Karez Demory is a silent assassin whose killer instinct kicks in once the ball goes up. The talented lead guard is ultra-skilled and one of the more highly decorated prospects around the state heading into the season. Expect Demory to be the lead dog for a hungry Baldwin squad. Chase Dupree made waves last school ball season and carried that momentum over to the travel ball scene. Several reputable outlets throughout Georgia have identified the Southwest-Macon junior as an early candidate for region and classification player of the year for the 2024-25 season.

Right now, Houston County 2026 guard Malik Gillespie is the most sought after player in the mid-state. He holds offers from Arkansas Pine-Bluff and Georgia State and has interest from a handful of other Division-I programs. All things point towards this kid having a statistical breakout this year. Gabe Jacobs catapulted his way into first team territory with one of the most productive July Live sessions we’ve seen. The Warner Robins senior went from not being recruited to a Division-I prospect within the snap of a finger. He showed flashes last season with a 50-point outburst that included a school record 14 made three pointers, but the North Florida commit has seemingly put it all together going into his final campaign.

Crisp County forward Zakariyya Dwight rounds out the first team. The 6-foot-6 high-riser is hands down the best defender on the list. He uses his supreme athleticism to erase shots, clean the glass, and entertain fans with above the rim finishes.

1st Team
  • Karez Demory, Baldwin, Junior

Preseason Mr. Middle Georgia Watchlist

  • Chase Dupree, Southwest-Macon, Junior

Preseason Mr. Middle Georgia Watchlist

  • Malik Gillespie, Houston County, Junior

Preseason Mr. Middle Georgia Watchlist

  • Gabe Jacobs, Warner Robins, Senior

Preseason Mr. Middle Georgia Watchlist

  • Zakariyya Dwight, Crisp County, Senior

Preseason Mr. Middle Georgia Watchlist

Kam Plummer has been a model of consistency since entering high school. The Voorhees University commit is a seasoned veteran and it shows every time he steps on the court. Cam Cherry is severely underrated statewide, but don’t be surprised to see his name start to buzz soon. He was an all-state performer a year ago and we expect him to build on that this season and beyond.

Brandon Ashley is teetering around the 1000-point mark and will likely surpass it this year. Look for the Southwest-Macon sharpshooter to once again be a key piece to the Patriots puzzle. Westside-Macon wing Joshua Harden is a wildcard prospect that has all the tools to be the best player in the area. His up & down play has him preseason second team, but postseason first team honors are well within his reach.

Georgia State football commit Brayden Ellison led Taylor County in scoring in 2023-24 averaging 16.2 points per game. His basketball prowess coupled with football physicality will allow him to continue to wreak havoc in the GHSA A-D2 classification.

2nd Team
  • Kam Plummer, Houston County, Senior
  • Cam Cherry, Peach County, Junior
  • Brandon Ashley, Southwest-Macon, Senior
  • Joshua Harden, Westside-Macon, Senior
  • Brayden Ellison, Taylor County, Senior

Keadon Knight is a tough-nosed kid that has earned everything. His hardwork, production, and attention to detail warrants preseason recognition. Trey Bradley is one of the more intriguing players on our list. He has next level talent and is super competitive. He makes his way back to Warner Robins after spending a year at a non member GHSA school, so it is unclear how he’ll be utilized. However, if he’s able to carve out a significant role we could see him higher up the list by the end of the season.

Deven Nelson is the sparkplug that makes Baldwin go. He does all the dirty work defensively and can get a bucket when needed. Nelson’s projected to have an expanded offensive role for the Braves, so we envision him being the top two-way player in the area. Christian Little has worked his way onto collegiate radars. The 6-foot-4 senior was offered by NCAA Division-II affiliate Edward Waters and NJCAA member South Georgia Tech this week. He turned in 10.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists last year and is the glue-piece that could help Westside-Macon make some serious noise in Georgia’s AA classification this season.

6-foot-8 Amos Bouie-Tumer is now firmly in the fold at Baldwin after spending a year ineligible due to transfer rules. He is a rim protector, superior rebounder, and a physical dink-and-dunk offensive weapon. Coming off a Final 4 appearance, Bouie-Tumer could be just what the Braves need to get over the hump.

3rd Team
  • Keadon Knight, Rutland, Senior
  • Trey Bradley, Warner Robins, Senior
  • Deven Nelson, Baldwin, Junior
  • Christian Little, Westside-Macon, Senior
  • Amos Bouie-Tumer, Baldwin, Junior
Hypesouth Freshman Watchlist
  • Kam Thomas, Perry

Thomas can score in bunches once he gets going. We’re not certain the workload he’ll command, but playing varsity minutes in year one isn’t out of the question.

  • Karon Plummer, Houston County

At 6-foot-3 with a polished repertoire, Plummer looks varsity ready and could see valuable minutes right out the gate.

  • Jarvis Williams, Central-Macon

Central-Macon is in need of an outside threat and Williams fits the description, so don’t be surprised to see him get substantial floor time early and often.

  • Braylen Perry, Mary Persons

Perry has the skillset and physique to step in and make an immediate impact at the high school level.

  • Tomaris Haynes, Baldwin

Haynes joins an experienced backcourt group at Baldwin and will likely see minimal varsity time, but his high basketball-IQ will allow him to make his presence felt whenever the opportunity presents itself.

  • Aiden Watts, Washington County

Watts was thrown into the fire during June school ball workouts and his productivity turned heads. Early indications point towards him playing solid minutes off the rip.