Girls basketball preview: Area teams ready to make a push in 2023-24

BANKS COUNTY LADY LEOPARDS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Steven Shedd, 8th season
-- REGION: 8-2A
-- 2022-23 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 28-4, 8-2A Region champs, Class 2A state runner-up
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Kamryn Grier (Emmanuel College Signee), Madison Adams
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. G Addison Hoard (5-7 G, 2023-2024 2nd Team Preseason All State, 11 ppg, 4 apg, 4 rpg, 4 spg), Sr. C Carley Segars (6-1, 2023-2024 Preseason State 7 ppg, 7 rpg, 1 bpg), Jr. G Ryleigh Murphy (5-8, 2023-2024 3rd Team Preseason All State, 9 ppg, 3 spg, 2 rpg), Jr. F Reese Murphy (5-9, 7 ppg, 5 rpg, 1 bpg, 2 spg
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. G Valentina Torres (3 ppg, 1 rpg, 1 spg), Emmie Chitwood, Maggie Irvin, Maddie Hicks, Ella Kate Shedd, Marleigh Dale
-- STRENGTHS: Grier was a huge part of the offense last season but the Lady Leopards should still have plenty of inside-outside balance and the experience of having made a run to the championship game. They’ll be able to score in a variety of ways in transition, on the perimeter, and inside. Look for them to use their defense to create transition baskets. 
-- QUESTIONS: How quickly can the offense find an identity without Grier in the middle after two outstanding seasons? Also, not letting complacency set in. Staying healthy had been an issue over the years but changes in training last season helped them stay relatively injury-free, helping them make their postseason run. They have talent a every position to make another deep run  
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: Shedd said staying focused and avoiding complacency may be an early challenge but don’t look for their expectations to change much after last season’s success. After losing in the state title game last year, Shedd said this group, which has the bulk of that core still in place, is hungry to get back to Macon.
-- FAVORITES TO WIN REGION: The Lady Leopards should be the preseason favorite to win the region again, especially with the amount of experience they can put on the court. Also, several teams in the region may be in the early rebuild stages.

BUFORD LADY WOLVES
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Gene Durden, 19th year (482-82 at Buford, 915-226 overall)
-- REGION: 8-7A
-- 2022-23 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 27-5, Region 8-7A Champions, Final Four
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. W Betty Nguyen (8.3 ppg, 3.1 apg  32% 3-pt FG%), Sr.W Alyssa Green (5.1 ppg, 3 rpg), Sr. PG Ava Grace Watson 8-7A Region Player of the Year, Class 7A All State, Ohio State commit, 24.1 ppg, 6 rpg, 5.2 apg 44% 3-pt FG%), So. W Lydia Ledford (10.2 ppg, 5 rpg, 3.3 apg), Jr. P Izzy Rettiger
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. P Candance Jenkinson, Sr. W Mia Luckey, Jr. Kaylen Brown, Jr. Audrey Adams, Jr. Cybele Forbes, So. Ava Jones, So. Haley Kilgore, Fr. E’miah Fields
-- STRENGTHS: Under Durden, expect the Lady Wolves to stay true to form. They have an experienced core, led by Watson, and are battle-tested in the highest classification after a Final 4 run last year. They will still employ their up-tempo pressing defense from the full court to the half court. They can run on offense and play half-court when necessary.
-- QUESTIONS: Size was an issue at times last season and if there is a weakness, they could be challenged by taller teams once again.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: As Durden always reminds us, “the players may change, but the expectations will stay the same,” he said. Their style should lend itself to challenge for the region title and make another postseason run. But a challenging schedule awaits, as always with Durden, featuring state powers Holy Innocents, Wesleyan, River Ridge, and Carver-Columbus.

