Tuesday March 19th, 2024 7:49AM

(VIDEO) 2015-16 Boys basketball: Area teams hope to take it a step further

By AccessWDUN Staff

Last season provided plenty of excitement and firsts for area boys basketball teams -- and while there were plenty of "what-if" moments in the postseason, we saw enough to make us salivate over the possibilities for the 2015-16 campaign.

There are plenty of teams in northeast Georgia with talent and expectation heading into this season, as well as several new head coaches. And there are certain to be some out-of-nowhere teams that wow us as well. 

And while the area did graduate plenty of standout players -- including true stars from Johnson and East Hall -- there are some new players set to step into spotlight roles this time arround.

With that in mind we gathered the info on squads from throughout northeast Georgia and present them here in our 2015-16 season preview. (Teams are listed alphabetically. Scroll down to read on...)

2015-16 BOYS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEWS

BANKS COUNTY
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Mike Cleveland, fifth season
-- REGION: 7-AAA
-- 2014-15 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 24-6, Commerce Christmas Tournament champion, Region 7-AAA runner-up, reached Class AAA second round
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Four
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. G Zez Steeple (2014-15 All-Region team), Sr. F Zac Orr (2014-15 All-Region team), Sr. G Trevae Cain (2014-15 All-Region honorable mention), Sr. G Ken Simmons, Jr. F Kahmal Wiley, (2014-15 All-Region honorable mention)
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: Returning a number of key players from last season’s impressive squad has to put the Leopards right among the favorites again in 7-AAA this campaign. Banks is both athletic and experienced, and while they may not have as much size inside this season, there is still a good mix of talents -- enough to make them dangerous to any team.
  
BUFORD
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Eddie Martin, first season, 713-227 record in 34 seasons at various schools
-- REGION: 8-AAAA
-- 2014-15 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 16-13, reached Class AAAA second round
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 1
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. F Will Springer, So. PG Alex Jones, Jr. G Dawson Wehunt, Jr. F Sahil Patel, Sr. G Brandon Iverson
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Wolves finished second in Region 8-AAAA but fell short of expectations of a region title. Defense will be a priority and they should have a good mixture of guard play, along with post play for a variety of ways on offense. A tough schedule in November and December should help them get ready for region play.

CHESTATEE 
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Chad Pittman, second season
-- REGION: 8-AAAA
-- 2014-15 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 12-14
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 2
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. P Mikey Petraroi, So. G Donovan Hernandez, Sr. PG Logan Cates, Jr. P Barron King
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: With just three players returning with varsity experience, the War Eagles will look to play team basketball in 2015-16. Chestatee showed last season -- it’s first under Pittman -- that it will play hard on every possession, and look to defend, rebound, and control the tempo of the game. The War Eagles regained their feet last campaign and hope to build on that -- even after graduating five players, including a collegiate signee. Petraroi and Hernandez are the two returning starters.
 
DAWSON COUNTY 
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Thad Burgess, 13th season
-- REGION: 7-AAA
-- 2014-15 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 7-19
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 1
-- KEY PLAYERS: So. G Cullen Reed, So. PG Coey Watson, So C Gabe Bryant, Jr. F Noah Davis, So. G Jeremiah Crumley
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The future looks bright for the Tigers, but with just one senior on the roster that future will have to be ready now. Dawson County will rely on a sophomore-heavy class this season (Burgess could start five sophomores) and only Reed, Crumley and Watson earned varsity experience last season. Yet there is talent to go around, including out-of-state move-ins Bryant (6-foot-8) and Davis (6-7) to anchor the middle. The question will be how fast this team can gel and mature on the floor -- if that happens quickly good thinhgs are sure to follow.

EAST HALL 
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Joe Dix, 10th season
-- REGION: 7-AAA
-- 2014-15 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 24-6, Region 7-AAA champion, reached Class AAA quarterfinals
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 3
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. G/F Tylor Brown, Sr. C Jason Winters, So. G Luke Cooper, So. F Sedrion Morse, Sr. G Andy Lara, Sr. PG Jacquen Hopkins, Sr. G Triston Cooper (12 ppg in 2014-15)
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: East Hall graduated a trio of standouts, including one of the best in the state in center Kyvon Davenport (22 ppg, 13.5 rpg). But the Vikings have plenty of depth, including nine returning lettermen, and will look to build on an impressive season. There is plenty of athleticism and experience -- the trick will lie in who steps up to take leadership roles. Triston Cooper and Brown could be two difference makers. Hopkins will look to facilitate the offense. And you can expect plenty of pressing and running from the Vikings.
 
