Preseason Teams to Watch: The Hometown Heroes
Preseason Teams to Watch: The Hometown Heroes The smaller the school, the bigger the impact student-athletes make on their community. Here are some teams to watch from the lower classifications that have a chance to piece together memorable seasons. Stephens…
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Continue ReadingPreseason Teams to Watch: The Hometown Heroes
The smaller the school, the bigger the impact student-athletes make on their community. Here are some teams to watch from the lower classifications that have a chance to piece together memorable seasons.
Stephens County
Notable Players
2021: #94
Ranajah Verdell
Ranajah
Verdell
5'11" | PF
Stephens County | 2021
State
GA
, Tynajiah Eades, Kiarra Howard, Bre Taylor, Lindsay Moore
With everyone back from last year’s 21-win team, their best mark since 2006-07, Stephens County will be a force in an ever-competitive Class 3A. 5-foot-11 Ranajah “Root” Verdell has become a trending prospect among non-D-I schools. She provides length, versatility and most importantly, productivity as a stretchy four. KiKi Howard is an athletic guard committed to Piedmont while Nana Eades has received an offer as well and is one of the team’s top scorers. Bre Taylor is back from a knee injury and Lindsay Moore, an Agnes Scott-commit, is a floor spacer from beyond the arc.
Coahulla Creek
Notable Players
2021: #121
Katelyn Richards
Katelyn
Richards
6'0" | C
Coahulla Creek | 2021
State
GA
, #123
Kenley Woods
Kenley
Woods
5'6" | PG
Coahulla Creek | 2021
State
GA
, Ema Turner
Shorter-commit Katelyn Richards Katelyn Richards 6'0" | C Coahulla Creek | 2021 State GA is a bulldozer inside that averaged a double-double a season ago. Her physicality and back-to-the-basket presence pose countless issues inside for opponents. Kenley Woods Kenley Woods 5'6" | PG Coahulla Creek | 2021 State GA is one of the best passers in Georgia, regardless of classification. She drops in dimes to teammates and helps the Colts get out and run in the open floor. The third head of the Coahulla Creek offense is Ema Turner. She’s a gritty guard that can burn teams when left open from deep. The Colts are in a tough region, but they have the nucleus needed to take a deep playoff run.
Early County
Notable Players
2021: #5
Makayla Timpson
Makayla
Timpson
6'3" | PF
Early County | 2021
State
#56
Nation
GA
2022: #61
Jordan Eafford
Jordan
Eafford
5'8" | CG
Early County | 2022
State
GA
At 6-foot-3 and headed to Florida State, Makayla Timpson Makayla Timpson 6'3" | PF Early County | 2021 State #56 Nation GA is likely the best player in school history down in Blakely. She’s a consistent triple-double threat with her efficient scoring inside, rebounding and tenacious shot blocking. Timpson is nearly unstoppable, especially at the 2A level. Her touch around the basket is supreme. Joining her is well-rounded guard Jordan Eafford Jordan Eafford 5'8" | CG Early County | 2022 State GA . She stuffs the stat sheet with her rebounding, passing and defensive instincts. Eafford is a solid scorer and should be on D-II radars for now.
Fannin County
Notable Players
2022: #43
Becca Ledford
Becca
Ledford
5'6" | PG
Fannin County | 2022
State
GA
2024: Courtney Davis
Becca Ledford Becca Ledford 5'6" | PG Fannin County | 2022 State GA stepped up big time down the stretch last season and now she returns as the primary option for Coach Ryan Chastain. Ledford is a sharp athlete that can handle the ball and slash to the basket. She gets after it defensively and can pressure ball handlers. Natalie Thomas is a lethal three-point shooter and Abby Ledford is experienced in the backcourt. Look for freshman Courtney Davis to earn minutes right away. She’s undersized at 5-foot-2, but has a great feel for the game and can score in a variety of ways.
Lumpkin County
Notable Players
2021: #66
Isabel Davenport
Isabel
Davenport
5'8" | PG
Lumpkin County | 2021
State
GA
2023: #36
Kate Jackson
Kate
Jackson
5'11" | PF
Lumpkin County | 2023
State
GA
, #57
Lexi Pierce
Lexi
Pierce
5'6" | PG
Lumpkin County | 2023
State
GA
2024: Averie Jones
A torn ACL to double-double machine Kate Jackson Kate Jackson 5'11" | PF Lumpkin County | 2023 State GA in the Summer hurts Lumpkin County’s chances at a state title run, but the Indians still have a great core and will likely focus more heavily on their experienced backcourt. North Georgia-commit Isabel Davenport Isabel Davenport 5'8" | PG Lumpkin County | 2021 State GA is one of the best guards north of Atlanta. She plays with a fearless style and has deep range off the dribble. Sophomore Lexi Pierce Lexi Pierce 5'6" | PG Lumpkin County | 2023 State GA brings a pitbull mentality on defense and does the little things needed to win. Freshman Averie Jones will be a massive shot in the arm. She scores at all three levels and has great hands on defense. She should see huge minutes from Day 1 and will likely lead Lumpkin in scoring on occasions.