CHEROKEE BLUFF LADY BEARS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Kassie Scott, 1st season
-- REGION: 8-4A
-- 2022-23 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 15-10
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Mia Williams
-- RETURNING STARTERS: So. G Claire Carlson (13.2 ppg, 46.1% FG, 26.6% 3-pt, 3.8 apg, 110 deflections, 83 steals, 25 blocks), Sr. G Emma Reynolds (10.4 ppg, 41.5% FG, 5.7 rpg), Sr. G Kaitlin Cook (5.1 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.8 apg, 57 steals), Sr. G Carson Demars (4.0 ppg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: So. Audrey Graham, So. Mac Warren, Fr. Bristol Kersh
-- STRENGTHS: The Lady Bears have a strong backcourt led by Carlson, who was perhaps the top freshman in the area last season. Cook and Demars give them loads of experience. They have 7 returning from last year and Coach Scott, who was the assistant the past three seasons, says the early chemistry has been solid. Look for them to emphasize a pressure defense and an up-tempo style on offense.
-- QUESTIONS: Consistency, which was an issue at times last year, will be the early question. Can they get consistent play for long stretches in a tough region?
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: They have not made the playoffs since 2019 and were upset in the region tournament last year. They have a solid nucleus, led by the dynamic Carlson, to make a bid for a playoff spot this year. Peaking at tournament time will be a huge factor. Despite a solid record in 2022-23, they should be able to improve the number of wins.
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: Scott did not say who she thought were the favorites said of any given night, anyone can win in what should be a tough region once again.

CHESTATEE LADY WAR EAGLES
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Sutton Shirley, 6th season
-- REGION: 8-4A
-- 2022-23 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 23-8, Region 8-4A champions, Elite 8
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Brenna Williams, Cheyenne Ewing
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Jr. Addison Boyd (8 ppg, 3 apg), Jr. Caroline Bull (12 ppg, 3 rpg), Sr. Sierra Yarbrough (3 rpg), Jr. Payton Cable (6 ppg, 5 rpg), Sr. Riley Black (24 ppg, 11 rpg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: So. Blakely Boyd (2 ppg, 3 rpg)
-- STRENGTHS: The Lady War Eagles return their top six minute-getters from last season. They have plenty of experience in a tough region, plus they have Black, who is one of the more dynamic players in North Georgia.
-- QUESTIONS: Finding some depth behind the top six players will be crucial. They will be line from the 7th to 10th players so any real run at another region title may depend on how quickly they can develop that depth on the second level.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: Shirley expects to compete with everyone on the schedule and they will play in three tough tournaments -- the Jefferson Thanksgiving tournament, a tournament in Orlando, and Lanierland -- before jumping into region play. He is hoping the early-season challenges will get his group ready to defend their region title.  
-- FAVORITES TO WIN REGION: The Lady War Eagles should be right in the middle for a region title but North Oconee, Cherokee Bluff, and Walnut Grove all are expected to challenge for playoff spots and the title as well.

DAWSON COUNTY LADY TIGERS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Will Anglin, 2nd season
-- REGION: 7-3A
-- 2022-23 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 16-15, Elite 8
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Kirklyn Porter, Emmagrace McCarron
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. P Morgan Chester (8.5 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 1.2 bpg), Sr. G Abby Slaton (10.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2 apg), Jr. P Eva Bishop (7.8vppg, 8.7 rpg, led the team in double-doubles last season), Sr. G Kindra Coker (4.5 ppg, 4.2 apg, 42% 3-pt)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. G Anna Ayers, So. G Maddie Suita, So. C Ava Roberson, Sr. C Heather Burt, Sr. C Jaci Wilson
-- STRENGTHS: The Lady Tigers will have plenty of depth and size and look for Coker, their best 3-point shooter last season, to get plenty of opportunities as defenses try to slow down their inside game.
-- QUESTIONS: Turnovers last year were a problem. Can they protect the ball better this season? 
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Tigers are coming off their best playoff run since 2019 and should be an early favorite, along with Wesleyan, for the region title. If they can stay healthy and find more outside shooting, they could be poised for another deep run in the playoffs.

EAST FORSYTH LADY BRONCOS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Reed Tipton, 1st season
-- REGION: Region 84A
-- 2022-23 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 17-14 record, Region runner-up, Sweet 16
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Ella Holbrook (15.6 ppg), Adeline Rosebush (10.6 ppg)
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. G Nora Swafford (7 ppg, 4 rpg, 4 apg, 2 spg), Jr. G Ayla Heard (10 ppg, 4 rpg, 4 apg, 2 spg), Jr. G Hailey Hiddema (9.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Jr. G Addison Rouse, Jr. G/F Caroline Castleberry, Sr. G Kendal Parks, Sr. F Abby Smilnak, Fr. C Hollyn Hicks (6-2)
-- STRENGTHS: The Lady Broncos return several experienced players from their Sweet 16 team. Expect them to play fast in Tipton’s up-tempo style. They also should be solid on the defensive end, trying to turn teams over and create transition baskets. Tipton said the Fr. Hicks could become a focal point of the offense as she acclimates to varsity play.
-- QUESTIONS: Who will step up on the offensive end with the loss of their top two scorers from last season will probably determine just how far they can go in 2023-24.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: Tipton said the expectations will continue to be high, despite the key losses and he and his group getting to know each other in game situations. He is looking to compete for a region title for a third straight season.
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: “This year is no different than last year. There are several talented teams, players and coaches in this 11-team region. When you are in a tough region like this, the champion will be decided by whoever the hottest team is in February. I expect us to be in contention for the region title at the end of the year,” Tipton said.

