The 2026-27 school ball season is upon us and each year we examine a few prospects prior to the season who we feel will have highly productive seasons. Let’s take a look at this year’s projections.

First Team

Shamuari Martin, the reigning Miss Basketball in Middle Georgia is back to defend her crown. The back-to-back state champ is also looking to lead Wilcox to the first three-peat in school history. Washington County’s Jade Kitchens, last year’s Region 2 A-D1 Offensive Player of the Year, is one of the top returning bucket getters in the mid-state area and is aiming to finish her high school career with a bang. Trinitee Thomas returns after missing a large portion of last season due to injury. The Warner Robins senior has been one of the more recognized players in the region throughout her high school career holding offers from programs like Houston, Mercer, and Florida Atlantic and we believe she’ll pick up where she left off. Ava Jenkins is arguably the most talented player locally. She also missed all of last season as a result of transfer ruling, but anticipation is sky high for the Division-I prospect as she had a monster travel ball season earning official offers from FAMU and Mercer University. Alabama A&M commit Suri Clark has accomplished just about everything to this point in her prep career. The Baldwin senior has won a state championship, multiple region championships, and been named region player of the year and we fully expect her to add to that résumé.

Second Team

Domonique Billue is probably the best raw talent in the local area. Last season, she set the single game scoring record at Westside-Macon high school with a 49-point performance versus Rutland. Consistency will be key, but all indications point towards another record setting season for the junior standout.  JaMyree Simmons of Central-Macon is a sniper from beyond the arc and has the potential to be a two-way star. The Bibb County Player of the Year was a first team all-region perfomer a year ago and we wouldn’t be surprised to see her continue to trend upward. Desirae Dumas continues to ascend as a player and in noteriety. The Jones County wing recently picked up offers from Flagler and the University of Fort Lauderdale. With an expanded role on the horizon we believe she’s in line for a monster junior campaign. Dodge County product Paige Ingram is probably the top do-it-all, utility player in Middle Georgia. She threw in 23 points per game last season en route to being named Region 2 A-D1 Offensive Player of the Year and was often tasked with guarding the opposition’s best player on a nightly basis. Veterans freshman forward Kennedi Harris undoubtedly has the highest ceiling of any prospect on the list. The 6-foot-3 forward is already recognized at the national level and has offers from schools like Auburn, Georgia Tech, and Louisville among others. Entering her first year of high school hoops we have no doubt she’ll make an immediate impact and quickly rise to the top player in the area, state, and nation.

Third Team

Jules Gotell has made the move to Lamar County and brings a big buzz with her. The skilled lead guard can score in bunches and is projected to lead the way for the Lady Trojans. Putnam County senior guard Journey Waller has been a model of consistency through the years and this season will be no different. After a productive offseason, we have Caylin Mathis on breakout alert. She possesses the athleticism and positional size to be a force this year and beyond. Garyunna Mitchell was a key piece to East Laurens’ state championship puzzle last season and will have more responsibilities this season, so look for her production to skyrocket across the board. Six-foot-four De’Nadia Dunn made strides in the right direction last season but is still a wild card prospect heading into year three. She could easily put her name into some important conversations by season’s end if it all comes together. Stash this name in your notepads for future reference.

Miss Middle Georgia Preseason Watchlist

NOTE: The Miss Middle Georgia watchlist is in no particular order and the first, second, and third teams are not player rankings. They are solely projections based on intel and outlook from our staff of evaluators.