Coming off the heels of one of the best seasons (2022-23) in area history, it would have been a lot to ask for a repeat performance for the 2023-24 campaign.
But northeast Georgia area girls teams delivered once again.
So, what’s in store for the 2024-25 season? Nothing is for certain. But with several of those teams returning the bulk of young, talented rosters this year -- and some others ready to perhaps take the next step -- we could witness another powerhouse season by the time it’s all over.
With that, here are the 2024-25 season previews for our northeast Georgia area teams:
(Teams not listed did not provide information for this story.)
BANKS COUNTY
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Jason Gibson, 1st season
-- REGION: 8A D1
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 24-5, Region 8-2A champions, Class 2A Elite 8
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Addison Hoard (UNG), Carly Seagars (Young Harris)
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. F/G Reese Murphy (11.7 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.1 apg, 2 spg), Sr. F/G Ryleigh Murphy (11.7 ppg, 1.9 apg, 2.2 spg, 1.8 rpg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. PG Emmie Chitwood (5 ppg, 1.2 apg), Sr. F Maggie Irvin, So. F/C Marleigh Dale (1.3 ppg, 1.8 rpg), Jr. PG Ansley Moore (transfer from Athens Christian), Jr. G Cannon Collier (transfer from Bethlehem Christian), Fr. F/G Janakate Gibson, Fr. F/G Maecee Crumley
-- STRENGTHS: The Lady Leopards will have plenty of depth at the guard spot to play their up-tempo style on offense. They also have height and length on defense..
-- QUESTIONS: They will need to find some consistent scoring and rebounding to help the Murphy sisters with the loss of Hoard and Seagars.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: They are back in the region with a pair of old rivals in Rabun County and Elbert County, which should make for a fun race for the region title. How quickly the new staff and the talented roster come together could decide how far they can go in 2024-25. They should be in the mix for a region title and a deep playoff run once again.
-- FAVORITES TO WIN REGION: “It’s an extremely challenging region with Elbert County, Rabun County, Providence Christian and Athens Academy all expected to be in contention,” Gibson said.
BUFORD
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Gene Durden, 20th year, (508-86 record at school; 941-230 overall)
-- REGION: 8-6A
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 26-4, Region 8-7A champions, Class 7A quarterfinals
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Ava Grace Watson (Ohio State), Betty Nguyen
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Jr. W Lydia Ledford (5-10, 14.2 ppg, 5 rpg, 5.1 apg), So. W E’miah Fields (5-9, 9.2 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.1 spg)
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. Audrey Adams, Sr. Cybele Forbes, Jr. Ava Jones, Jr. Jelyza Lapsley, So. Peyton Denmark, So. Ella Rainwater, Fr. Haley Ryczek
-- STRENGTHS: Depth is always one of the strong suits for the Lady Wolves and once again they’ll have some quality coming off the bench to try and wear down their opponents on both ends of the floor.
QUESTIONS: Watson was their go-to on offense when they needed a basket. Who will step up and take on that role could be a factor in key games.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: It will be a different look for the Lady Wolves with Watson now at Ohio State. But they also return several experienced players and don’t look for anything to change as far as the style of play: aggressive, hustling, pressing defense from the full court to the half court and a fast-paced transition game on offense. They will have to rely a little more on some younger players but they should be right in the middle of the region title race.
-- FAVORITES TO WIN REGION: Many probably look at the Lady Wolves as the team to beat coming into the season. “We have a challenging schedule which includes state powers, Holy Innocents, Wesleyan, North Forsyth, Carver Columbus along with some new challenges in (Class 6A) that should prepare us for another postseason run,” Durden said.
CHEROKEE BLUFF
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Kassie Scott, 2nd season (22-7)
-- REGION: 8-3A
-- 2023-2024 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 22-7, 1st round Class 4A playoffs
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Emma Reynolds, Kaitlin Cook, Carson DeMars
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Jr. G Claire Carlson (12.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.5 apg, 2.0 spg, 29 blocks), So. G Bristol Kersh (10.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.0 apg, 3.4 spg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. F Brooklyn Phillips (6.1 ppg), So. F Emery Jones (4 ppg), Jr. C Halle Wilson (5.3 ppg), Jr. F Audrey Graham
-- STRENGTHS: The Lady Bears return eight off last year’s roster, including two of the area’s most dynamic young players in Carlson and Kersh.