EAST HAL LADY VIKINGS
-- REGION: 8-4A
-- 2022-23 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 11-19
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Maleah Harrison
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Kaylana Curry (11 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 3.4 apg, 2.3 spg), Amari Burce (7.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.1 spg),
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Terriah Watkins
-- STRENGTHS: The Lady Vikings should have plenty of depth in the post with Watkins, Dayana Banks, who is coming back from knee injury last year, and freshmen Mayliah Butler to provide a presence inside.
-- QUESTIONS: With just a handful of players back with varsity experience, they will be inexperienced at spots.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Vikings will be young and how quickly they come together as a group may decide their overall playoff fate. But look for them to get better as the season progresses and don't be surprised if they are in the playoff hunt by season's end.

FLOWERY BRANCH LADY FALCONS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Courtney Newton, 9th season
-- REGION: 8-5A
-- 2022-23 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 16-13, 1st round playoffs
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: G Bella Brick
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. G/F Amyia Scott (11.2 ppg, 7 rpg), Jr. Jess Tamplin, G/F (6.1 ppg, 4.8 rpg), Sr. F Deniya Randolph (3.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg), Sr. PG Kaitlin Cangiolosi (3.7 ppg, 4 rpg, 3.5 spg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. G Jayla Gudz (12.5 ppg before hurting her knee), Sr. G/F Mackenzie White
-- STRENGTHS: The Lady Falcons should have one of the better backcourts in the area with Scott, Cangiolosi, and the return of Gudz from injury. They should be able to use that to create opportunities and employ the pressure defense that Coach Newton likes to play.
-- QUESTIONS: The Lady Falcons will be young underneath in the post and will need to have someone step up on both the offensive and defensive ends.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: With 9 seniors on the roster, they should have enough experience to draw from play to create the up-tempo style Newton likes to use on both ends of the court. If they can stay away from injuries and develop an inside presence, they should be able to challenge for a playoff spot once again in a tough region.
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: Loganville may be the early favorite but look for Jefferson, and maybe the Lady Falcons, to challenge for the title and a home playoff spot. Eastside and Heritage-Conyers also should be in the mix as well.

HABERSHAM CENTRAL LADY RAIDERS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Bill Bradley, 7th season
-- REGION: 8-6A
-- 2022-23 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 19-9, Region 8-6A runner-up, Sweet 16
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Jazky Bantaum, Gabby Santiago, McKenzie Chitwood, Sataria Cantrell
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. PG Kyia Barrett (15 ppg, 7 rpg, 4.2 apg, 2.2 spg)
-- STRENGTHS: Barrett, who will be a 4-year starter, is one of the top guards in the region and will give them some stability on the offensive end.
-- QUESTIONS: Everything else. The Lady Raiders lost a ton of experience and production from last year’s playoff team and will be looking to find complementary players around Barrett. How quickly the new roster gels and how quickly they younger players get acclimated to the speed of varsity play will determine their fate this season.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: Bradley is looking for daily and weekly improvement from what will be a very young and inexperienced roster. If they can continue to develop, they could make a run at keeping their playoff streak, currently at four straight seasons, going.
-- FAVORITES TO WIN REGION: Bradley said North Forsyth, last year’s region champs, should be considered the favorites once again.

JACKSON COUNTY LADY PANTHERS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Christi Thomas, 4th season 
-- REGION: 8-6A
-- 2022-23 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 6-19
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: PG Hanna Mahoney
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. F Chandler Blake (3.6 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 1.1 spg), Sr. G Anna Maxey (5.3 ppg, 1.3 apg, 4.1 rpg, 1.3 spg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: So. Macey McCutcheon (4.9 ppg, 1.2 rpg)
-- STRENGTHS: The Lady Panthers, now in their 4th year in Coach Thomas’s system, should be strong defensively with plenty of returning experience.
-- QUESTIONS: The PG position could be an early concern as they try to find the right mix to run the offense.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK:  The Lady Panthers seniors are Coach Thomas’s first full cycle of seniors and should be ready to help them compete for a playoff spot, if they can stay healthy.
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: Coach Thomas said North Forsyth should be the early favorite in what should be a very competitive region to make the playoffs.

