right now.
-- KEY GAMES: The Raiders will have 10 non-region games and one Christmas tournament to get ready for region play on Jan. 3 at Shiloh.
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: “Gainesville or North Forsyth” – Yancey
JACKSON COUNTY PANTHERS
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Bryan Parker, 3rd season
-- REGION: 8-6A
-- 2021-22 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 5-20
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Riley Baugh, SF Bryce Blake, G Isaiah Maxey
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. G/F Elijah Bowers (8 ppg, 3 rpg), Sr. G/F Charlie Fox (6 ppg, 5 rpg), Jr. G Brice Rogers (8 ppg, 4 rpg, 3ast)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: So. G Jacob Lee (4 ppg, 4 apg)
-- STRENGTHS: The Panthers will look to Bowers and Fox for leadership this season. Parker says, “this group has really grown close and plays for each other.”
-- QUESTIONS: The Panthers will have to grow up quickly after losing seven seniors. “We will have six to seven players with no varsity experience.”
-- KEY GAMES: Parker said they’ll use Winder-Barrow, Franklin County, Banks County, North Hall, Lakeview Academy, West Hall and Flowery Branch to prepare for the Region 8-6A slate. They’ll open region play on Jan. 3 against Apalachee at home.
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: “Shiloh or Lanier.” – Parker
JEFFERSON DRAGONS
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Kevin Morris, 6th season
-- REGION: 8-5A
-- 2021-22 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 25-4, Region 8-4 Championships, Class 4A quarterfinals
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Dalen Gales, SG JT Fulkrod, PG Riley Holliman, F Kadin Bailey
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Jr. G/F Jaden Butts (5 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 apg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. SG Max Aldridge, Jr. SG/F Tra Harrison, Jr. C Micah Hooper, Jr. G/F Drew Williamson
-- STRENGTHS: If there’s one thing Morris won’t have to worry about, his team's toughness and the uptempo style of play.
-- QUESTIONS: After losing the team’s top-four scorers to graduation, Morris will have to break in four new starters and build depth during the non-region schedule.
-- KEY GAMES: The Dragons open the season this weekend against Tallulah Falls and will follow that with key matchups against St. Pius X, Chestatee, Buford, Mill Creek and Flowery Branch before opening region play at Winder-Barrow on Dec. 16.
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: “Winder-Barrow or Heritage” – Morris
JOHNSON KNIGHTS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Gary Compton, 1st season
-- REGION: 8-4A
-- 2021-22 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 1-25
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: F Jake Shaw, G Alex Flores, G Sebastian Madera
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Jr. F Jaiden Riley (8ppg, 4 rpg), Jr. G Demetri Moon (6 ppg, 3 rpg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. G Max Dunham, Sr. G Bryce Parsons, Fr. Monty Young, Sr. Andre Hernandez
-- STRENGTHS: New coach Gary Compton says his players are more experienced this year and should be a faster and more athletic team.
-- QUESTIONS: Although the Knights have several returning players, Compton said the new additions must catch up and learn the system.
-- KEY NON-REGION GAMES: The Knights will have one non-region game against Loganville Christian before jumping into region play on the road at Cedar Shoals on Dec. 1.
LAKEVIEW ACADEMY LIONS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Tyler Sanders, 3rd season
-- REGION: GIAA 4A
-- 2021-22 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 9-17
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Harrison Cooper, F Isaiah Rico (Gainesville), G Issac Marcero (Gainesville)
-- RETURNING STARTERS: So. G Jack Collins (9 ppg, 5 rpg), Sr. G Liam Weidner (6 ppg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: So. G Brock Graham, Jr. G Jack Bornhorst
-- STRENGTHS: Sanders said he hopes to build more depth as the season progress. “We have a great group of kids who are bought into getting better and being a part of building something special at Lakeview,” he said.
-- QUESTIONS: Youth and inexperience. The Lions will be very young and inexperienced this season, with only one senior, three juniors and nine sophomores. “We will have to battle the growing pains early, especially with our football players in the playoffs. We will have to get them up to speed once their season ends,” Sanders said.
-- KEY NON-REGION GAMES: Sanders has loaded his schedule with 10 tough non-region games, four against GHSA Class 6A and Class 5A schools, to prepare for region play after the first of the year.
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: In our region, George Walton returns pretty much the whole team that went to the Sweet 16 in Class A Private.” – Sanders
LANIER CHRISTIAN LIGHTNING
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Chris Freeman, 2nd season
-- REGION: GAPPS 3A Region 2
-- 2021-22 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 11-14
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: PG Luke Winkler, SF Luke Jackson, C Kyan Brown
-- RETURNING STARTERS: G Shepard Action (11 ppg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Tate Mudd, Gavin Sewell-Strabala, and Jacob Edwards.
