Top 15 Georgia High School Boys Basketball Teams Across All Classifications
Preseason
The 2026-2027 GHSA boys basketball season will tip off in November, with the first games permitted beginning Nov. 6.
ITG Next is here to give you a sneak peek at the teams we think could make a run this season.
As we saw last season, teams can dominate throughout the regular season, but playing your best basketball at the end is what matters most.
Gainesville Looks to Build on 30-1 Season
Gainesville dominated throughout last season, winning its first 30 games before falling to Woodward Academy 62-61 in the Class 5A state semifinals.
Can head coach Charlemagne Gibbons’ team make another run this season?
Wheeler Opens at No. 1 After Back-to-Back State Championships
Wheeler is our top team to start the season, but it’s not necessarily because of the returning talent. The Wildcats lost several major contributors from last season’s Class 6A state championship squad, including Colben Landrew, who is now at UConn, and Jaron Saulsberry, who is now at Ole Miss.
One major advantage for the defending Class 6A state champions, who move to Class 7A this season, is head coach Larry Thompson.
He’ll miss several playmakers from last year’s championship team, but point guard Kevin Savage returns as the floor leader, along with junior guard Shamar Madden, who gives the Wildcats size on the perimeter.
Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy Could Be a Team to Watch
One team to watch could be Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy, according to Kyle Sandy, who covers Georgia high school boys and girls basketball through his website, Sandy’s Spiel.
“ELCA will be a team to watch this season,” Sandy said. “They have the best starting five in the state with multiple nationally ranked guys.”
The Chargers’ talented group includes junior forward Peter Julius, senior guard AJ Williams, and senior forward Jamil Robinson.
Sandy added that he expects the usual powerhouse programs to once again be in the hunt at the end.
“I expect Wheeler, Grayson, and McEachern to contend for the 7A state title,” Sandy said.
Grayson Returns Talented Core Led by Austin Leonard
Speaking of Grayson, head coach Geoffrey Pierce’s Rams return a group of elite talent this season, starting with sophomore guard Austin Leonard.
At 6-foot-5, Leonard will command plenty of attention from opponents this season as he attacks the basket with a level of physicality few high school sophomores display. He was a MaxPreps Freshman All-America first-team selection last season.
He’ll be surrounded by plenty of support, too, with the return of senior guard MJ Curry, junior Elijah Tillman, senior Byron Lee, and sophomore Jacorri Thompson.
McEachern Brings Back Chase Lumpkin, Alvin Pettway Jr.
All eyes will be on McEachern once again as the Indians return two of the most exciting players in the state in sophomore forward Alvin Pettway Jr. and senior guard Chase Lumpkin from last season’s Class 6A semifinal team.
Senior guard Zachary Graves also returns for his final high school season with the Indians.
Here is a look at ITG Next’s 2026-2027 Georgia high school boys basketball preseason top 15 rankings:
- Wheeler (7A)
- Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy (2A, Private)
- McEachern (7A)
- Grayson (7A)
- Alexander (6A)
- Woodward Academy (6A)
- Sandy Creek (4A)
- St. Pius X (5A)
- Holy Innocents’ (3A, Private)
- Tri-Cities (6A)
- Clinch County (1A)
- Milton (6A)
- Buford (7A)
- Cross Creek (3A)
- Pebblebrook (7A)