JEFFERSON LADY DRAGONS
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Greg Brown, 6th season 
-- REGION: 8-5A
--2022-2023 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 10-18, Region 8-5A champion, 1st round playoffs
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: None
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Jr. Emeri Billings (7.5 ppg), Jr. Anni Aldridge (6.0 ppg), Jr. Delaney Dewitt (7.2 ppg), Jr. Skyler Brady (10.2 ppg), Jr. Eve Knight (8.2 ppg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Jr. Audrey Johnson, So. Reagan Hays, Jr. Abbie Kinlaw, Fr. Michel Robbins
-- STRENGTHS: Despite having no seniors on the roster, the Lady Dragons return their entire starting lineup from a team that upset regular season 8-5A champion Loganville in the region finals last season. Coach Brown says, “we may be as deep as we’ve been since I’ve been the head coach.”  The Lady Dragons will have speed in the backcourt and plenty of athleticism. They should be able to go 10 deep on the depth chart with little drop-off.
-- QUESTIONS: They will need some leadership to develop with a young group and they do not have a lot of size. They also will play a very challenging schedule once again.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: Despite the youth overall, Brown said the “expectations are always high” and he expects them to be in the conversation in winning a region title and making a run in the state playoffs. Look for them to also improve on a 10-win campaign.
-- FAVORITES TO WIN REGION: Brown said Loganville is the early favorite as the Lady Red Devils also return the majority of their team. But look for the Lady Dragons to be in the mix by season’s end.

JOHNSON LADY KNIGHTS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Jared Hodge, 6th season
-- REGION: Region 8-4A
-- 2022-2023 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 1-22 
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: PG Alana Young
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. G Destiny Ramirez (5 ppg, 2 spg), Sr. G Ana Garcia (3 ppg), Sr. P Marijane See (2.4 ppg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: So. G/P Emily Hernandez
-- STRENGTHS: The Lady Knights should be better on the offensive end this year than the past couple of seasons.
-- QUESTIONS: However, finding consistency on the offensive end will be the main focus early in the season. They will have to rely on Ramirez, Garcia, and See, and if that trio can find some chemistry they should be improved.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: With just four returning players from last year, having the newcomers get acclimated quickly to the speed of the varsity game will be essential. Hodges said they had a solid offseason with several of the younger players getting used to their roles. 
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: “Our region is possibly one of the deepest in the state. I think the region still runs through Chestatee. They return the best player in our region in Riley Black and have a great supporting cast around her and are an elite defensive team. I don’t know if the region is as deep this year as it was last year but North Oconee and Cherokee Bluff are going to be really tough on both ends of the floor and Walnut Grove can score with just about anyone. The wild cards will be North Hall and East Forsyth, who will have the talent to compete with anyone,” Hodges said.

LAKEVIEW ACADEMY LADY LIONS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Ken Huffman, 1st season
-- REGION: GIAA AAAA/AAA District 4
-- 2022-23 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 17-11, Region champs, GIAA 3A Final 4
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Sidney Corbin
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Jr. G Dynesty Putman (13.8  ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.8 apg), Jr. P Taliah Gaither (16.1 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 2.3 bpg), Sr. P Kivana Bogne 7.1 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.3 spg, 4 bpg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. Ashlyn Henderson (returning from ACL injury), So. G Emyrie Combs
-- STRENGTHS: The Lady Lions will have an explosive guard tandem with Putman and Combs while utilizing their height in Gaither and Henderson, both 6-2, who can affect things on the defensive end. The Lions will be able to put pressure on teams with their defense and look for them to push the ball offensively.
-- QUESTIONS: Coach Huffman was the Lady Lions assistant last year so how quickly the staff and players come together in a slightly different system could take some time. Building team chemistry will be a priority. 
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Lions should once again be competitive in the GIAA and in their non-region schedule, which features several GHSA teams, including Lanierland. Another run to the GIAA Final 4 is not out of reach.
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: Huffman said their region “is wide open” but the Lady Lions should be the preseason favorite to repeat as champions.