-- STRENGTHS: Speed and versatility. Freeman says the team's speed and versatility are a big help to the lack of experience on the roster. “We have four guys that can play any position that will get the majority of the playing time,” he said.
-- QUESTION: Chemistry and experience. With only one returning starter, Freeman is concerned about team chemistry and experience. “We have one returning starter and a new point guard with a lot of experience. The remainder of the team is talented but untested and inexperienced at the high school level,” he said.
-- KEY GAMES: LCA opened the season against Covenant Christian Academy last week and has already played three games. They’ll play a ton of non-region games over the next month and a half before opening region play at Young Americans Christian at home on Jan. 6.
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: It’s a new region with teams from different associations, making it hard to pick a favorite.” – Freeman
LUMPKIN COUNTY INDIANS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Michael Parker, 3rd season
-- REGION: 7-3A
-- 2021-22 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 8-18
-- KEY PLAYERS LOSSES: G Jones Harris (17 ppg, 7-3A All-Region, 1,000-point scorer)
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Cal Faulkner (12.2 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 apg), Sr. Hunter Cooper (7.3 ppg, 3 rpg), Jr. Preston Cox (5 ppg, 6 rpg, 1 bpg), Sr. Jack Carroll (4 ppg, 3 rpg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. Clayton Woodham
-- STRENGTHS: Toughness and experience. Parker says his first five or six guys have the toughness and experience to carry the team. He said they played heavy minutes last season and knew what to expect on a nightly basis. Along with sophomore Cal Faulkner at guard, the Indians have seniors Cooper, Carroll and Woodham add different skill sets to the lineup. Also, add in senior forwards Carter DiSanto and Cooper Scott, and the Indians have five seniors they can trust to lead every night.
-- QUESTIONS: Replacing Harris. Replacing leading scorer Jones Harris is a major question mark for Parker heading into the season, and who will step up and be those first few guys off the bench playing crucial minutes? And for the first time in a long time, Parker will have to wait on five guys, two of which are starters, to finish football. Parker says how quickly those guys get back into the fold and in basketball shape will be vital.
-- KEY NON-REGION GAMES: Parker has filled his schedule with a tough non-region slate, playing East Jackson Chestatee, East Hall and two tough Christmas tournaments to prepare for the region schedule. The Indians will open Region 7-3A play on the road at Wesleyan on Dec. 6.
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: Region 7-3A newcomer Wesleyan is probably the early favorite. But White County has won the regular season region title the last two years and returns the region player of the year, Jadon Yeh. So, they are obviously a favorite as well.” – Parker
NORTH FORSYTH RAIDERS
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: David Sokol, 4th season
-- REGION: 8-6A
-- 2021-22 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 15-14, first-round Class 7A tournament
-- KEY PLAYERS LOSSES: G Aidan Kudlas (1,000-point scorer)
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. G Kal-el Delgadillo, Jr. C Cole Kirouac, Sr. G Will Sokol, Jr. G Braden Mullis
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Jr. G/F Brayden Turner, Sr. Cameron Martin, Sr. Tucker Oliver, Sr. C Temidayo Akinrinmade
-- STRENGTHS: The Raiders return four starters and a talented bench to lead the charge in a brand new region and classification.
-- QUESTIONS: The Raiders dropped from Class 7A to Class 6A, moving out of the all-Forsyth County region. How the Raiders adjust to longer road trips will be a question.
-- KEY NON-REGION GAMES: The Raiders open the season on Tuesday at home against Forsyth Central, followed by key games against Lambert, Dacula, Greater Atlanta Christian, West Forsyth, South Forsyth and Sequoyah in preparation for region play.
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: “Lanier” – Sokol
NORTH HALL TROJANS
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Miles Kendall, 3rd season
-- REGION: 8-4A
-- 2021-22 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 23-5, Region 7-3A champions, first round of Class 3A tournament
-- KEY PLAYERS LOSSES: F Robert Terry, G Elijah Gaddy, G Edward Doig
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Jr. G/F Andrew Bales (11 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 apg), Sr. G Sam Gailey (9 ppg, 3 rpg, 2 apg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. G Casen Payne (2 ppg, 2 rpg, 2 apg), Jr. G Matthew Ray (5 ppg, 3 rpg, 1 apg)
-- STRENGTHS: The Trojans return a solid group with plenty of varsity experience, which should translate into wins in the new Region 8-4A. As Kendall expects him to control the tempo at point guard, Luke Sanders could be the key. The Trojans should also be strong on the defensive end and able to score on the offensive end of the court.
-- QUESTIONS: After losing Robert Tery to graduation, the Trojans are seeking a replacement in the post. They’ll need to find a suitable replacement if they want to control the boards.
