We’re halfway through the 2024-25 basketball season in the state of Georgia and teams are starting to position themselves for region and postseason seedings. So, today we dive into news and notes from the first half of the season.
GHSA A-DI #1 Putnam
(15-0 overall)
Putnam is hitting on all cylinders going into the second half of the season. The big-3 trio of Jmari Greene, Tamaud Woodson, and Jeremy Banks seemingly have the Eagles beelining towards a march trip to the Macon Coliseum.
Greene is averaging a team high 17.7 points, grabbing 2.7 rebounds, handing out 2.1 assists, and collecting 2.9 steals. Woodson contributes 10.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 2.5 steals while Banks adds 10.2 points a game.
GHSA A-DI #2 Southwest-Macon
(13-1 overall)
Head Coach Monquencio Hardnett continues to make progress towards restoring tradition at Southwest-Macon. He has the Patriots buzzing again and in a good position to make a state title run.
The Patriots are led by a three-headed monster in the backcourt. Chase Dupree, Caron Howard, and Brandon Ashley are arguably the top guard threesome in the single-A DI Public classification. Dupree leads the way with averages of 21.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.8 steals. Floor general Caron Howard is adding 14 points, 3.3 rebounds, and a team leading 4.7 assists. Two-way combo guard Brandon Ashley is snatching a team high 2.5 steals, pulling down 3.4 rebounds, and throwing in 13.6 points per game.
But the contribution from the glue pieces is what makes Southwest a legit contender to win it all. Rinaldo Callaway and Kyle Jefferson both stand at 6-foot-5 and embrace their roles as enforcers in the paint on both ends. Neiko Iverson, Tae Ragland, and Tyshaun Brantley are also key pieces to the puzzle.
GHSA A-DI #5 East Laurens
(7-2 overall)
University of Illinois-Chicago signee Rashund Washington Jr. is a mid-year region player of the year candidate averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.6 steals per contest. Tylan Snead compliments him turning in 15.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.8 steals a night.
Right now, the Falcons are in the middle of the pack but don’t be surprised to see them climb the ladder as the season progresses. If they can manage to secure home court advantage going into postseason play, watch out.
GHSA A-DI #7 Dublin
(11-1 overall)
Dublin has put the state on notice with its hot start. The Fighting Irish have key region battles coming that will paint a clearer picture of who’s who when the dust settles.
A balanced attack has been the recipe for success. AJ Johnson (13.7ppg, 3.4rpg), Tristian Bell (12.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 5,8apg), Matravious Linder (11.8ppg, 3rpg), Jahkeem Marion (10.2ppg, 5.3rpg), and Javion Harris (8.3ppg, 4.2rpg) are main components in the positive results.
GHSA 3A #9 Baldwin
(7-4 overall)
Classification realignment, moving into a new region, and tough scheduling has tested coach Ben Smith’s squad early. Nonetheless, the Braves are still one of the top squads in the mid-state despite a few initial bumps in the road. Expect Baldwin to have something to say in the 3A classification come late February, early March.
Hypesouth Mr. Middle Georgia Basketball candidate Karez Demory (18.3ppg, 4.9rpg, 2.4apg, 1.8spg), Deven Nelson (16.3ppg, 5.4rpg, 2.6apg, 1.3spg), and Trakeon Downing (7.8ppg, 3.5rpg) are names to know.
6-foot-9 junior Amos Bouie-Tumer (2.3ppg, 4.3rpg, 1bpg) is the wildcard prospect on the roster. If he can carve out his niche it could be an important factor in whether or not Baldwin gets over the hump.
5A Unranked Houston County
(12-4 overall)
Despite not getting much recognition statewide, Houston County deserves some respect. The Bears put together a competitive schedule and have taken care of business to this point.
Malik Gillespie (15.1ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.3apg, 1.4spg) has offers from Georgia State and Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Voorhees University commit Kam Plummer averages 12.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, & 3.2 assists and Josh Jackson throws in 11.3 points a game.
Freshman Karon Plummer (5.3ppg, 2.2rpg) and 6-foot-8 big-man Braylin Mills (5.3ppg, 3.9rpg) are also key contributors.
4A Unranked Warner Robins
(7-4 overall)
Two things remain constant with the Demons, they’re always well coached and super competitive. Simply put, you can never count Warner Robins out.
North Florida signee Gabe Jacobs (16ppg, 4rpg, 3spg) is the head of the snake, Trey Bradley has been impressive averaging 14 points & 5 rebounds, and DJ Strickland puts up 13 points per game.
2A Unranked Crisp County
(11-3 overall)
Don’t look now, but the Cougars are surging. Zak Dwight is posting a double-double with 18.1 points and 11.9 rebounds, Jaylon Cooper provides 13 points, 2.7 assists, & 2.8 steals, Caden Lofton comes up with 6.4 points & 8.2 rebounds, and Courtney Oliver scores 9.3 points per game.
It might be safe to say Crisp County is slowly removing the darkhorse label from its name.
2A Unranked Westside-Macon
(5-6 overall)
The Seminoles have all the tools to contend in 2A if they can put it all together. Joshua Harden (18.9ppg, 8.9rpg, 2.4apg, 3.5spg), Christian Little (16.4ppg, 4.2rpg,1.8apg), and Jatavion Zellner (8.8ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.9apg, 1.3spg) lead coach Josh Grube’s attack.
Jalen Whitley’s (5.4ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.5apg, 1.2spg) and Cam Rembert’s (3.5ppg, 1.5rpg) productivity are also worth noting.