LANIER CHRISTIAN LADY LIGHTNING
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Rhonda Whelchel, 3rd season
-- REGION: GAPPS 1-2A 
-- 2022-23 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 13-15, Sugar Hill tournament champs, 1st round playoffs
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Jr. F Ellie Roberts (11 ppg, 8 rpg), Fr. G Adelyn Gough (10 ppg, 7 rpg), 
-- KEY PLAYERS: Elliana Clark, Meav Fouts, Sr. Moriah Clark, transfer Jr. Emma Flowers, transfer Sr. Jia Thapar
-- STRENGTHS: Quickness may be the biggest key for the Lady Lightning and they’ll have plenty in the backcourt.
-- QUESTIONS: With several new faces, how quickly can all the new build chemistry on the court as they try to get back a winning season.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: Look for the Lady Lightning to be competitive throughout. If the team chemistry comes together, and they avoid injuries, they should not only contend for a playoff spot, but they could be able to put a deep playoff run together as well.
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: The region could be up for grabs this season.

NORTH FORSYTH LADY RAIDERS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Brad Kudlas, 5th season (96-19 record)
-- REGION: 8-6A
-- 2022-23 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Record: 22-7, Region 8-6A regular season and tournament champions (6th consecutive year), Sweet 16
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Erin Whalen (6A All-State, Valdosta State), Meredith Franklin, Kamryn Gardner
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Jr. G/F London Weaver (13.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.4 apg, 2.1 spg, 1.1 bpg, 39.5% 3-pt FG), So. G/F Gabbie Gliatta (5.0 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.3 spg), Sr. F/C Lindsey Pirkle (8.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 1.1 spg, 1.5 bpg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. G Josie Cheatham (2.6 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 1.1 apg), Sr. G Addison Peck (3.4 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 40% 3-pt FG), Jr. G Emma Rose (3.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.3 apg)
-- STRENGTHS: The Lady Raiders have a deep, veteran group who are accustomed to the style and pace that Kudlas wants to emphasize. They have excellent guards who can dish the ball and shoot. The Lady Raiders will look to push the pace offensively and continue their tradition of pressure defense. Pirkle will anchor the paint on defense.
-- QUESTIONS: Early chemistry as they look for the right combinations after the losses of Whalen, Franklin, and Gardner. Who will step up into the leadership roles is a key for Kudlas as they try to claim a seventh-straight region title.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: Coming off losses in the Sweet 16 the past two years, Kudlas said the Lady Raiders “are hungry for more.” They have a veteran group that has logged multiple years at the varsity level. They should be primed to compete for a region championship and make a deep run in the state tournament.
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: Kudlas said he thinks the early preseason favorites will be his Lady Raiders and Gainesville.

NORTH HALL LADY TROJANS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Eric Herrick, 2nd season
-- REGION: 8-4A
-- 2022-23 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 21-9, 1st round playoffs
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Kristina Peach, Amelia Shoemaker, Rylee Thompson, Lexi Jarrard
-- RETURNING STARTERS: G Athena Vachtsevanos (12 ppg, 5 rpg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Braelyn McCall (3 ppg 3 rpg), Sr. Carly Bowen (3 ppg, 2 spg)
-- STRENGTHS: The Lady Trojans will have a good mix of shooters and defenders. Their up-tempo style should allow them to be able to put pressure on defenses.
-- QUESTIONS: Depth will be an issue. They lost a ton of production to graduation and only return a few players who saw substantial varsity minutes last season.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: Herrick is hoping his group can improve throughout the season and be able to challenge for a playoff spot again this season after taking the No. 3 seed in a tough region last year.
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: Herrick said he is expecting Chestatee and Walnut Grove to be the early favorites to win the region title.

RABUN COUNTY LADY WILDCATS
COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: DeeDee Dillard, 18th SEASON
-- REGION: 8-A Division 1
-- 2022-23 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 24-4, Region runner-up, Sweet 16
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: SG Trea Blalock, SF Mary Lovell
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. PG Lucy Hood (17.3 ppg, 5.4 apg, 3.5 spg), Sr. SG Ellie Southards (16.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.5 apg), Sr. G Mili Watts (7.2 ppg, 3.8 spg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Jr. SG Jacie McCall, Jr. SF Chloe Erlewine, Sr. C Isia Wilmont
-- STRENGTHS: The Lady Wildcats return a wealth of experienced leadership with their senior class, including Southers, who could be one of the premier players in Class A D1. Coach Dillard also has 9 freshmen and sophomores on the roster that could begin developing this season.
-- QUESTIONS: The youth also means they have several players who have little to no varsity experience but will see significant playing time this season. How quickly they get ready and begin to mesh with the upperclassmen could impact their success, particularly early in the season. Blalock was the Lady Wildcats top shooter and finding a consistent 3-point threat will be a priority.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: They were upset in the 2nd round last season after advancing to the 2A title game the year before. The Lady Wildcats will once again play a challenging non-region schedule before beginning play in a tough region. Building consistency will be a big key but look for them to make another run in the playoffs, especially if Southards has a huge season.
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: “Athens Christian returns their entire roster and has added some depth with additional players. I would say they are probably the early favorites. However, the rest of the region all have excellent coaches and players so I think it's going to come down to who is playing and executing well by February,” Dillard said.

