The 2023-24 boys basketball campaign wasn’t exactly one to write home about across the area.
Only 14 teams made it to the state tournament, and only one advanced past the second round. Lakeview Academy celebrated its first GIAA state championship last season and is favored to win it again this season.
However, the expectations are high in Northeast Georgia, with several teams returning key players and loaded rosters. Expect the 2024-25 season to be exciting.
With that, here are the 2024-25 season previews for our northeast Georgia area teams:
(If a team is not listed, the coaching staff did not provide information.)
BANKS COUNTY LEOPARDS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Chuck Butler, 1st season
-- REGION: 8A Division 1
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 14-12
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Aaron Scott
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. G Kolby Watson (14 PPG, 3.6 RPG, All-Region 8A D1), Sr. G Hunter Youngblood (10.6 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2 APG, All-Region 8A D1)
Sr. G Luke Dale (11.9 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 46.5% from 3), Jr. P Dayden Rogers, Jr. G Caden Watson
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. PG Antonio Gonzalez, Sr. G Carson Todd, Fr. G Cason Reed
-- STRENGTHS: “We feel the veteran experience on the team, coupled with our offensive firepower, can allow us to have a very successful campaign this year,” Butler said.
-- QUESTIONS: Butler says the biggest question is how quickly his team fully grasps his new system.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: “Due to the veteran personnel, I have very high expectations for the season,” Butler said. “It will be a matter of how fast all players buy into the new demands placed on the team. I feel this can be a team on a steady incline all season as they grow as a team with the new staff. If this team puts it all together and peaks by region and tournament time, they could threaten a deep run in the state playoffs.”
-- FAVORITE TO WIN REGION: “I think us and Rabun would probably be considered favorites for the region since we both open the season ranked in the top 10. Both teams appear to be returning a lot of players” – BUTLER
BUFORD WOLVES
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Wes Parker, 2nd season
-- REGION: 8-6A
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Region 8-7A Champions, second round of the Class 7A tournament
-- KEY PLAYERS LOSSES: G Chase James Robinson, G Brennan Wansley, G Jackson Houston, G Asa Williams
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. Edward Hunter III, Jr. Torre Costin, Sr. Kyle Carpenter, Dillon Nixon, Carmelo Williams
-- STRENGTHS: “We have an athletic team with good decision-makers,” Parker said. “We have guys that can shoot and handle it. We can play a combination of lineups that allow us to be positionless. We don't have great standing height, but we have players that are athletic and switchable.”
-- QUESTIONS: “We will start the year missing five players who will be finishing football, so the key will be to develop that chemistry and rhythm whenever they join us,” Parker said.
-- SEASON OUTCOME: “We have added Discovery to our region, which will be a good basketball school that we have added. They have a really good roster as long as Dacula's additions and Collins Hill,” Parker said. “Last year, Mountain View and us played for the region championship. Anytime we play Mill Creek, it has a rivalry atmosphere. Central Gwinnett always has good players. I'm expecting the region to be even tougher than last year. Anyone can win it. Unfortunately, we will play at least three region games without our full roster, which will give the other guys on our team an opportunity, especially early.”
CHEROKEE BLUFF BEARS
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Josh Travis, 4th season
-- REGION: 8-3A
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 18-8, Region 8-4A Sub-Region Champs, Lanierland champions
-- KEY PLAYERS LOSSES: F Logan Holmes (15.6 PPG, All-Region 8-4A), F Tanaka Munoko (5 RPG, 2 APG, 3 SPG)
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. Boston Kersh (16.8 PPG, 10.1 RPG), Jr. G Cooper Glover (11.1 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3 APG), Sr. G Tyler Underwood (8.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 4.5 APG)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Jr. G Andy Quirarte, Sr. G/P KT Thompson, Jr. SG Conner Robinson, So. Cole Brooks
-- STRENGTHS: Travis pointed to his returning experience, saying, “The Bears have a roster of upper-classmen with a lot of experience, which will be key in a tough Region 8-3A.”
--SEASON OUTLOOK: “With a seasoned roster of playmakers and the addition of Alex Blurton (Mill Creek) and Jordan Hayes (Flowery Branch), the Bears look to make it back to the state playoffs in a new region with powerhouse Jefferson, Monroe Area and East Hall.