-- QUESTIONS: The battle will be at the top with Jefferson and Oconee County, who both advanced to the 2nd round of the playoffs last season, will be fierce. Can they find the offensive balance with Carlson and Kersh outside to go with Phillips and Wilson on the inside and perhaps win their first-ever region title?
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: With only two other teams in the region that made the playoffs last year, the Lady Bears should be in the running for a playoff spot and a region title. They will be young again, especially with the loss of Reynolds, Cook, and DeMars, but they also could be one of the most talented overall in the region. “We have a group of girls that play with energy, passion, and a willingness for improvement,” Scott said. “They understand more of what it means to play by the standard that is set. They have bought in and committed to the process, which should make them exciting to watch this season!”
-- FAVORITES TO WIN REGION: “It’s tough to say because there are some strong teams in our region,” Scott said. “I know our focus is on giving our best effort and improving each game.”
CHESTATEE
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Sutton Shirley, 7th season (110-65)
-- REGION: 6-3A
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 25-6, Region 8-4A champs, Elite 8 Class 4A playoffs
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Riley Black, Sierra Yarbrough
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. G Addison Boyd (6.5 ppg, 3 apg, 1.2 spg), Sr. G Caroline Bull (12.5 ppg, 2.2 apg, 1.5 spg), Sr. F Payton Cable (8.4 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.2 charges per game)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Jr. G Blakely Boyd (3.5 ppg, 2 rpg), Jr. F Jamya Weaver (4.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg), Fr. Ali Jae Bull
-- STRENGTHS: Despite the loss of the program’s all-time leading scorer in Black, the Lady War Eagles do return three seniors with multiple years of varsity experience. They should be an up-tempo, guard-oriented offense once again that can shoot from the outside.
-- QUESTIONS: Of course, the obvious is how do you replace a 2,000-point, 1,000-rebound player that was the focus of the offense? Finding a go-to scorer may be an early focus for this group during the non-region portion of the season.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: Shirley said the expectations will not waver despite the graduation of Black. “We expect to win every game we play,” he said. After a scrimmage against Jefferson (ranked 4th in 3A), they open the season against Holy Innocents (ranked 2nd in private) and Banks County (ranked 10th in 1A D1) and then head back to Jefferson's thanksgiving tournament that includes Cherokee Bluff, Jefferson, Buford, and East Forsyth, all teams projected to make the playoffs.
-- FAVORITES TO WIN REGION: “This region is better and deeper than the region we just came out of,” Shirley stated. White County, Pickens, Chestatee, GAC and Dawson County all will be in the running for the region title and playoff spots.
DAWSON COUNTY
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Will Anglin, 3rd season
-- REGION: 6-3A
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 18-12, 2nd round Class 3A playoffs
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Abby Slaton (Young Harris), Morgan Chester (Young Harris), Jaci Wilson (West Texas), Kindra Coker, Heather Burt, Anna Ayers
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. P Eva Bishop (10.3 ppg, 8.9 rpg), Jr. PG Maddie Siuta (5.1 ppg, 3.2 apg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Jr. C Ava Roberson, So. G Ramsey Smith, Sr. F Rielyn Talley, Jr. F Andee Fowler, Jr. G Addison Smith, So. G Kinslee Negley
-- STRENGTHS: Bishop returns in the middle and is a matchup problem for anyone. They also have depth inside.
-- QUESTIONS: The Lady Tigers will have to find some consistent scoring to help Bishop with the loss of more than 50% of their offense to graduation. Will the young, inexperienced guards be able to handle the ball under pressure?