TOWNS COUNTY LADY INDIANS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Shea Taylor, 3rd season
-- REGION: 8-A Div 2
-- 2022-23 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Record 21-9, Region runner-up, Elite 8 round
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Last year's leading scorer Sarah Shook (G, 13.4 ppg, 5 rpg, 3 apg), Tabitha Barnes (G, 6.2 ppg, 3 rpg)
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. PG Brelan Sieveking (13 ppg, 4 apg, 2.8 spg), Sr. F Laura Mauldin (4.6 ppg, 6.8 rpg 1.6 spg), Sr. F Emma Lallement (4.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.3 spg)
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Jr. PF Kaleigh Beaver, (8.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 1.5 spg), Jr. G Ansleigh Hardin (3.0 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 1 asp) So. G Scotlyn Fain (4.0 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.0 spg)
-- STRENGTHS: The Lady Indians have tons of experience returning from a quarterfinal team. They have a solid mix of upperclassmen and underclassmen, led by Sieveking, Mauldin, and Lallement. They should have one of the better backcourts in the region and plenty of speed to put pressure on defenses. 
-- QUESTIONS: With a lot of youth, they will need to have several of them step up into their roles, especially during region play. Staying injury-free also will be a big key.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Indians had their most wins since winning 26 in the 2012-13 campaign. They should once again challenge for a region title, though Lake Oconee Academy, the 2021 state champion and state runner-up last season, is still in the region. A run to the quarterfinals and beyond is certainly within reach with the youth and talent they have.
-- FAVORITES TO WIN REGION: Lake Oconee has to be the preseason favorite based on the last two seasons but Towns County should be in the conversation as a team that could knock off the Lady Titans.

WEST HALL LADY SPARTANS
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Jacob Selman, 2nd season
-- REGION: 7-3A
-- 2022-23 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 3-23, ended a 49-game losing streak, competed in Lanierland Tournament for the first time in 4 years
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Jamia Maddox, Lisa Ososkalo
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Jr. Cayla Radich (2.9 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 1.0 apg), So. Yatsar Matos (3.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.1 spg), Jr. Kihanna Rich (2.7 rpg), So. Summer Orlick (6.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.0 spg)
-- STRENGTHS: They are still a work-in-progress but could be even more improved by region tournament time. Their guard play and shooting ability should be improved this season.
-- QUESTIONS: Maddox and Ososkalo ate up a lot of minutes and finding players to fill those slots may decide how quickly the rebuild can continue. They are young and will need several of the younger players to step up into their roles.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Spartans won more games last season than the previous two campaigns combined (1). They have a young nucleus and Coach Selman felt they have made strides during the off season
-- FAVORITES TO WIN REGION: Selman said he expects Wesleyan and Dawson County to be the early favorites for the region title.

WHITE COUNTY
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Zuquinnta Moss, 1st season
-- REGION: 7-3A
-- 2022-23 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 19-10, 1st round playoffs
-- KEY PLAYER LOSSES: Naomi Roberts, Claire Beckman, Maci Shelnut, Chandler Weaver
-- RETURNING STARTERS: Zoe Burkett, Aaliyah Anderson, Emma Lightsey, Mya Yeh, Kylie Watkins
-- RETURNING PLAYERS: Aubery Free 
-- STRENGTHS: All five of the returning starters rotated in and out of the starting lineup last season and have played together.
-- QUESTIONS: Coach Moss has been the assistant but taking over the program for the first time will come with some growing pains. The Lady Warriors also are having to replace the bulk of their production from last season. How quickly they come together will hold the key to the season.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Warriors should be able to be competitive in a tough region. Some early success in non-region play and a quick start in region play could go a long way toward building confidence and challenging for a playoff spot.
-- FAVORITE(S) TO WIN REGION: It will be a competitive region. But Coach Moss says do not count out her Lady Warriors: “We have a shot to win the region if we do what we need to do.”