– FAVORITES TO WIN THE REGION: “Being a new region with teams like Jefferson, Monroe Area and East Hall,” Travis said. “It is tough to say who is the favorite. All three teams have a history of being dominant in their respective regions. Every region game this year will be a tough battle.” – TRAVIS
CHESTATEE WAR EAGLES
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Alan Griffin, 2nd season
-- REGION: 6-3A
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 16-10
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Ethan Dunn, 5ppg 8rpg
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Colton Wilbanks, G Josh Bull
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Elian Salcido, 5ppg
-- STRENGTHS: “Depth is our biggest strength; we have 11 kids who might see time in the starting rotation this year,” Griffin said.
-- QUESTIONS: Life after Colton Wilbanks will be an adjustment for the War Eagles. Griffin expects Salcido and Dunn to pick up the slack on the offensive end this season. “Elian and Ethan will have to be major scorers for us this year,” Griffin said. “Hopefully, we’ll have some guys looking to see who will also be leading scorers for us on a nightly basis.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: “The new region will bring new challenges,” Griffin said. “We will have a very young team with loads of potential. We are looking forward to watching our group progress nightly.”
-- FAVORITE TO WIN REGION: “GAC” – GRIFFIN
DAWSON COUNTY TIGERS
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Todd Cottrell, 5th season
-- REGION: 6-3A
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 16-14, second round of the Class 3A tournament
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Caden Reed, F Trey Harvey, G Ethan Parker, G Joshua Priest, F Amari Horner
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Jr. G Landon Lee (2.6 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1 APG, 1.1 SPG)-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. G Sam Glover (1.0 PPG), Sr. G Ky Driver, So. G Gunnar Weaver (1.1 PPG; 1 RPG)
-- STRENGTHS: Team character, chemistry, work ethic.
-- QUESTIONS: The Tigers lost four of their five starters from last year’s Class 3A Sweet 16 team. Cottrell says the biggest concern is how quickly “can we adjust to new roles and responsibilities?”
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: “We are extremely excited about this season,” Cottrell said. “This group has grown by leaps and bounds this off-season. Hopefully, we can survive a brutal early season schedule, gain game experience, and be able to play well in our region tournament.”
-- FAVORITE TO WIN REGION: “Pickens and GAC” – COTTRELL
EAST FORSYTH BRONCOS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Jay Burney, 2nd season
-- REGION: 8-4A
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 10-16
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Sr. P/G Cannon Hunter (7 PPG, 3.8 RPG)
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Jr. SG Tyler Lesch (13.1 PPG, 5.3 RPG), Sr. PG Louie Koulouvaris (12.2 PPG 2.1 APG), Jr. SG Hunter Holbrook (10.4 PPG, 42% from 3-point line), Sr. PG Britain West (8.6 PPG 2.9 APG)
-- STRENGTHS: Burney says the Broncos return a solid roster of skilled players who can score.
-- QUESTIONS: The Broncos should be pretty good on the offensive end of the floor, but rebounding is Burney’s biggest concern as they head into the season. “Can we find ways to win games when we are not shooting well? We have to be better on the defensive end and make winning basketball plays.”
-- FAVORITE TO WIN REGION: “North Oconee” – BURNEY
EAST HALL VIKINGS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Joe Dix, 3rd season
-- REGION: 8-3A
-- 2022-2023 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 14-13
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Chris Alford (12.5 PPG, 90 made 3-pointer)
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Jr. G/F Chasen Jones (11 PPG, 7 RPG), Jr. G/P Jamarcus Harrison (17 PPG), So.G Bray Langston
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Jr. G/P Khalil Goss, Jr. G Devon Hughey, Sr. G Jevon Harrison, Jr. G Micah Morrow, So. G Landon Ausborn
-- STRENGTHS: The Vikings return several key players, including most of the starting rotation and key bench players from a year ago. The Vikings talent and returning experience will be the biggest key to success.
-- QUESTIONS: Although the Vikings return several key players, but only return three seniors. Leadership could be the biggest question.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Vikings have a roster full of young and upperclassmen talent. In a region with playoff contenders Cherokee Bluff and Jefferson, the Vikings will have their hands full each night. However, with the amount of firepower the Vikings have return they should be competing for the top spot.
FLOWERY BRANCH FALCONS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: David Hawkins, 2nd season
-- REGION: 8-4A
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 15-10
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Sr. PG Jeremiah Ware (Transfer to Gainesville), Ryan Comlin, Isaiah Fairley
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Landon Mealor (9 PPG, 3 RPG, 1 APG), Joell Bennett (4 PPG, 2 APG)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Jack Huey (4 PPG, 2 APG), Brayden Lee (3 PPG, 2 RPG)
-- STRENGTHS: The Falcons are guard-heavy this season and can get hot from the 3-point line. “We should be able to push the ball up the floor with good guard play,” Hawkins said.