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: Anglin has had the Lady Tigers in the playoffs each of his first two seasons. Region 6-3A will be stacked but look for them to be in the playoff race by the end of the season. “We expect to compete at a high level on a nightly basis. The goal is to improve each day and return to the state tournament,” Anglin said.
EAST FORSYTH
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Reed Tipton, 2nd season (14-13)
-- REGION: 8-4A
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 14-13
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Nora Swafford
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. Ayla Heard (14.6 ppg, 6 apg, 6 rpg, 2 spg, 1st-team All-Region/All-State HM), So. Hollyn Hicks (8 ppg, 8 rpg, 3 bpg), Sr. Addison Rouse (10.7 ppg, 2 rpg, 2 apg, 39% from 3-pt), Sr. Hailey Hiddema (10.5 ppg, 37% from 3-pt)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. Caroline Castleberry (7.5 ppg, 4 rpg, 3 apg, 33% from 3-pt), Sr. Ava Brundidge (6 ppg, 5 rpg, 3 spg)
-- STRENGTHS: The Lady Broncos return 4 of their 5 starters from last season They also should have depth as well. Look for them to play an up-tempo style on both ends of the floor.
-- QUESTIONS: Size could be an issue. They struggled against bigger teams last season. Hollyn is the only player taller 6-feet. They will need to be more physical this season.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: “Our expectations are high this season,” Tipton said. They have a challenging non-region schedule to help them prepare for what will be a tough 8-4A field where 4 of the 7 teams made the playoffs last year.
-- FAVORITES TO WIN REGION: “Whoever is playing the best in February during the region tournament will determine the (region) title,” Tipton said.
EAST HALL
COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Brad Cochran, 2nd season
-- REGION: 8-3A
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 7-18
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: none
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. PG Kaylana Curry (13 ppg, 4 rpg, 4 apg, 2 spg), Sr. Terriah Watkins (8 ppg, 9 rpg, 1 bpg, 2 spg), So. C Maliyah Butler (7 ppg, 8 rpg, 2 bpg, 3 spg), Sr. G Amari Burce (9 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 apg, 2 spg), Jr. Haley Barton (7 ppg, 3 rpg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: So. Tanaja Harrison, So. Carlessia Jones
-- STRENGTHS: The Lady Vikings return virtually the entire roster and have good balance inside and out on offense. They should be a tough defensive squad.
-- QUESTIONS: Has a young team improved enough to take the next step forward in a region where the bottom two playoff spots will be up for grabs?
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Vikings should be more than competitive for a playoff run this season. They are in the 2nd season with Cochran and have had a solid offseason. “We were young, inexperienced, and new to each other last year,” Cochran said. “This year we are all back and have grown in basketball experience together.”
-- FAVORITES TO WIN REGION: Cochran felt that the early front-runner to win the region is Jefferson.
FLOWERY BRANCH
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Courtney Newton, 10th season
-- REGION: 8-4A
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 10-16, 1st round Class 5A playoffs
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: The Lady Falcons graduated 9 seniors and 4 starters
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. G/F Jess Tamplin (8 ppg, 9 rpg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Jr. G Kinley Hawkins, Jr. F Kelsey Inman, Sr. G Maddison Pitchford
-- STRENGTHS: The Lady Falcons will be athletic at several positions and Tamplin, who can play inside and out, is a tough matchup.
-- QUESTIONS: They have five seniors but are inexperienced on the court. They have the numbers for some depth but will need to have several players develop during the season.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: With a lot of the roster playing at the varsity level for the first time, expect some early growing pains as they acclimate to the speed of the game. They also will be in a tough 8-4A field where 4 of the 7 teams made the playoffs last year, including the Lady Falcons. Again, how quickly they can develop and find the right combinations will determine of they can make a run at a playoff spot.
