As the 2025-26 season enters the stretch run we break down five hoopers who have earned the right to be recognized as this year’s Hypesouth Mr. Middle Georgia Basketball, the highest individual accolade in the midstate area.

Caron Howard, Southwest-Macon, Senior

Howard, the reigning Mr. Middle Georgia Basketball has made a strong case all season to defend the award with his stellar play. This season, the 5-foot-10 point guard joined the 1000-point club, is currently averaging 20.7 points per game, and was crowned Region 2 A-D1 Offensive Player of the Year.

Chase Dupree, Southwest-Macon, Senior

Dupree is the head of the snake for the Patriots and is the overall top scorer in Middle Georgia averaging 27 points per contest. The 6-foot-3 senior recently eclipsed 2000 points, was voted Region 2 A-D1 Player of the Year, and has Southwest-Macon in prime position to make a run at the class A-D1 state title.

Jmari Greene, Putnam, Senior

Greene has been a model of consistency over a four year span. He was recently named Region 4 A-D1 Player of the Year for the second consecutive season, currently leads the War Eagles in scoring with an average of 19.9 points per game, and has Putnam in the thick of the single-A state championship race.

Karez Demory, Baldwin, Senior

The Southern University signee put the Braves on his back this season. He earned Co-Region Player of the Year honors in Region 4 3A while leading his squad across the board in points (17.5), rebounds (7.9), assists (2.8), steals (2.6), and blocks (0.7) per game. Baldwin is currently in the Elite 8 and considered a strong title contender in the triple-A classification.

Malik Gillespie, Houston County, Senior

Morehead State signee Malik Gillespie is arguably the top overall prospect in Middle Georgia and has backed it up with production. As of today, March 2, 2026, Gillespie leads all Hoco players in points (16.9), rebounds (5.3), assists (4), and steals (1.9) per game. The 2025-26 Region2 5A Player of the Year has put the state on alert and has the Bears firmly in the AAAAA state title mix.