-- QUESTIONS: Given the Falcons' guard-heavy roster, it could pose a problem on defense in the paint. Hawkins said they’ll have to “fly around on defense and rebound as a collective whole to keep opposing teams off the glass.”
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: With the move to Region 8-4A, the Falcons will be housed with the defending Class 4A champs, North Oconee. If the Falcons can iron out all the wrinkles during the non-region schedule, they could make some noise in a very competitive field.
-- FAVORITE TO WIN REGION: “North Oconee is an early season favorite, but don’t sleep on East Forsyth, who was very young last year and brings back a lot of talent. Also, don’t sleep on Madison County, Walnut Grove, Eastside and Cedar Shoals.” – HAWKINS
GAINESVILLE RED ELEPHANTS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Charlemagne Gibbons, 2nd Season
-- REGION: 7-5A
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 11-18, first round of the Class 6A tournament
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Ellis Pitts
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Jr. SG Brandon Nelson (Honorable mention All-Region), So. G Luke Nordholtz (Lanierland All-Tournament), Jr. P Xavier Griffin (1st Team All-Region and All-Defensive team), Sr. G/P Zeke Amir
– KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. SF Jacob Griffin, Sr. SG Hudson Garrish, Jr. PF Parker Waugh, Jr. PF Charlie Gersmehl
-- STRENGTHS: Big Red returns a roster loaded with talent and varsity experience, and with the addition of big man Charlie Gersmehl, Gainesville should be strong in the paint. They also returned three starters and added newcomers Jaxson Jones, Kevin White, Sebastian Colins, Caden Jackson and Quintin Mansfield. Depth will not be an issue for the Red Elephants.
– QUESTIONS: Gibbons said the Red Elephants will be a mix of returners and newcomers, which begs the question: How well will this group jell together while taking on some of the top teams in the state? If it does, watch out for Big Red.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: “We look to have a strong season and battle Milton as the top team in the region,” Gibbons said. “There are several tough non-region games vs Wheeler, Jonesboro, Winder, and Pinson Valley. If things come together, this could be a very tough outcome in the playoffs.”
-- FAVORITES TO WIN REGION: “Milton is returning from Class 7A Final 4 and will be considered in the driver's seat for the top team in the region.” -- GIBBONS
HABERSHAM CENTRAL RAIDERS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Tommy Yancey, 3rd season
-- REGION: 8-5A
-- 2023-2024 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 20-8, Region 8-6A runner-up, first-round Class 6A tournament
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Brannon Gaines, G Dayden Roland, G Elliott Yancey
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. Enzo Combs (All-Region 8-6A, 6-foot-1, 15 PPG, 4.5 RPG; 4.0 APG, 3.1 SPG, Sr. F JoJo McCurry (All-Region 8-6A, 6-foot-8, 14 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 2.1 APG (All- Region 8-6A), Sr. G Justus Gober (8.1 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.8 APG, 2.9 SPG), Sr. G Jalen Davis (7.2 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 2.8 SPG)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Jr. PF Judge Wilbanks (6-foot-7, 5 PPG, 4.1 RPG), Sr. G
Caden Garrison (38% from the 3-point line, 3.4 PPG, 1.7 SPG), Jr. F Jake Mihalik (6-foot-10)
STRENGTHS: The Raiders return an experienced deep roster with plenty of height.
-- QUESTIONS: Yancey’s biggest concern is his team’s defensive play and efficiency.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: Yancey’s only concern about the season is getting it underway.
-- FAVORITE TO WIN REGION: “Winder-Barrow” – YANCEY
JEFFERSON DRAGONS
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Kevin Morris, 8th season
-- REGION: 8-3A
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 18-8
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Jaden Butts, C Micah Hooper, G/F Drew Williamson
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Jr. G Clay Owen (9.3 PPG, 44.2% 3-point line) Sr. G Dashaun Keith (6.4 PPG, 36.8% 3-point line)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. G Josiah Morris (7.3 PPG)
-- STRENGTHS: Morris says his team’s ability to play fast and outside shooting threat will help in a stacked Region 8-3A. He also says depth will be a strength once the football players join the team.