EAST JACKSON
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: David Boyd, second season, 18-11 record at school; 32nd overall, 624-208 at various schools
-- REGION: 8-AAA
-- 2014-15 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 18-11
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 1
-- KEY PLAYERS: So. G Drue Drinnon, So. G Travis Anderson, So. G Lamont Smith, Sr. P Kamron Walters, So. G Xavier Clark, Fr. G Reco Hallmon
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Eagles will run the up-tempo style that Boyd has run over the years led by the sophomore trio of Drinnon, Anderson, and Smith. They play a very difficult schedule with AAAAA Miller Grove in a scrimmage and then AAAAAA teams Westlake and Grayson. They also will play Columbia-Huntsville (Alabama), and Bartow (Fla.) in the Beach Ball Classic in Myrtle Beach, S.C. before jumping into region play. Expect them to challenge for a playoff spot.
 
FANNIN COUNTY
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Scott Eggleston, fifth season
-- REGION: 7-AAA
-- 2014-15 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 14-12
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 1
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. F Andrew Ladd (4.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg in 2014-15), Jr. G/F Logan Holt (10.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 43.3 percent shooter from 3-point range), Sr. G Adam Ingram (2.2 ppg), Jr. G Clay Ware (4.8 ppg, 33.8 percent from 3-point range), Jr. F Kaleb Martin, Jr. C River Dixon, So. G Joe Satchell
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Rebels had just their second winning season in more than a dozen years. They could be a dangerous team with their ability to hit 3-pointers. If they can get some inside production and improve defensively they could challenge for a playoff spot in a tough region.

FLOWERY BRANCH 
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: David Sokol, third season
-- REGION: 8-AAAAA
-- 2014-15 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 14-12
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 2
-- KEY PLAYERS: Jr. G Jon Mills (10 ppg, 36 percent 3-point shooting, 75 percent free throw shooter in 2014-15), Sr. F Trey Bailey (6 ppg, 6 rpg, 36 blocks), Sr. PG Chris Garcia (4 ppg, 3.5 apg), Sr. F John Holston (3 ppg, 3 rpg), Jr. G Brandon Clark
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Falcons are plenty comfortable with Sokol’s systems now, and they also believe they have the mix of athleticism and experience to take a big step forward this season. Flowery Branch will be guard-heavy, and while they will miss the outside shooting presence of Taylor Bourdage, they have plenty of ability on the perimeter. Meanwhile, Bailey will anchor the middle and is a force on defense. Expect the team’s overall defensive play to also improve this season, as they look to press more to force tempo.

GAINESVILLE
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Benjie Wood, third season
-- REGION: 8-AAAAA
-- 2014-15 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 25-5, reached Class AAAAA second round
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Four
-- KEY PLAYERS: So. G KJ Buffen, So. F Bailey Minor, Sr. G D’Marcus Simonds, Sr. G Harry Oliver, Sr. G Tae Turner, So. G Xavier Bledson 
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Red Elephants racked up plenty of wins in the regular season, only for injuries to derail the region tournament. Yet they still reached the second round of the AAAAA bracket, losing by just one point, and they hope to build on that this season with a talented and versatile squad. Gainesville will continue to rely on a mix of youth and experience this season and has both size and speed. If chemistry proves right then the sky is the limit. Simonds is a major talent but Buffen, Minor and Bledson are also capable of big games. As always, look for Wood’s team to start with defense and move the ball quickly on offense.
 
HABERSHAM CENTRAL
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Don Ledbetter, ninth season 
-- REGION: 6-AAAAAA
-- 2014-15 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 8-17
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 2
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. G Mason Kinsey (12.6 ppg in 2014-15), Sr. P Cody Patterson, So. PG Jim Barnette
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Raiders should be improved and Kinsey and Patterson could give them a good inside-outside combination. Ledbetter said they could be ready to challenge for a playoff spot in a good region.
 