GAINESVILLE
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Vanessa White, 3rd season (32-25)
-- REGION: 7-5A
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 9-19, Class 6A state playoffs
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: None
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. G Julia Payne (13 ppg, 4 apg), So. F/P Jaylah Mintz (8 ppg, 10 rpg), Sr. F Mattie White (6 ppg, 5 rpg)
-- RETURNING PLAYERS: Jr. F/P Branae Shiloh (missed 2023-24 with ACL injury), Fr. Shailyn Jones, Fr. Damaria Colburn, Fr. Jaucelyn Smith
-- STRENGTHS: With a healthy Shiloh and Payne, Mintz, and White a year of experience give them a chance to be more explosive on the offensive end.
-- QUESTIONS: The Lady Red Elephants will have to rely on their quickness with Shiloh the only player on the roster 6-feet or taller. They also will need several of those freshmen to contribute to be able to navigate a difficult region and make the playoffs.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: With a year of experience for the main-line starters, they should be able to better employ the up-tempo style that White likes to play. “We anticipate a return to an aggressive, full-court, up-tempo style of basketball, which was instrumental in the success of the 2022-2023 season,” White said. They won 23 games that year and advanced to the Class 6A quarterfinals.
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: “Milton is favored to win our region,” White said. But if the younger players are able to provide quality minutes and production, the Lady Red Elephants could make a run at the postseason.
HABERSHAM CENTRAL
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Bill Bradley, 8th season
-- REGION: 8-5A
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 10-15, Class 6A playoffs
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Kyia Barrett
-- RETURNING STARTERS: So. C Daytona Underwood (8 ppg, 8 rpg), So. F Makenzie Gosnell (4 ppg, 3.5 rpg), So. G Karah Dean (5 ppg), So. G Oaklee Jackson
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Fr. F/C Tessa Murdock, Fr. PG Sadie Chambers, Sr. PG Katie Roberts (transfer from Flowery Branch)
-- STRENGTHS: The Lady Raiders have some size and look for Underwood to build off a solid freshman campaign.
-- QUESTIONS: But they are also still a young team with limited varsity experience.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Raiders have made the playoffs each of the past six seasons and a young team will need to improve on the job to have a shot at another postseason run.
JEFFERSON
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Greg Brown, 7th season (133-40)
-- REGION: 8-3A
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 25-4, Region 8-5A champions, 2nd round Class 5A playoffs
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Reagan Hays (Injury)
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. G Emeri Billings (9.8 ppg, 4.5 apg), Sr. G Skyler Brady (12.2 ppg, 3.8 apg), So. F Michel Robbins (15.1 ppg, 5.9 rpg), Sr. F Anni Aldridge (7.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg), Sr. G/F Delaney Dewitt (8.2 ppg, 3.7 spg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. C Eve Knight (6.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg), So. F Karlee Law )6.5 ppg, 3.4 rpg), Jr. G Abbie Kinlaw (4.2 ppg, 3.1 apg)
-- STRENGTHS: The bulk of the roster were major contributors to the Lady Dragons’ region title last season and bring back tons of experience that plays fast.
-- QUESTIONS: A lack of size (Knight is the tallest player at 5-foot-10) could be an issue and they play a difficult non-region schedule as well as what figures to be a battle for the region title with Cherokee Bluff and Oconee County.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: “We will play a very tough non-region schedule, which will hopefully get us prepared to move into our new region,” Brown said.
-- FAVORITES TO WIN REGION: “Our region will be tough and very competitive,” Brown said. He puts Oconee County, Cherokee Bluff, and his Lady Dragons as the teams to beat.
JOHNSON
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Jared Hodge, 7th season
-- REGION: 6-3A
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 3-23
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Destiny Ramirez, Bianca Luc, Ana Silvestre Garcia, Marijane See
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Jr. G Emily Hernandez (1.5 ppg, played in 21 games last season)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: So. Harbor Landers (3.6 ppg in 10 games before season-ending injury), Sr. P Karina Ordonez
-- STRENGTHS: The Lady Knights will be rebuilding again but they should be more physical than in the past with a little more size.
-- QUESTIONS: They graduated 4 starters off last year’s team that won just three games and will be in a very competitive region. Only 2 players return -- Hernandez and Ordonez -- with any varsity experience. “We are going to be very inexperienced to start the year,” Hodge said. “We’re going to have to grow up fast and find out who can be consistent contributors for us on the offensive and defensive end.”