-- QUESTIONS: Morris has become accustomed to waiting to fill his roster in late November or early December. This year will most likely be no different for Morris. Until then, depth will be a major concern early on. Also, a question for Morris will be how his younger players grow throughout the non-region schedule.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: Morris said the team aims to play their best basketball at tournament time and see how far they can go.
-- FAVORITE TO WIN REGION: “East Hall and Cherokee Bluff” – MORRIS
JOHNSON KNIGHTS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Gary Compton, 3rd season
-- REGION: 6-3A
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 0-23
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Jaiden Riley
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Jr. G Monty Young (10 PPG, 2 SPG, 1 APG, 5 RPG), Sr. G Cruz Gobert (9 PPG, 3 APG, 7 RPG, 2 SPG), Sr. G Braydon Black 4 PPG, 1 APG, 3 RPG), Jr. G Richard Silva (4 ppg, 3 RPG), Sr. G/P Demetric Newberry (4 PPG, 2 RPG)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Jr. G Josh Smith (2 PPG, 2 RPG), Jr. G Maddox Whitmire
-- STRENGTHS: The Knights return a big junior and senior class with a roster full of experience. Compton says that will be key in notching their first win in two seasons. “They are familiar with the systems offensively and defensively and understand what it takes to compete and be successful.”
-- QUESTIONS: Although the Knights have several returning players, Compton said handling the pressure of winning the close game will be key.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Knights will be playing in a new region with new opportunities this season. Compton said he hopes the team’s experience and the big junior and senior class will help them find success.
FAVORITES TO WIN THE REGION: “Pickens” – COMPTON
LAKEVIEW ACADEMY LIONS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Benjie Wood, 2nd season
-- REGION: GIAA 3/4A
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 26-5, Region 3A/4A and Class 3A GIAA champions
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Mekhi Barber transferred to Lanier Christian
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. P Tayden Ware (6-foot-5, 11 PPG, 7 RPG, 2 BPG), Sr. P Justyce Sadler (6-foot-5, 11.2 PPG, 6.5 RPG), Sr. G Brock Graham (6-foot, 7 PPG), G Sr. Jr Thompson (6-foot, 5 PPG), Sr. G/P Eli Mayfield (6-foot-4, 7 PPG, 5 RPG), Sr. G Kyari Burch (6-foot, 5 PPG), Sr. G Keelan Harper (5-foot-10, 5 PPG), Sr. G Jude Ellis (6-foot-1)
-- STRENGTHS: The Lions are loaded at every position and have the depth to go with it. They also return all but one starter from last season. Wood says the experience and depth will allow them to play very fast, which will bode well with the non-region schedule Wood has planned for his team. “We have considerable depth, which will allow us to play very fast,” Wood said. “We also have a lot of experience, so we look forward to great leadership from our seniors.”
-- QUESTIONS: With the bulk of the roster returning this season, building on last season's success will be the biggest question. The Lions are the early-season favorite to win the title again this season. The question will be: Can they isolate the outside noise and win back-to-back state titles?
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: “If we can stay injury-free and focus on competing to our standards, we can have a special year,” Wood said.”
LUMPKIN COUNTY INDIANS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Chris Faulkner, 2nd season
-- REGION: 6-3A
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 16-14, second round of Class 3A tournament
-- KEY PLAYERS LOSSES: Jac Chambers, Preston Cox, Stephen Sherrill
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. G Cal Faulkner (21.4 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.4 APG), TJ Gaddis (7.2 PPG, 5 RPG, 1.3 APG), Landon Pierce (6 PPG, 3 RPG, 1.4 APG)
-- STRENGTHS: With the return of three starters, the Indians should be in good shape to compete for the top spot in Region 6-3A. Faulkner said the offense has greatly improved and hopes to score more points than last season.
-- QUESTIONS: Depth is Faulkner's biggest concern this season. He expects the younger players to step up into the larger roles. However, how long that takes will be the key to the Indians' deep run.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: Pickens is the obvious favorite to win the region this season, ranked as high as sixth in the Class 3A preseason polls. However, the Indians have a shot to make things interesting in Region 6-3A, and if they can secure a top-2 spot in February, they’ll be playing at home in the first round of the Class 3A tournament.