-- KEY NON-REGION GAMES: The Trojans opened region play against Hebron Christian on Saturday and will have Union County, Jackson County and Banks County before opening region play at North Oconee on Dec. 2.
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: “Walnut Grove and Chestatee” – Kendall
RABUN COUNTY WILDCATS
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: David Adcock, 5th season
-- REGION: 8-A Division 1
-- 2021-22 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 23-6, Region 8-2A Champions, Class 2A second round
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Connor McKay, PG Gus Hood, SG Grayson Carver, PF Clayton Dixon, PF/C Bear Old
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Jr. G Cooper Welch (8 ppg, 5 rpg, 3 apg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. Jayton Henry, Sr. Nathan Thompson, Sr. Evans Palmer, Sr. Mike Swager, Jr. Willi Goodwyn, Jr. Jack Hood, Jr. Tristen Burrell, Jr. Jarret Giles, Jr. Paul Picciotti
-- STRENGTHS: Depth. “Our depth will be a definite strength that will allow us to match up well offensively and defensively with almost anyone on our schedule. We have six players who have the ability to shoot over 40% from distances, which will open up the paint for players like Willie Goodwyn, Jack Hood, and Cooper Welch. We have the ability to run through multiple sets (5 out, 4 out 1 in, and 3 out 2 in) based on our personnel and matchups. We try to dictate pace based on time and score and stretch opponents out to create mismatches.”
-- QUESTIONS: New starters. “With the loss of four starters from last year’s team, our biggest challenges will be seamlessly stepping into new roles and excelling at them. We graduated our two primary ball handlers, but we feel confident that we have the ability to fill in these positions and continue to build upon the success of last season.”
-- KEY NON-REGION GAMES: The Wildcats open the season on Nov. 26 against Rabun Gap, followed by two tough games against Stephens County and Jefferson before starting region play at Commerce on Jan. 10.
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: “Tallulah Falls comes in as the preseason No. 7-ranked team, so I would say they are the favorites. But I feel like anybody truly has the chance to be region champions.” – Adcock
RIVERSIDE PREP EAGLES
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Jason Pleasant, 2nd season
-- REGION: GIAA Region 4-4A
-- 2021-22 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 0-17
-- KEY PLAYERS LOSSES: G Harry Koech, Loic Rawagwsana
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. G Idan Azani (14 ppg, 4 apg, 3 rpg, 3 spg), Sr G Anthony Chirombo (11 ppg, 6 rpg, 4 spg), Sr G Honghui He' (6 ppg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr C Harry Zheng
-- STRENGTHS: Guard play. The Eagles had to totally rebuild the program after losing a season to COVID in 2020-21. The results weren’t what Pleasant wanted. This season, they return some veteran experience that includes strong guard play. “We took some lumps last year, but we gained a ton of experience,” he said.
-- QUESTIONS: Depth. Depth is a concern of Pleasant. Although he has key players returning, building depth is a huge priority for the Eagles.
-- KEY NON-REGION GAMES: The Eagles opened the season with a 69-16 win over Tapestry Charter last week and played Fideles Christian on Saturday. But Pleasant says games against GHSA teams Oconee County, East Jackson and Commerce will prepare them for region play.
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: “I would say Lakeview Academy.” – Pleasant
TOWNS COUNTY INDIANS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Brian Hunnicutt, 2nd season
-- REGION: 8-A Division 2
-- 2021-22 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 20-8, Region 8-A runner-up, Class A Public quarterfinals, Battle of the States champions
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Collin Crowder (24.7 ppg), G/F Kyle Oakes (10 ppg, 5 rpg, 6 apg, 3 spg), Cabe Poston
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Jr. G Zane Floyd (11 ppg, 6 rpg, 2.6 apg, 2 spg), Jr G.F Tanner Cunningham (5 ppg, 5 rpg), Jr. G/F Connor Chastain (5 ppg, 4 rpg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. G Layne Rouse, Sr. G Grant Ingram
-- STRENGTHS: Ability to score. With the return of three starters, including Floyd, the team’s second-leading scorer last season, and Rouse and Ingram, the Indians should have a strong outside shooting game. Hunnicutt said, along with the seniors, the team has a deep bench that also features a perimeter threat. He also said the team has the potential to be really good on defense.
--QUESTIONS: New players, new region. With all the returning firepower, the Indians' last three scoring threats to graduation. He says filling those shoes will be tough. “The key questions will be if the new batch of varsity players step into the shoes filled by the last few years of Towns County teams,” he said. Several new teams joined the region, bringing up some questions for Hunnicut. “How will we handle the new competition and the trips to Augusta for region games is going to be key for us.”
