The 2018-19 girls basketball season may be a tough one to top for northeast Georgia area teams. More than a dozen teams qualified for the playoffs with six making it to the quarterfinals, two to the semifinals, and one -- Buford -- winning it all in Class 5A.
If there is a theme to be had for the 2019-20 season, it may be youth. Or inexperience. Or perhaps a combination of the two.
To be sure, perennial playoff teams like Buford, Flowery Branch, Jefferson, Rabun County are still expected to be among the favorites to win their respective regions. Buford, Branch, and Rabun County will have revamped rosters but also feature plenty of youthful talent. Jefferson, however, returns nearly its entire roster that was one of the six teams to make the Elite 8 in Class 3A.
Many teams around the area will be breaking in new key players. Three teams -- East Jackson, Jackson County, Union County -- also will be breaking in new coaches.
The biggest questions, however, may be who among our 23 area teams can get back to the postseason. Can Buford, Branch, Rabun County, and Lakeview Academy repeat as region champs? Can teams like White County in Region 7-4A, which returns virtually its entire roster, crack the upper-tier of its region? Which teams can/will emerge as surprises?
We offer you below our 2019-20 season preview of every team in our coverage area.*
(* -- Information provided by coaches or team officials.)
BANKS COUNTY
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Steven Shedd, 4th season
-- REGION: 8-2A
-- 2018-19 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 23-7, Region 8-2A regular-season runner-up, 2nd round Class 2A playoffs
-- RETURNING STARTER: 1
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. Heather Vaughan (14 ppg, All-Region 1st Team, 1st Team North Georgia All-Star Classic, Class 2A All-State 2nd Team), Sr. Sadie Simpson, Sr. Pollie Simpson, Jr. Hailey Seahorn, Jr. Jenna Reeves, Jr. Lillie Venable, Jr. Anslee Bramlett, So. Kalyn Beasley, Fr. Jacy Ayers, Fr. Kamryn Grier
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Leopards may be in a reloading mode in 2019-20 after graduating 4 starters from last year’s playoff team. However, they also return a lot of talent, including Vaughn, and will have depth and balance, though much of it will be young and inexperienced. Shedd did say they will play their usual up-tempo offense and defense and that he expects them to make a run at a region title and a playoff spot once again.
BUFORD LADY WOLVES
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Gene Durden, 15th season (375-70; 808-214 overall)
-- REGION: 8-5A
-- 2018-19 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 29-2, Region 8-5A champions, Class 5A state champions
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 2
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. G Tate Walters (Class 5A All-State, All-Metro Atlanta, Gwinnett Super 6 selections), Sr. P Katelyn Klein, Jr. W Blair Wallis, Jr. W Sara Viti, Jr. PG Ashyia Willis, Jr. W Abbi Perkins, So P Tatum Ozment, Jr. P Andi Blake, Jr. P Ryan Nelson, Jr. P Courtney Martin, Jr. W Mary McSwain, Jr. W Jordan Garrison, So. P Tamori Plantin
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Wolves return just two starters in Walters and Ashyia Willis but also rotated many players during the year into the starting rotation. They have plenty of experience returning that saw significant minutes during their latest championship run. They once again have a challenging schedule, which includes state powers, Norcross, Holy Innocents, Jefferson, Wesleyan, North Forsyth, and GAC, but as with any team under Durden, expect Buford to play an aggressive, hustling, pressing defense from the full court to the half court. They should be an odds-on favorite to repeat as champs in Region 8-5A and look for another deep playoff run as well.
CHEROKEE BLUFF
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Lindsay Justice, 2nd season, 13-16
-- REGION: 7-3A
-- 2018-19 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 13-16, first-round Class 3A state playoffs
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 3
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. P Madi Phillips (12 ppg, 10 rpg, Region 7-3A honorable mention, Columbus State-commit), So. PG Timber Gaither (15 ppg leading scorer from last year, 7-3A All-Region team), Jr. Alexis Mize
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: Even with the 3 returning starters the Lady Bears will an inexperienced team overall with only 1 senior (Phillps) on the roster. Justice and staff did a solid job in their inaugural season but will face a huge challenge in a tough region that is expected to be even better this season. Finding some key role players and depth could be the deciding factor if they can make a run at another playoff spot. If they do, they could be another dark horse team down the stretch.