JACKSON COUNTY
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Chuck Butler, second season, 4-22 record at school
-- REGION: 8-AAA
-- 2014-15 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 4-22
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 5
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. PG Malique Wade, Jr. SG Christian Smith (hit 40 percent from 3-point range in 2014-15), Sr. PF Joel Ellis (12 ppg), Sr. SF Preston Giroux
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Panthers needed a year under a new coach to change the culture and expectations but had little experience. They had 10 losses by 8 or less points, seven of those by three points or less. Butler said they have high expectations with all five starters returning and feel they should be much improved. A playoff run my still still be on the horizon in a very tough region but some early success could speed up their timetable.

JEFFERSON
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Boling DuBose, 40th season
-- REGION: 8-AAA
-- 2014-15 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 7-22, reached Class AAA first round
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 3
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. PG Hunter Thompson (tied for leading scorer in 2014-15), Sr. F Adrian Turpin, Sr. G Malik Elamin, Jr. C Kasen Rainey, So. G Colby Wood, So. SF Jamal Meadows, So. F Cale Compton
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Dragons will be extremely young this year, having to rely on a number of sophomores from the beginning of the season. But the three seniors (Thompson, Turpin and Elamin), along with the junior Rainey will be looked to for big campaigns. That said, expect Jefferson to undergo some learning experiences in November and December with an eye toward being ready for the Region 8-AAA schedile. The Dragons should have plenty of speed and versatility in their guard play but have just one experienced post player returning in Rainey. They also have four lettermen back from last season.

JOHNSON 
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Tim Slater, first season
-- REGION: 8-AAAA
-- 2014-15 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 30-1, Lanierland champ, Region 8-AAAA champ, reached Class AAAA quarterfinals
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 1
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. P Andrew Sims, Sr. G Ahmad Harrison, Sr. G Yaz Hagins
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: There has been plenty of change within the Knights program, but the current crop of players and new head coach are adamant that that will not change the Knights’ string of success. Slater joined the Knights from Buford, where he was the assistant assigned to scout Johnson, and he has been impressed by the mentality and ability of the players within the program. Undoubtedly it will be tough to replace graduated stars Ty Cockfield and Rod English, but Slater believes his team’s competitive nature will put it in position to contend this season.
 
LAKEVIEW ACADEMY 
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Todd Cottrell, third season
-- REGION: 8-A
-- 2014-15 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 17-11, reached Class A private first round
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 4
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. G Daniel Fadool, Jr. F Tre Gober (leading returning scorer, second team All-Region in 2014-15), Jr. F Carter Reeves, Jr. G Josh Randolph, So. G Drew Cottrell, Fr. F Evan Pitts
--SEASON OUTLOOK: Fadool, Gober, Reeves and Randolph make up the nucleus of an experienced and versatile team that has both size and speed. Gober is a star in the making. But the Lions will be tested by a tough Region 8-A schedule -- as usual. Lakeview should be used to what Cottrell asks of his teams by now, and you can expect this group to try and force some issues on defense and get out in transition on offense -- though it also has the size inside to perform in the half-court.

LANIER
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Jeremy Huckaby, fifth season
-- REGION: 8-AAAAA
-- 2014-15 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 10-14
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Information was not made available
-- KEY PLAYERS: Information was not made available
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Longhorns are looking for a breakout campaign.

LUMPKIN COUNTY 
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Jeff Steele, first season
-- REGION: 7-AAA
-- 2014-15 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 9-15
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 3
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. Jack Howard, Jr. Zach Pulley, Sr. Brandon Zarote
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: It will take time for Steele to mold his new team into the up-tempo, defensive-minded style he likes to run. Being in a tough region, the Indians' best chance will be jelling in time for the region tournament. But Steele never plays for second place said they will focus on improving on both ends of the court and try to challenge for a playoff spot.

NORTH HALL 
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Tyler Sanders, third season, 20-35 record at school
-- REGION: 8-AAAA
-- 2014-15 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 14-15, reached Class AAAA first round
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 3
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. G Carson Heinen (17 ppg in 2014-15), Jr. F Evan Easton (10 ppg, 9 rpg), Sr. G Sam Jackson (9 ppg), Sr. Harrison Harper, Sr. Brandon Williams, Sr. Whit Powell
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Trojans will put one of their most experienced teams on the floor for some time in 2015-16, featuring eight seniors. A number of those standouts will be embarking on their third season of varsity play. North Hall will tackle a strenuous non-region schedule to prep for the 8-AAAA portion of the campaign. Heinen can take over games with his shooting, while Easton and Jackson are consistent scorers. You can also expect North Hall’s defense to try and influence games even more this season.
 