-- KEY NON-REGION GAMES: Hunnicutt has circled key non-region games against rival Union County on Nov. 22 and Dec. 9, as well as the Battle of the States tournament after Christmas as primers for the Region slate.
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: “On paper, this should be a wide-open region. Towns County, Washington Wilkes, and newcomer Warren County have been top 10 state-ranked teams in the last couple of years. They should have continued success in the upcoming season, but Greene County might also sneak into the conversation this season with a loaded roster and new coach at the helm of the program.” – Hunnicutt
UNION COUNTY PANTHERS
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Corey Garrett, 4th season.
-- REGION: 8-2A
-- 2021-22 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 12-14, Region 8-2A runner-up, first-round Class 2A tournament
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Landon Kight, Caleb John, Lake Hughes
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. Eli Underwood (5 ppg, 5 rpg), So. Houston Henry (6 ppg, 3 rpg, 3 apg), So. Jude Ellis (11 ppg, 3 rpg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. Eli Underwood (5 ppg, 5 rpg), So. Houston Henry (6 ppg, 3 rpg, 3 apg), So. Jude Ellis (11 ppg, 3 rpg)
-- STRENGTHS: The Panthers got back on track last season after going 0-14 the previous season. Garrett continues his build this season with a balanced inside game and outside presence.
-- QUESTIONS: Union County has three returning starters, but they are young. Garrett’s bench is also youthful as well. Garrett says his group will have to grow up fast.
-- KEY NON-REGION GAMES: The Panthers will have 13 non-region games to warm up before Region 8-2A play opens on Jan. 3 at Providence Christian.
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: “It should be a very competitive region.” – Garrett
WEST HALL SPARTANS
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Bobby Pless, 7th season
-- REGION: 7-3A
-- 2021-222 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 8-18
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: none
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. F Andrew Malin (9 ppg, 6 rpg), Sr. PG Owen Jenkins (11 ppg, 3 spg), Sr. W Isiah Holder (6 ppg), So. Xavier Felix (5 ppg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. Zach Stephens (4 rpg), W Sr. Quintavious Reid, Jr. G Ian Pardue, Jr. G Ethan Clifford
-- STRENGTHS: Improved shooting/defense. The Spartans return four of the five starters from last season’s team, which gives them an advantage earlier. The return of Jenkins, Holder and Felix gives them improved outside shooting.
-- QUESTIONS: Ball movement/shot selection/defense. Pless says moving the ball effectively will help improve shot selection. On defense, the Spartans will need to work on teamwork in different areas.
-- KEY NON-REGION GAMES: The Spartans begin play on Tuesday at home against Athens Academy, followed by a home game against Jackson County, a road trip to Fannin County, back home against Johnson, then open region play at Dawson County on Dec. 6.
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: Pless didn’t pick a region favorite but expects a very competitive region. “Pickens and Wesleyan are new additions. Anticipating a very competitive region with new teams, and everyone has some key players returning, along with coaches that do a great job with their teams.” Pless
WHITE COUNTY WARRIORS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Robbie Bailey, 3rd season
-- REGION: 7-3A
-- 2020-21 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 18-10, Region runner-up, 2nd round of Class 3A tournament
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Silas Mulligan, G Kenny Simpson, G Tavi Simmons
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. G Jadon Yeh SR G (20.5 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 3.6 APG, 7-3A Region Player of the Year, Jr. F Noah Futch (4.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG), Sr. F Chad West (2.6 PPG, 2.2 RPG)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. G Dawson Bailey (4.0 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 1.1 APG), So. F Dawson Oliver (4.7 PPG, 2.5 RPG), Jr. G Zach McCoy, So. G David Boman, So. G Tripp Nix, Sr. F Eli Shoemake Jr. G Reid Tanner, Jr. F Logan Schindler
-- STRENGTHS: Although the Warriors lost three starters to graduation, including leading scorer Silas Mulligan, the Warriors return the Region 7-3A player of the year, Jadon Yeh, along with a solid supporting cast.
-- QUESTIONS: The Warriors' biggest question marks will be how well they can defend and rebound.
-- KEY NON-REGION GAMES: Bailey built a non-region schedule to get his team prepared for region play, including Class 7A Cherokee, Class 6A Habersham Central, along with Class 4A’s East Hall and North Hall. He also has Class A’s No. 8-ranked Tallulah Falls on the slate as well. By the time the Warriors get to the region opener at home against Wesleyan, the Warriors should be clicking on all cylinders.
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: “Wesleyan” – Bailey
--Key: Sr: senior, Jr: junior, So: sophomore, Fr: freshman, PG: point guard, G: guard, SG: shooting guard, W: wing, F: forward, PF: power forward, SF: small forward, P: post, C: center, PPG: points per game, RPG: rebounds per game, APG: assists per game, SPG: steals per game, FT: free throws.