CHESTATEE
-- YEARS AT SCHOOL: Sutton Shiley, 2nd season (14-15)
-- REGION: 7-4A
-- 2018-19 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 14-15, Class 4A playoffs
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 3
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. SG Maggie McNair (11.5 ppg), Jr. PG Emma Easterwood (5 apg)
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady War Eagles managed to qualify for the playoffs in a tough region in Shirley’s first season, that saw them get off to a strong start. The return four players that played starters minutes in their playoff game. Shirley has put together a tough schedule as he tries to continue to move the program back into playoff contention. They should be in the thick of the playoff race by the time of the region tournament.
COMMERCE
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Brad Puckett, 6th season
-- REGION: 8-A
-- 2018-19 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 14-10, Class A Public playoffs (first playoff appearance in three seasons)
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 3
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. P Ragan Allen (2nd leading rebounder last season with 91), Jr. G Maggie Mullis (outstanding ball-handler, solid 3-pt range, 7 ppg, 55 steals on defense), Jr. G Bryanna Sanders (leading scorer last season 10.2 ppg, 76 steals on defense), So. P Carson Hobbs, So. P Grace Hobbs (6-1, physical presence inside), So. G Lauren Massey, Sr. G Lauren Roach (missed the last 3 seasons with injuries)
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: With several key players back from a playoff team last season, the Lady Tigers could be in the hunt again this season. Allen and Grace Hobbs give them a good inside game with Sanders and Mullis driving what could be a tenacious and good defensive squad. Depth is an issue but they have the core of a team that showed progress. A tough schedule should help them in the power rankings by season’s end.
DAWSON COUNTY
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Steve Sweat, 25th season
-- REGION: 7-3A
-- 2018-19 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 22-9, Elite 8 in Class 3A playoffs
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 1
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. PG Sophia D'Oliveira (7.6 ppg, 4.0 apg, 7-3A All-Region team), Sr. P Mardie Townley (8.4 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 7-3A region Honorable Mention), Jr. W Maddie Anglin (7.8 ppg, 2.0 apg, 7-3A region Honorable Mention)
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Tigers will sport a new look this season after graduating their top 2 scorers and several key bench players. Sweat will use the early part of the season to try and define roles but will need someone to step up and take on the leadership. D'Oliveira could be poised for a breakout season and with Townley and Anglin there is a solid triumvirate to build on. Finding a productive bench could be the key to whether they can make another top-tier finish in the region and a playoff run once again.
EAST HALL
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Justin Wheeler, 7th SEASON
-- REGION: 7-3A
-- 2018-19 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 9-17
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 3
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. F Tessa Rider (missed entire 2018-19 season, 5.3 ppg, 3 rpg as a sophomore, can play inside and out), So. G Alexis Burce (7.8 ppg, 2 apg, All-Region Honorable Mention), So. G Audrey Griffin (4.3 ppg)
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: It was a rare non-playoff season for the Lady Vikings as they were in rebuild mode. Wheeler said they have a young and very fun group that is hungry to get back to the postseason. They will be guard-heavy, but the return of Rider should give them some inside toughness. If the pieces mesh together, they could be in the running for a playoff spot in what is expected to be a tough Region 7-3A field again.
EAST JACKSON
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Cherrelle Pullen, 1st season
-- REGION: Region 8-3A
-- 2018-19 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 11-18, Class 3A state playoffs (first-ever appearance in program history)
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 3
-- KEY PLAYERS: So. G Haven Rollins (14.4 ppg, 1.5 apg, 4.3 rpg, 1.7 spg, All-Region 1st team), Jr. Maurissa Thomas, Jr. Kenzie Whitehead
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Panthers are coming off their best-ever season but will be young as just three players return from that group. They are led by dynamic guard Rollins, who is expected to lead the offense once again. New coach Pullen said defense will be a key area as they try and keep the momentum of the program rolling after last year’s breakthrough.
