2021 GHSA Boys Basketball Season Preview

It is once again basketball season in the state of Georgia. Teams have been practicing for a month, and the earliest date for a game set by the GHSA is rapidly approaching on Nov. 20. This week previews the 2021 season for each of the 2020 state champions in boys varsity basketball. Next week will preview the girls. Will any classification have a repeat champion?

7A Boys 2020 Champion: Wheeler

The Wildcats will have a unique challenge this season as they seek to defend their title in a new classification. For the 2021 season, they will be competing in a smaller class: 6A. However, they’ll have some help. After transferring from Pebblebrook to Wheeler, Kaleb Washington could play a key role at wing.

6A Boys 2020 Champion: Chattahoochee

The 6A state champion has arguably the top available guard in Georgia with A.J. White. They will have some competition this season in their quest for another state championship, as last year’s 7A champion Wheeler is now in 6A as well.

5A Boys 2020 Champion: Dutchtown

The Bulldogs have an interesting trio of young gun sophomores that consists of Coen Carr, Jeremiah Edwards, and Davarri Barthell. Each player could contribute in their own way for Dutchtown this season.

4A Boys 2020 Champion: Woodward

Fresh off the program’s first ever state championship, the War Eagles will look to talented seniors Logan Stephens and Belmont University signee Will Richard to help elevate Woodward Academy to back-to-back titles.

3A Boys 2020 Champion: Pace Academy

Matthew Cleveland will be piloting this Pace Academy squad in the 2021 season. The Florida State University signee is one of the top forwards in the state of Georgia and one of the best nationally. He will get some help from other talented players in point guard Madison Durr and utility man Cole Middleton.

2A Boys 2020 Champion: Swainsboro

With senior Frederick Seabrough leading the way, Swainsboro will have plenty of time to game plan for another state championship. The Tigers will not play their first game until Dec. 4 when they take on Tattnall County. From there, it is nonstop competition to the title.

1A Public Boys 2020 Champion: Hancock Central

Ranked No. 1 in the preseason, the Bulldogs are the early favorite to repeat. They will have last year’s state championship game hero and First Team player in Jamal Taylor back for his senior season. While they may play in the smallest classification, Hancock Central is a team to notice.

1A Private Boys 2020 Champion: St. Francis

St. Francis wing Jusuan Holt is a creative scorer and lockdown defender. The University of Alabama signee and talented two-way player will look to help his squad snag a third-straight state championship this season.

Written by: Reagan Cofield