RABUN COUNTY
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Jeff Page, 10th season
-- REGION: 8-AA
-- 2014-15 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 21-9, Region 8-AA runner-up, reached Class AA second round (lost to eventual state champ Seminole County)
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 1
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. G Matthew Addis (12.3 ppg in 2014-15), So. G Bailey Fisher, So. PG Tevan Dixon, Jr. Trey Wilcox 
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Wildcats will be putting several new faces into starting positions this season and may have to work through some early growing pains. Yet Rabun still has plenty of talent and a group of players that knows well what coach Page demands. The Wildcats will continue to lean on their guards and will feature plenty of athleticism. 
 
RIVERSIDE MILITARY 
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Marvin Latham, second season
-- REGION: 8-AA
-- 2014-15 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 6-16
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 1
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. G Sipho Khoza, Sr. F Davis Short, Jr. C/F Mason Green
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Eagles believe they have enough talent to get back into the region chase this season with new players such as Short and Green -- who will provide both size and athleticism Short is anything but at 6-5 and Green is 6-7 -- but the big question will be chemistry. Facing the turnover only experienced at a military boarding school can be tough, but Latham feels his team has the dynamic and depth to succeed this season.
 
STEPHENS COUNTY
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Chad Bridges, third season
-- REGION: 8-AAAA
-- 2014-15 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 8-17
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 4
-- KEY PLAYERS: So. DeUndra Singleton (second team all-region as a freshman), Sr. Tay Jones (3-year starter), Sr. Tyriq Combs
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Indians are still a young team and could start as many as four sophomores at times during the season. They will be more athletic and coach Bridges feels they can challenge for a playoff spot.
 
TOWNS COUNTY
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Rob Benson, first season
-- REGION: 8-AAAAA
-- 2014-15 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 9-17
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 4
-- KEY PLAYERS: Will DeVries, Major Moss, Adam Barrett, Zach Davenport
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Indians sport a new coach but finished .500 last season in a tough Region 8-A slate and should be competitive with four starters returning.

UNION COUNTY
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Casey Jones, third season 
-- REGION: 8-AA
-- 2014-15 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 17-12, Reached Class AA first round
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 1
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. C Chase Shook (All-Region in 2014-15), Jr. F Lawson Baenninger
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Panthers graduated plenty of talent but do return a force inside in the 6-foot-7 Shook. And with Jones in his third season players know what to expect, and they will aim to improve as the campaign continues with an eye on being ready for region play.
 
WEST HALL 
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Zac Swansey, first season
-- REGION: 7-AAA
-- 2014-15 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 3-23 
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 2
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. G Esteban Ulloa (21 ppg, 7 rpg, first team All-Region in 2014-15),  Sr. F Dylan Curry (transfer rom Oak Hill Academy, 15 ppg, 6 rpg), Jr. F Xzavier Reid (13 ppg, 6 rpg), Jr. G Markus Jones
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: With five seniors on the year’s team (Dylan Barron, Bryson Jones, Zach Majerus, Curry and Ulloa), the Spartans will hope to make some quick improvement in Swansey’s first season in charge. Team chemistry will be a key, and the Spartans may need some feeling out time early in the campaign. Swansey says his players will have to trust each other, buy into defending and rebounding, sharing the ball, and being unselfish. And it will be interesting to see how this group develops in the program’s first year under a new head coach since 1998.

WHITE COUNTY 
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Sam Borg, fifth season
-- REGION: 8-AAAA
-- 2014-15 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 13-13
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 3
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. G Whit Mauney (17.1 ppg in 2014-15), Sr. G Brad Hurst (11.2 ppg), Sr. G Desmon Mataro (7.9 ppg), Sr. PG Clancy Loudermilk, Sr. PF Crawford Abernathy (6-4), Jr. W John Ward (6-4) 
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Warriors return their top two scorers from lats year in Mauney and Hurst and should be more competitive after another season together. They missed out on the playoffs last year in a close loss to Monroe Area in the region tournament and a tough non-region schedule this season should help prepare them for what should be a very competitive region.

-- 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.

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