FLOWERY BRANCH
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Courtney Newton-Gonzalez, 5th season (106-20)
-- REGION: 7-4A
-- 2018-19 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 27-4, Region 7-4A champions, Lanierland champions, Class 4A Final 4
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 2
-- KEY PLAYERS: Jr. P Ashlee Locke (6-3, 7-4A All-Region), Jr. PG Morgan Aguilar (5-6), So. G Shaina Kriews (5-6)
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: After three consecutive semifinal runs with an experienced team, the Lady Falcons will be young across the board with just two returning starters and a roster that will feature 5 freshman and 3 sophomores. However, they will be talented once again and deeper in spots. They will lean on the leadership and experience from Locke and Aguilar early on but look for their underclassmen to progress as the season unfolds and make big contributions. A repeat as region champions and another playoff run is not out of the realm of possibilities even in a tough Region 7-4A. But the development of their freshmen and sophomores may hold the key to their success in 2019-20.
GAINESVILLE
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Alan Griffin, 2nd season, 12-15
-- REGION: 8-6A
-- 2018-19 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 12-15, first-round Class 6A playoffs, 3rd place Lanierland
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 3
-- KEY PLAYERS: Jr. Sadie Roach (6.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg), Jr. Lauren Teasley (6.6 ppg, 6.7 rpg), Sr. Jada Rucker (2.1 ppg, 2.2 rpg), Jr. Ariah Jeffers, Sr. Kyah Cante
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Red Elephants look to build off a state tournament appearance, returning much of last year’s team, but they also graduated long-standing starters and leading scorers in Tija Blackwell and Tia Shelton. Finding players to replace their offensive output will be an early challenge. They will be one of the quicker teams on the court in the area and will rely heavily on their speed and what should be a tenacious defense until they can find some consistent offense. A tough region, which houses reigning state champion Lanier, awaits once again but if they can find that consistent offense, they could make another playoff run by tournament time.
HABERSHAM CENTRAL
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Bill Bradley, 3rd season
-- REGION: 8-6A
-- 2018-19 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 5-19
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 4
-- KEY PLAYERS: Jr. PG Addie Penick (7 ppg), So. W Taylor Wade (8 ppg), So. W Nykeria Brown (9 ppg)
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Raiders were in full rebuild mode in 2018-19 with 5 new starters. Now, Bradley is hoping that the young group is ready to take the next step after a year under their belts. The core of the offense returns in Penick, Wade, and Brown and if they can find and develop some depth they may be ready to challenge for a playoff spot. The going will again be tough in Region 8-6A as Lanier is the reigning state champion and Dacula, Winder-Barrow, and Gainesville all seem poised to take another step forward as well.
JACKSON COUNTY
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Aaron Schuck, 1st season
-- REGION: 8-3A
-- 2018-19 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 5-21
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 5
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. G Carson Anderson, Sr. G Sydney Hayes, Jr. G Mikenna Duffy, Sr. G-F Bailee Bejin, Jr. P Ashlyn Thompson
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Panthers return all 5 starters off a team that was inexperienced in perhaps the toughest region in Class 3A last season. However, new coach Schuck said there is a good blend of senior leadership to complement some talented underclassmen. The Lady Panthers have a loaded schedule with region play and Schuck replaced all 5 wins from last season with teams that qualified for the state tournament. If they can find some early non-region success they could be a dark horse if their youth develops.