-- FAVORITE TO WIN REGION: “Pickens and GAC” – FAULKNER
NORTH FORSYTH RAIDERS
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: David Sokol, 6th season
-- REGION: 6-6A
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 9-16
-- KEY PLAYERS LOSSES: G Brayden Turner
-- RETURNING STARTERS Sr. G Ty Womack (set the single-season school record for assists), Sr. G Brogen Casey (14 PPG), Jr. P Michael Akinrinmade (10 PPG, 6 RPG), Sr. Patrick McGarl (4 PPG), Sr. G Zach Alvarez (4 PPG)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Jr. P Patrick Carnes (4 PPG)
-- STRENGTHS: Sokol says his team’s experience, competitiveness, and guard play will be key to the Raiders’ success this season.
-- QUESTIONS: The Raiders' ability to rebound and play tight defense on the ball in a tough Region 6-6A are two big questions.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: Lambert is the early favorite to win the region, but the Raiders could be in the state playoff race late in the season.
NORTH HALL TROJANS
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Jarvis Davenport, 2nd season
-- REGION: 6-3A
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 12-17, first round of the Class 4A tournament
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Jr. F Cole Hulsey (17 PPG, 10 RPG), Sr. G Micah Jimmerson (8 PPG, 2 RPG), Sr. PG/W Rolan Imai (3.5 PPG, 2 RPG, 1.5 APG), Jr. Gunner Spain (5 PPG, 2 RPG, 1 APG), Sr. W/P Cooper Payton (4.5 PPG, 2.5 RPG)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: So. G Will Rogers (1.5 PPG, 1 RPG, 2 APG), So. P Kenny Sullivan Jr. C Mason McGill, Jr. SF Walker Davis, Jr. SG Jackson Richey
-- STRENGTHS: Davenport has several experienced players returning this season, including several who saw varsity action last season. But Davenport said if the offense stalls, the team’s quickness and toughness will have to “carry us this season.”
-- QUESTIONS: “We lost a ton of size and length from last year’s team, so it will be crucial that we “gang” rebound,” Davenport said. “We can’t afford to be beaten 2 to 1 on the boards. Also we have to see what we can do in crunch time. Last season, we got better as the year went on, so hopefully, we will build on that momentum and close out games when we have a chance.”
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: “I look for us to compete night in and night out. How successful we are will depend on how we take care of the little things within the game,” Davenport said. “If we can make shots and play solid defense, we will be tough to beat on any night.
-- FAVORITE TO WIN REGION: “Pickens or GAC probably, but who knows, it could be wide open and come down to whoever is playing the best basketball at the end of the season.” – DAVENPORT
RABUN COUNTY WILDCATS
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: David Adcock, 7th season
-- REGION: 8-A Division 1
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 14-15, Class A Division 1 Sweet 16
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Cooper Welch, F Jack Hood
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Jr. PG Huey Blalock (7 PPG, 6 APG, 3 RPG), Jr. F Hayes Free (9 PPG, 6 RPG), So. G Reed Burrell (10 PPG, 3 RPG, 3 APG)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. G Michael Bone, Sr. G Clayton Blalock, So. G Landan Bedingfield, Jr. G Colton Crane, Jr. Levi Stewart, So. G Khani Thompson, So. G/P Hayden Cannon
-- STRENGTHS: Adcock says the Wildcat’s strengths will be their ability to move the ball and shooting ability. They have five players who can shoot over 40% from 3, and will look to build upon their 67 ppg average from last season.
-- QUESTIONS: Adcock said the biggest concerns will be their ability to rebound and defend inside. They graduated two of their top 3 rebounders, Cooper Welch and Jack Hood, and will have to rebound by committee this year. They’ll also need to work on defensive consistency, as the Wildcats gave up 64 ppg last season. Adcock says he wants to get that number below 60.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: “Region 8-A D1 is wide open this year with every team having a shot at winning the Region title,” Adcock said. “We have a very good shot of winning a 3rd Region title. Athens Academy is coming into this season after winning 23 games last season, a region title, and advancing to the Elite 8. Oglethorpe County finished last season with 20 wins, a region title, and advanced to the Sweet 16. Rabun County finished with 14 wins, 13-6 after Christmas break, Region Runner-ups, and Sweet 16. Commerce and Banks County both return a lot from last year and have a ton of talent in their starting 5s. Providence Christian finished five games over .500 last season and will have the talent to beat anybody in the region. Elbert County returns one of the best scorers in the Region in Grady Jones and will have the chance to make some noise.”
TOWNS COUNTY INDIANS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Brian Hunnicutt, 4th season
-- REGION: 8-A Division 2
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 19-8 record, Region 8A D2 regular season championships, Class A D2 Sweet 16. Regular Season Region Champ, Sweet 16, graduated the winningest class in Towns County History with 81 wins over their four-year career.
