With most regions around the state jumping into the region play over the past two weeks, the maneuvering for tournament positioning is under way.
What is also known is that once again, Northeast Georgia is showing it is a player with nearly a dozen teams -- boys and girls combined -- ranked in the top 10 in their respective classifications. Three teams -- the North Forsyth girls, the Buford boys, and the Lumpkin County girls -- are ranked No. 1 in the latest Kyle Sandy polls.
The Buford boys, under new coach Benjie Wood, have climbed to the top of the Class 6A heap. The Wolves’ (6-1, 0-0 Region 8-6A) only loss was to Class 7A No. 8-ranked and undefeated South Gwinnett.
Wood talked about their solid start.
“The kids have really bought into our system and are playing well,” Wood said. “I don’t get caught up with the rankings. However, it’s also a testament to our guys and nice of them to get noticed.
“But as far as the area, I can say there is some good coaching up this way. Not entirely surprised there are that many teams ranked.”
Buford opens its region slate on Friday against Lanier.
The Lumpkin County girls (8-1, 3-0 Region 8-6A) have been ranked No. 1 in Class 3A for most of the season to this point. The Lady Indians only loss came to Class 6A No. 3 Buford in a Thanksgiving tournament in Jefferson one day after head coach David Dowse stepped away from the team.
However, Dowse returned a week later and the Lady Indians have won five straight since, demolishing teams by an average of 27 points.
Dowse said he also is not surprised by the volume of ranked teams in the area.
“We have some great coaches in our area and there are some great players as well,” Dowse said. “There is a lot of really good competition out there and I think that helps all the teams to get better.”
Dowse agreed with Wood that the rankings don’t mean much until the final game of the season.
“The only time it really matters is after the last game of the season,” he said. “But it’s good to be recognized. We’ve played a tough schedule. I feel good about our record considering the competition. But right now I feel even better about how we’re playing. That’s the main thing for me.”
As for other teams in the area, in Class 6A, the Buford girls are third while the Habersham Central girls are ranked tenth.
In Class 4A, Region 8-4A is well-represented. For the girls, Jefferson is No. 2 Class 4A, North Oconee is ninth, and Chestatee has moved into 10th spot. For the boys, Jefferson is sixth and North Oconee is ninth.
In Class 2A, Region 8-2A is showing its power early. On the girls side, Elbert County ranked No. 1 while Rabun County is fourth. The Rabun County boys are ninth.