JEFFERSON
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Greg Brown 2nd season, 25-4
-- REGION: 8-3A
-- 2018-19 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 25-4, Region 8-3A runner-up, Elite 8
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 5
-- KEY PLAYERS: Jr. PG Livi Blackstock 16.1 ppg, 4.5 apg, 3.2 spg, (1st Team All-State, 1st Team All-Region, Tabo's Thanksgiving Tournament MVP), So. G-F Deshona Gaither (11.2 ppg, 3.8 spg, 2.1 apg, 1st Team All-Region)
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Dragons return everyone from a team that got better as the year went on. They will be battling some early-season injuries and may not be at full strength until after the Christmas break. But they have depth and talent at every position and should be able to weather the storm. Despite playing in perhaps the toughest region in Class 3A, look for the Lady Dragons to make another run at a region title and a deep foray into the state tournament once again.
JOHNSON
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Jared Hodge, 2nd season (2-23)
-- REGION: 8-5A
-- 2018-19 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 2-23
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 3
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. G Jazmyn Gooch (All-Region team), Sr. G Amy Berry, So. P Sarah Johnson, Sr. Katie Dewhirst, Sr. Tytiana Teasley
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Knights are still rebuilding but brings six players from last year’s group back, including 8-5A All-Region selection Gooch. They have 4 seniors with experience they can build some depth around. They have a tough non-region schedule they hope will help prepare them to compete for a possible playoff spot.
LAKEVIEW ACADEMY
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: John Carrick, 10th season
-- REGION: 8-A
-- 2018-19 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 25-5, Region 8-A champs, Elite 8 in ClassA Private
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 4
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. G-F Eliza Snyder (23 ppg, 6 rpg, 4 apg), Sr. PG Jackie Allen (12 ppg, 6 rpg, 6 apg), So. G Joelle Snyder (14 ppg, 3 rpg 4 apg), Sr. P Maddie Towles
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Lions will once again be a strong favorite to win Region 8-A and return four key players from last year’s playoff team. They have solid play inside and out and Allen is a driving force at the point. Depth behind the top four will be an issue but if everyone stays healthy and they develop some young talent, they should be poised for another deep playoff run, even in the always-tough Class A Private.
LUMPKIN COUNTY
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: David Dowse, 3rd season (26-24)
-- REGION: 7-3A
-- 2018-19 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 17-9, Battle of the States champion, Tanger Outlets Thanksgiving champion, tied school record for most wins in a season
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 2
-- KEY PLAYERS: Jr. PG Isabel Davenport (14.1 ppg, 39.2% 3-pt FG%, 4.0 rpg, 1st Team All-Region, Kyle Sandy Class 3A All-State Honorable Mention, MVP Tanger Outlets tournament, Battle of the States All-Tournament team), Jr. SF Makenzie Caldwell (8.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.9 spg, All-Region Honorable Mention, Battle of the States All-Tournament team)
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: Gone is most of the ‘Great 8’ as they became known and this year’s squad will be very young overall, but talented, with 6 freshmen on their 9-person roster. But Dowse said the expectations will not change as they should be considered a team to make a run at one of the four playoff spots. They have a challenging schedule, which should help prepare for tournament season.
NORTH HALL
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Kristi House: 10th season (161-101)
-- REGION: 7-3A
-- 2018-19 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 19-10, Region 7-3A runner-up, 2nd round Class 3A playoffs
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 3
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. Maci Gillespie (7-3A All-Region team, 7 ppg), Sr. Grace Hollifield (7-3A All-Region team, 13 ppg), Sr. Ansley Smallwood, So. Rylee McCall, Sr. Lauren Swanson.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Trojans have a good mix of returners and a talented freshman class coming in as well. Expect them to use their depth to push the tempo on offense. A strong senior class gives them plenty of experience and leadership. They should be considered a team to make another run at the playoffs.
