The 2026-27 school ball season officially gets underway today in the state of Georgia and what better way to bring it in than with a glance at the who’s who in Middle Georgia. Here are a few prospects we feel will have big time seasons.

First Team

Jalen Whitley brings 16 points, 2 steals, and 2 assists per game with him to Southwest-Macon from Westside-Macon and looks to keep the Patriots a formidable squad in the Peach State. Southwest finished the past two seasons as state runner-up may take a small step back, but the Patriots will not fall off the cliff with Whitley at the helm. Jarvis Williams of Central-Macon is widely viewed as the best three-point shooter in the area, but has expanded his game and added bulk to his physique which may catapult his productivity to another level. The 6-foot-1 sharpshooter set a single season school record to the tune of 96 made trifectas two years ago and picked up an offer from Morris College this past offseason, so we expect his progression to continue to trend upward. Zaiden Nelson makes the move to Peach County after spending his freshman season at Hebron Christian where he was an all-state performer. He threw in 13 points, 3 steals, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds and will more than likely up those numbers across the board in 2026-27.  Nelson will have important eyes on him as the star-studded Trojans maneuver through a national schedule. Six-foot-eight Rowan Woodrich, last year’s Hypesouth Middle Georgia Defensive Player of the Year, has quietly been one of the more consistent players in the mid-state over the past couple seasons and his development jumps off the screen. We look for more of the same from the Georgia College commit as he provides veteran leadership for a loaded Peach County team. Alex Butts (10.1 ppg, 4rpg, 2apg) became a household name during the Patriots postseason run last year. He made timely baskets in clutch situations and gained a level of confidence that carried over into the offseason. The 6-foot-5 wing caught the attention of several collegiate programs over the summer and has big expectations as he steps into the main role for his senior campaign.

Second Team

Josiah Ingram (18.3 ppg) has won three straight region player of the year awards and is one of Middle Georgia’s best kept secrets. The small town floor general is relatively unknown around the state, but make no mistake about it he is legit. Jaylen Nelson will finally see more minutes after years of being stuck in a backcourt logjam at Putnam. He had a productive offseason on the travel ball and camp scene which resulted in an offer from Tennessee Wesleyan University and an on campus visit to Fort Valley State. We have Nelson on our breakout watchlist heading into the season. Jeremy Banks (10.5 ppg, 4 rpg, 1.5 spg) is another talented guard for the War Eagles that will see more scoring opportunities with the graduation of some high volume shooters. The smooth shooting lefty can fill it up from beyond the arc once he gets going. Six-foot-four Tyler Harris is a tweener forward who is effective on the inside and on the perimeter offensively. He’s showed flashes of being a high-level two-way player and is looking to become more consistent on both ends this year. Huntingdon College has offered but that list could grow as the season progresses. Peach County freshman Josh Sanders is hands down the most talented player in Middle Georgia and maybe in Georgia’s 2030 class, but has yet to play an official GHSA game. There isn’t any doubt the nationally ranked 6-foot-9 phenom will burst onto the high school scene in a major way and cement his status. Auburn and Georgia Tech have already extended official offers.

Third Team

Tre Embry, our 2025-26 Freshman of the Year enters year two poised to build off a successful first year campaign. The south-paw lead guard scores and facilitates beyond his years and will make a case as one of the top point guards in state before it’s all said and done. Skyler Snead made strides towards the end of last season and should be in prime position to breakout even more this year. Staying healthy is going to be key for Karon Plummer. Whenever the 6-foot-5 point guard is on the floor he displays next level potential. If Plummer figures out a way to stay on the court, buckle up because he has a high major ceiling. Shaheem Barbosa probably won’t get many headlines at Peach County but he’s an efficient producer that will make his presence felt. He possesses positional size and skillset that oozes Division-1. Edmund Dantes played his way onto some radars this past spring. His high motor, relentless effort, and sneaky athleticism will put him in position for a successful 2026-27 season.

Mr. Middle Georgia Preseason Watchlist

NOTE: The Mr. 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.