It looks like the same group of contenders that will be leading the race for the Class AAAAA boys basketball championships this season. Here’s a look at five of the top boys teams in the classification.
Buford: The Wolves were eliminated in the second round by Miller Grove last season but return powerful Marcus Watson, one of the state's best players, and guard Donnell Nixon, who does a lot of things. Buford will also benefit from the addition of Eric Coleman Jr., a 6-6 forward who transferred from King's Ridge Christian. And the Wolves still have Eddie Martin, one of the best coaches in the state.
Southwest DeKalb: The Panthers were good last year, but are expected to go to the next level with the addition of Miller Grove transfers Maurice Harvey, last year's Region 5 Player of the Year, and Terrence Edwards. They join all-state pick KD Johnson, a junior guard who is getting national looks. SWD also stocked the roster with Jalon Pittman, a 6-6 transfer from Keystone Prep (Fla.), Mohamad Diallo, a 6-8 post who transferred from Arabia Mountain, and Dajon Dancil, who transferred from Clarkston.
Lithonia: The Bulldogs return most of the team that was ranked No. 4 in the final poll last season. Lithonia plays some of the best defense in the state, a trait needed to survive in Region 5. Wallace Corker's club has beaten Miller Grove and lost by two to Southwest DeKalb. Should be another fun season for that league. Eric Gaines, a junior guard, is averaging 19.7 points, shooting 66 percent from the field and leads DeKalb County with 5.0 steals.
Statesboro: You can count on coach Lee Hill to produce an elite program each season and this year is no exception. The Blue Devils have averaged 21 wins over the last six seasons and are off to an 8-1 start. Guards Zario Griffin and Jaylon Hicks, a pair of senior guards, spark the offense in the Boro.
Jonesboro: The only significant change is the addition of Jonesboro to Class AAAAA. The Cardinals have been a perennial power in Class AAAAAA and were able to drop a level because of attendance changes at the school. Coach Dan Maehlman's team plays a difficult schedule, so don't be tricked by their 4-4 start. Dakota Lafrew, a 6-3 guard, and Brice Martin, a 6-6 transfer from Mt. Zion, are the top names.
Tournaments
Jones County will host the State Bank and Trust Company Holiday Classic. The eight-team boys tournament begins on Thursday and concludes on Saturday. First-round games are John Milledge vs. Ware County, Northside vs. Griffin, Central vs. Twiggs County, and East Laurens vs. Jones County.
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