RABUN COUNTY
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: DeeDee Dillard, 14th season
-- REGION: 8-2A
-- 2018-19 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 28-2, Region 8-2A champions, Elite 8 Class 2A playoffs
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 2
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. PG Laken Stiles, Sr. P Destiny Deetz, Sr. W Hanna Cannon, Sr. SG Ali Ramey, Jr. P Natalie Nix, Jr. P Beth Payne
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: With the graduation of prominent scorers Georgia Stockton and Brooke Henricks, along with defensive specialist Kaitlin Coleman, the Lady Wildcats will have a much different look in 2019-20. They will have to rely heavily on their four seniors to have a chance to repeat as champions in a tough region. They do have a solid core of talented but untested sophomores and will need to find some depth in that group. They should play their typical up-tempo style and pressure defense and a tough non-region schedule should help get them ready for what is expected to be a tough 6-team race in Region 8-2A.
TOWNS COUNTY
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Brian Hunnicutt, 3rd season
-- REGION: 8-A
-- 2018-19 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 14-13, 8-A regular-season runner-up, Sweet 16 Class A Public playoffs (first state tournament appearance and playoff victory since 2013-14)
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 2
-- KEY PLAYERS: Jr. G Kennedi Henson (14 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 3 apg, 2 spg, All-Region 1st team), Jr. G Vanessa Floyd (13 ppg, 5 rpg, 2.5 spg, All-Region Honorable Mention), Sr. PG Sophia Shook (5 ppg, 3 rpg, 3 apg, 2 spg)
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Indians will be replacing 5 seniors from last year’s group. However, they return their top two leading scorers in Henson and Floyd and will look for a good crop of juniors to help continue the upward momentum established last season.
UNION COUNTY
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Crystal Beach, 1st season
-- REGION: 8-2A
-- 2018-19 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 14-11
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 4
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. G Brooke Dockrey (Region Honorable Mention), Sr. W Andelin Hill (6-1, region Honorable Mention), Sr. P Kait McCarter (Region Honorable Mention), So. P Ava Hunter (1st team All-Region, Class 2A GHSA Freshman of the Year)
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Panthers have a good mix of experience and youth, especially with the return of Hunter, who already is considered one of the best underclassmen in Class 2A. They have height and skill inside with Hill, McCarter, and Hunter and Dockery gives them experience at the guard spot. But 8-2A is one of the tougher regions in the classification and the Lady Panthers will have to find a way to crack the top-tier teams. They were just 2-7 vs. the region playoff teams last season.
WEST HALL
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Shawana Harrison, 2nd season (5-18)
-- REGION: 7-4A
-- 2018-19 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 5-18
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 3
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. Kinsey Wilson (16 ppg, 11 rpg), So. Riley Harkin (8 ppg)
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: Last season the Lady Spartans were dealing with a roster turnover and new coach Shawana Harrison was also acclimating to her first head coaching gig. They did lose several key players to graduation but Wilson and Harkin give them plenty to work around and Harrison said they will be deeper, more talented, and more competitive as the season unfolds. If the young talent develops, look for the Lady Spartans to be a dark horse by season’s end in the region tournament.
WHITE COUNTY
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Jarvis Davenport, 4th season (33-43)
-- REGION: 7-4A
-- 2018-19 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 13-12, 1st round Class 4A playoffs
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 5
-- KEY PLAYERS: Jr. G Dasha Cannon (16.4 ppg, 6 rpg, 5 apg, All-Region 1st Team), Sr. G Bentley Cronic (12 ppg, 3 rpg, 2 apg, 2nd-team All Region), Sr. G Naomi Crumley (9 ppg, 5 rpg, 1 apg), Sr. W Ellie Gearing (6 ppg, 5 rpg, 5 spg, 3 apg) Sr. W Rachel Lovell (5 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 spg), Jr. W Maddie Futch (9 ppg, 6 rpg, 2 apg), Jr. G Madison Adams, Jr. G Makenna Moose, Jr. W Camryn MacAfee
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Warriors are coming off 3 straight state playoff appearances but Davenport may have his best team yet with loads of experience and talent. They will play up-tempo on offensive and press on defensive and have plenty of depth to wear down opponents. Cannon and Cronic could be one of the best guard tandems in the region and offers matchup problems for most defenses. This could be the year the Lady Warriors finally breakthrough in the region with a top-tier finish and advance out of the first round of the playoffs.
-- 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.