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: Being in a region that had 5 teams make the playoffs last season, challenging for a playoff spot with the most inexperienced roster in the region will be difficult.
-- FAVORITES TO WIN REGION: “With two teams ranked in the top 10 (White County, 3rd and Pickens, 5th) and a few just outside the top 10 (Chestatee, Dawson County, and GAC) our region will be fun to watch as the season progresses,” Hodge said. “White County is loaded and Pickens isn’t far behind. I would not count Chestatee out of the mix. It’s going to be an entertaining region to watch for sure.”
LAKEVIEW ACADEMY
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Ken Huffman, 2nd season (27-1)
-- REGION: GIAA District 4 4A/3A
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 27-1, Lanierland champions, GIAA District 4-3A champions, GIAA Class 3A state champions
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Ashlyn Henderson, Annie Nivens, Kivana Bogne
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. F Taliah Gaither (15 ppg, 8 rpg, 3 bpg), Sr. G Dynesty Putman (11 ppg, 5 rpg, 3 apg, 3 spg), Jr. G Emyrie Combs (9 ppg, 5 rpg, 7 apg, 3 spg), So. G Taylor Clark (8 ppg, 3 rpg, 3 apg, 5 spg)
-- KEY RETURNING: Same as above
-- STRENGTHS: The Lady Lions bring back a solid mix of experience and youth in the starting lineup, chemistry, depth, and leadership. They also have the shooting ability outside and size underneath to play any style. Quickness on defense also will give most teams trouble.
-- QUESTIONS: Putman and Clark may be out in the early going, which could affect both their offensive and defensive efficiency, as well as rotation patterns.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Lions should be poised for another deep and successful run. If Putman is out for an extended time they still have the depth and talent at the guard spot to make a run at defending their district, Lanierland, and state titles.
-- FAVORITES TO WIN REGION: “The region is a toss up as Athens Christian, us, Loganville Christian and George Walton all return their top players,” Huffman said.
LANIER CHRISTIAN
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Rhonda Whelchel, 4th season
-- REGION: GAPPS Region 2-2A
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 20-9, GAPPS Region 1-2A champion, GAPPS 2A Final 4
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Moriah Clark, G Jia Thapar (Brenau signee)
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. PG Emma Flowers (10 ppg, 5 rpg, 5 spg), Sr. C Ellie Roberts (6 ppg, 5 rpg)
-- RETURNING PLAYERS: Adelyn Gough, Meav Fouts, So. Elliana Clark, Julianne Roberts (8th grade), Fr. Maple Pittman, Jr. Brianna Clark, So. Faith Bolton, So. Autumn Carden
-- STRENGTHS: The Lady Lightning have several players that can play multiple spots on the floor and they should be quicker on both ends than in years past.
-- QUESTIONS: How quickly can they gel without long-time starters Clark and Thapar?
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: Whelchel said they should be in the region title mix again and hope to build off of last year’s success to take that final step.
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: Whelchel said LCA should be among the favorites to win the region but expects a challenge every game.
NORTH FORSYTH
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Brad Kudlas, 6th season
-- REGION: 6-6A
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 31-1 record, Class 6A state runner-up, Region 8-6A regular season and region tournament champions, set a school record for most consecutive wins (31)
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Josie Cheatham, Cassie Lane, Addison Peck, Ymari Phillips, Reagan Smith, Abby Tarver
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. PG Emma Rose (5.2 ppg, 2.1 apg, 2.0 rpg, 1.9 spg), Jr. G Gabbie Gliatta (10.8 ppg, 2.6 apg, 3.1 rpg, 2.5 spg, Class 6A All-State Honorable Mention), Sr. F London Weaver (18.5 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.8 apg, 2.6 spg, Class 6A 1st-team All-State), Sr. F Sophia Parks (3.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.3 bpg, Region 8-6A Defensive Player of the Year)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. G Lauren Harper
-- STRENGTHS: The Lady Raiders return more than 30 ppg on offense with Weaver and Gliatta both back for a solid inside-outside punch. Rose is back to run the offense.