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: PG Zane Floyd (two-time Region 8A Player of the Year, 2 Time All-State), G Tanner Cunningham (3-year starter, 2-time All-Region 8A), C Connor Chastain (3-year starter, team captain), G Gage Rogers (2-year starter, All-Region 8A), G Kade McConnell, and G Walker Underwood
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 0
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Jr. P Dustin Barrett (5 PPG, 4 RPG), Jr. G Cruz Kitchens (3 PPG), Jr. G Jonas Rouse (2 PPG, 2 RPG), Fr. G Tucker Engert
-- STRENGTHS: “We are an athletic team with players who can play multiple positions,” Hunnicutt said.
--QUESTIONS: Hunnicutt said he’s most concerned about the team's lack of size and varsity experience. “We only return one player, Dustin Barrett, who has played significant varsity minutes, and we do not have a player over 6-foot-3.”
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: Towns will be fielding a very young team, with only two seniors. Their inexperience and a tough non-region and region schedule will require Towns County to grow up quickly. Hunnicutt said he’s scheduled a tough non-region slate to prepare his team for a brutal Region 8A Division 2 schedule.
-- FAVORITE TO WIN REGION: “Warren County made the Final Four last year and did not graduate any players. They are one of the favorites to win the Class A D2 State Championship. Greene County made the Sweet 16 last year and only graduated one player.” – HUNNICUTT
UNION COUNTY PANTHERS
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Corey Garrett, 8th season.
-- REGION: 7-2A
-- 2022-23 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 21-7, Piedmont Invitational and Battle of the States champions, first round of Class 2A playoffs
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Cade Dockery
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. G Houston Henry (20 PPG, 6 APG, 6 RPG), Sr. F Hayden Hughes (14 PPG, 6 RPG), Sr. P Kaden Combs (6 PPG, 6 RPG), Sr. G Maddox Young
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: So. G Ethan Hogsed, Jr. PF Vince Marevka, Jr. G Holden Payne (Jr.)
-- STRENGTHS: The Panthers return four starters from last season. With that, the senior leaders and experience will be key as the Panthers head into uncharted waters in the new Region 7-2A.
-- QUESTIONS: Although there are few questions about the Panthers this season, Garrett points to the lack of size as a concern.
--SEASON OUTLOOK: Garrett says his season outlook is no different from any other season. He wants to compete for a region championship and make a state run.
-- FAVORITE TO WIN REGION: “We are new to Region 7-2A. It seems like a very competitive region, and we are excited to be a part of it! – GARRETT
WEST HALL SPARTANS
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Chuck Graham, 2nd season
-- REGION: 8-3A
-- 2023-2024 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 6-19
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Ian Purdue, G Jackson Ledford
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. SF Teryk Tilley (10 PPG, 10 RPG), Sr. PG Xavier Felix 12 PPG, 5 APG), JR PG/SG Troy Smith (14 PPG, 4 RPG)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. SG Landon Bennett (7 PPG), Sr. SG Ethan Clifford (8 PPG)
-- STRENGTHS: “With a year of experience under our belt, we learned a lot of lessons last year,” Graham said. “I can see the growth from a maturity standpoint. We have a core group of seniors who have seen a lot of different scenarios playing high school basketball. I’m looking forward to seeing our guys compete. I really like our depth and our ability to play fast and shoot the basketball.”
-- QUESTIONS: “How well we defend will be a major question,” Graham said. “As a coaching staff, we did a great job strategically scheduling non-region games against teams that play various styles. This will help us during region play as we learn to guard different concepts.”
-—SEASON OUTLOOK: “I’m excited for our guys. I think we are ready to compete at a high level. We have dealt with adversity as a team, and we are better off.
WHITE COUNTY WARRIORS
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Scott Givens, 1st season
-- REGION: 6-3A
-- 2023-24 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 7-19
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: F Noah Futch
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. F Dawson Oliver (4.1 PPG, 4 RPG), Sr. G Tripp Nix, So. SG Blayne Gunter, Sr. G David Boman (12 PPG)
-- STRENGTHS: New head coach Scott Givens said the team’s guard play and experience will be key to a successful season.
-- QUESTIONS: “Can we learn how to play successfully and consistently,” Givens said.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: “We have experience but not much time together for various reasons. The plan is to maximize our team's abilities and reach the goals we plan to set out.”
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: “Pickens and Greater Atlanta Christian” – GIVENS
