Georgia High School Basketball 22-23 Almanac

Georgia has long been considered one of the richest basketball states in the country…. Since 2017, Georgia has produced 25 guys who have donned a NBA jersey from the likes Jaylen Brown, Collin Sexton, Issac Okoro, Wendell Carter Jr to former #1 draft pick Anthony Edwards. Atlanta has consistently kept talent all over the state from Atlanta, to Savannah, to Macon, to Albany the state has been blessed. This year doesn’t seem to be different after losing stars Kaanan Caryle, Jaden Williams, and Bryson Tiller to Overtime Elite the GHSA basketball will continue to show how good basketball in the state will be. Led two of the top players in the country Stephon Castle (Newton) and Isaiah Collier (Wheeler) along with Arrinten Page (Wheeler), Brandon Reichsteiner (Etowah), Jakai Newton (Newton), Ace Bailey (McEachern), and Caleb Wilson (Holy Innocents). This should be an exciting year in the Peach State. This preview was created as a labor of love to all fans of Georgia High School basketball, where we might not always get it right, but we will try to be as objective and fair as possible…

5 Storylines to Watch

1. Who Going Back To Back?

Norcross lost two important pieces to the championship puzzle with London Johnson opting for the G-League and Jerry Deng headed to prep school. But don’t feel sorry for Norcross as they are returning Mier Panoam, Samarion Bond, but they will welcome Bilal Abdur -Rahman, and UGA commit Lamariyon Jordan. Look for Jesse McMillian to make another run in a loaded 7A. The safe bet to repeat will be Darren Douglas and the Grovetown Warriors, led by Winthrop commit Frankquon Sherman, Georgia State commit Vashon Ferguson, Derrion Reid, and Markel Freeman. Omar Forts looks to keep Tri-Cities in the championship tilt, losing Simeon Cottle will hurt, but they bring back Kory Mincy, and adding Lady of Mercy’s guard Malique Johnson, and ultra-athletic wing Dayton Richardson, makes the Bulldogs a team to watch in 5A. Led by senior standout Tycen McDaniels look for Spencer to be back in the thick of state championship hunt. Cross Creek returns 6’7 Antoine Lorick, and Dontrel Smith but welcomes in De’Kel Hobbs, Isan Anthony, and Quavon Henry. Look for the Razorbacks to make a another run in the wide open 3A class. Westside-Augusta returns their top leading scorers in Khalon Hudson and Jalexs Ewing and will look to keep it going in 2A this year, being an odds-on favor to repeat. Greenforrest always finds a with and with Gai Chol, and DK Manyiel this should continue to make them a back-to-back state champion. Drew Charter lost guard Jakobe Strozier, Cam Johnson, and Bryant Triplett off a team that won the championship in 1A Public, the Eagles will look to rebuild around Kenyatta Bennett.

2. Who’s Your Mr. Basketball?

After a phenomenal high school career which saw it end with being named Mr. Basketball in Georgia Bruce Thornton has taken his talents to Ohio State to become a Buckeye. Thornton’s graduation makes us ponder who is next in line to be honored with the award. In the last 5 years, every winner has either been on an NBA roster or G-League roster. Five players to keep any eye on as the race for Mr. Basketball heats up, Stephon Castle (Newton), Isaiah Collier (Wheeler), Ace Bailey (McEachern), Arrinten Page (Wheeler), Peyton Marshall (Kell).

3. Class Changes?

Every three years the classes in Georgia causing region shifts and teams going from one class to another, check out a few moves that may affect the landscape of GHSA basketball this year. Wheeler (7A), Westlake (7A) Osborne (7A), Buford (7A), Tift County (6A), Riverwood (6A), South Cobb (6A), St. Pius (6A) Langston Hughes (6A) Etowah (6A), North Forsyth (6A), Alpharetta (6A), Statesboro (5A), Dutchtown (5A), Tucker (5A), Mays (5A), Kell (5A), Griffin (4A), Lagrange (4A), Starr’s Mill (4A), Trinity Christian (4A), Lovett (4A), Pace Academy (4A)Stockbridge (4A), Holy Innocents (4A), Southwest Dekalb (4A), Cherokee Bluff (4A), East Forsyth (4A), Seckinger (4A) Carver Columbus (3A), Columbus (3A), Dougherty (3A), Thomasville (3A), Wesleyan (3A) Drew Charter (2A)

4. The shot clock is here!

After a year of using the shot clock on trial basis and on select region games, GHSA will use the 35 second shot clock for the 2022-2023 season going forth. Georgia has become the ninth state in the country to implement the shot clock for high school basketball.

5. The Overtime Effect!

Overtime Elite (OTE) has a direct effect on Georgia basketball since its existence, players such as talented Bryson Tiller, Kanaan Carlyle, Jayden Williams, Jahki Howard, Kok Yat and TJ Clark have taken thei rtalents to the new thriving league. With Overtime eligibility rules change and staying close to home will more kids take the plunge Stay tuned...

Best Of The Best (Top 25 Regardless Of Class)

1. Wheeler

2. Newton

3. Grovetown

4. Grayson

5. McEachern

6. Norcross

7. Kell

8. Pebblebrook

9. Pace Academy

10. Sandy Creek

11. Greenforest Christian

12. Sandy Creek

13. Alexander

14. Tri-Cities

15. Eagles Landing

16. Buford

17. Lanier

18. Mount Vernon

19. Jonesboro

20. Berkmar

21. Osborne

22. Spencer

23. Langston Hughes

24. Kings Ridge

25. St. Pius

Other Teams To Watch:

Blessed Trinity, Chapel Hill, Cherokee, Cross Creek, Marist, Holy Innocents, Parkview, Trinity Christian, Tucker, Westside-Augusta

Class Rankings

1. Wheeler 6. Pebblebrook

2. Newton 7. Buford

3. Grayson 8. Berkmar