-- QUESTIONS: But they lost the majority of what was a deep and quality bench to graduation. How this group responds early following last season’s historic run could set the tone for the rest of the year.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: They are back in a familiar region with the rest of the Forsyth County schools so it won’t take them long to get reacquainted. A tough non-conference schedule should get them ready for another postseason run.
-- FAVORITES TO WIN REGION: “We’d like to think that we are in the mix, but there are some other very solid programs in this region,” Kudlas said. “Lambert will be a team to watch out for. They’ve got a veteran team along with new leadership. There are no nights off in region play, and we will have to play our best each night if we want to win the region.”
NORTH HALL
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Anna Claire Atha, 1st season
-- REGION: 6-3A
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 16-9, Lanierland runner-up
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Jr. G Martha Vachstevanos (injury), Braelyn McCall, Carly Bowen
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. G Athena Vachtsevanos (18.6 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.1 apg), So. P Zara Gosse (5.4 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 0.4 apg)
-- RETURNING PLAYERS: Jr. G Lauren Hemmer, Sr. P Sibley Fountain (North Oconee transfer)
-- STRENGTHS: The Lady Trojans should be solid inside with Gosse and Fountain. IF they can overcome the loss of Martha Vachstevanos, a projected starter, they should be able to also put pressure on defenses from the outside.
-- QUESTIONS: The loss of Martha Vachstevanos is a big one. Also, how quickly they gel with a new coach and the always high expectations in Murrayville will be big keys to the season.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The program took a turn to being young overall with 9 of the 18 in the system being freshmen. There will be some growing pains. The leadership of experienced players like Athena Vachtsevanos and Fountain will be a factor as they try and bring the newcomers along. With 6 teams in the region that made the playoffs, it will be a challenge. If they can get some production from the younger players, they could make a run for a playoff spot by season's end.
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: “ I think the region will be a toss-up between White County, GAC, Pickens, and Chestatee,” Atha said.:
RABUN COUNTY
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: DeeDee Dillard, 19th Season
-- REGION: 8A-D1
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 24-7, Region 8A-D1 champions, Class A D1 Final 4
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Lucy Hood (Region POTY, signed w/ ETSU), Ellie Southards (1st-team All-Region, signed with Presbyterian); Mili Watts (1st-team All-Region, signed with Winthrop for softball)
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. SF Chloe Erlewine (3.5 ppg. 3.2 ppg), Sr. SG Jacie McCall (4.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: So. PG Addy Beth Owens (4.2 ppg, 2.5 apg), So. CG Adelyn Thompson (5.7 ppg, 1.5 apg), Jr. W Madison Houck, Jr. W Conley Spivey, Jr. G Loren Mazarky
-- STRENGTHS: The Lady Wildcats will play their usual up-tempo style This is a high-energy, high-effort group of kids who have embraced the opportunities in front of them and are working hard to take advantage of their individual skill sets to build team chemistry on and off the floor.
-- QUESTIONS: The Lady Wildcats graduated their top 3 scorers, rebounders, and defenders. Also, who will replace the leadership of a strong senior class?
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: They will be young experience-wise on the court but Dillard should have them ready to challenge again for a playoff spot and a region title. Adjusting to being without prolific scorers Hood and Southards will decide their fates.
-- FAVORITES TO WIN REGION: “With the addition of perennial playoff team Banks County (an old region foe in 8-2A) and Athens Academy, and Elbert County returns almost their entire team, make this one of the better regions in Class A,” Dillard said. “We hope to be in the mix also - hopefully this sets up for a competitive region top to bottom.”
UNION COUNTY
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Thomas Nelson, 2nd season (17-12)
-- REGION: 7-2A
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 17-12, Region 8-2A runner-up, 2nd round Class 2A playoffs
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Kamryn Mull, Lara Turner, Morgan Warren
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. G Ariel McCarter (14 ppg, 1,000-point scorer), Sr. F Katelyn Brown (10 rpg), Sr. C Hope Taylor (9.8 ppg, 8 rpg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: So. G Regan Trlica( (7 ppg, 4 apg), Sr. F Hensley Adams (6 ppg, 3 rpg), Sr. F Sloane Dyer (4 ppg, 6 rpg)
-- STRENGTHS: The Lady Panthers will be senior-driven with 6 returning upper-classmen. They also have depth inside and out.
-- QUESTIONS: However, they are moving into a new region that has Murray County, a Class 2A semifinalist last season, who beat the Lady Panthers in the 2nd round last year.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: Despite the new surroundings, the Lady Panthers should be in the running for a playoff spot and challenge for the region title. “We want to play hard every minute of every game. If we can do that then we will be able to compete,” Nelson said.
-- FAVORITES TO WIN REGION: “Murray County is probably the favorite,” Nelson said.
WEST HALL
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Jacob Selman, 3rd season
-- REGION: 8-3A
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 1-22
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: None
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. PG Cayla Radich (4.3 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.3 spg), Sr. F Kihanna Rich (2.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg), Sr. G Allie Villeda (1.9 rpg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Same as above
-- STRENGTHS: Despite the rough campaign last year, the Lady Spartans have been building in the middle school ranks and will have 13 freshmen that are ready to join the program. They will be young for sure but expect to see more competitiveness and athleticism.
-- QUESTIONS: Who among the influx of freshmen will be ready to make a mark on the varsity program and give Radich, Rich, and Villeda some help?
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: They also will have a JV program for the first time since 2019, which should help accelerate the program’s growth. Few probably expect them to compete for a playoff spot this season but if they can find a couple of diamonds-in-the-rough among the freshman class, they could be a tough out in the region tournament.
-- FAVORITES TO WIN REGION: “I think that Cherokee Bluff showcases a really good team with a good group coming back. There is also Jefferson who always has a good girls team and on any given night is tough to beat. I think it is definitely a toss up between those two teams,” Selman said.
WHITE COUNTY
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Steven Shedd, 1st season (spent the last 9 years at White County)
-- REGION: 6-3A
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 22-9, Elite 8 Class 3A playoffs
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Aaliyah Anderson (Emmanuel commit), Zoe Burkett, Audrey Free
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. PG Mya Yeh (6 ppg, 3 rpg, 3 apg, 2 spg), Sr. G Emma Lightsey (17 ppg, 3 rpg, 2 apg, 2 spg), Sr. F/C Kylie Watkins (14 ppg, 7 rpg, 2 apg, 2 bpg, 2 spg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. F Kiannah Dorsey, Jr. PG Maddie Kate Hall, Jr. G Matelyn Allison, So. F Bree Burkett, So. F Aslyn Burkett, So. F/C Kalynn Watkins, Jr. F Cooper Weaver, So. G Josselyn Burke, So. PG Anijah Moss SO
-- STRENGTHS: The Lady Warriors returned the bulk of a squad that advanced to the Elite 8 as No. 3 seed last season. They have depth at each position and a mix of upper- and underclassmen. The offense should be well-balanced inside and out with size inside and quickness on the perimeter. “We hope to pressure teams by playing fast on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. We also want to incorporate a level of toughness and physicality into our program,” Shedd said.
-- QUESTIONS: They play a very challenging non-region and will it take long for the new staff and players to gel on the court once the season starts.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: Shedd’s teams play the kind of up-tempo style that has suited the Lady Warriors for years. He is no stranger to success having guided Banks County to the 2023 Class 2A title game. They should be one of the front-runners for the region title with the ability to make another deep postseason run.
-- FAVORITES TO WIN REGION: “(This) region is as deep this year as ever. We have one of the toughest regions in the state year in and year out, regardless of the talent in the region,” Shedd said, “We feel like if we play to our capability, we can beat anyone and compete for a region title.”
