Some players rise to the occasion only in good times, but this week’s Coach’s Corner Players of the Week stepped up when it mattered most for their teams.
DJ Hills | Islands High School
Senior | Point Guard
Islands High School senior DJ Hills delivered one of his best performances of the season in a game the Sharks badly needed to win.
Hills scored 19 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and added three steals in Friday night's region win over Calvary on January 23, 2026. This was a single-game performance that came when the Islands were missing two starters and their sixth man, leaving the team with a short rotation.
Despite the challenges, Hills took control of the game from the point guard spot. He ran the offense, kept his teammates calm, and led with confidence and toughness stated Islands' head coach Jacob Inness
“DJ ran the show from the point and demonstrated the heart, leadership, and toughness to pull off such a big upset with so many guys missing,” Inness said. “He deserves this recognition for everything he has brought to our team this season.”
In a tough situation, Hills showed what it means to lead.
Gaby Kenard | The Habersham School
Sophomore | Forward
Sophomore Gaby Kenard continues to be everywhere for The Habersham School, impacting both ends of the floor.
Kenard stood out in three varsity basketball games last week. Against Faith Christian Academy on Friday, January 23, she scored 22 points, grabbed 19 rebounds, and recorded 3 steals. The night before, against Deerfield Academy, she tallied 21 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks. She started the week with 29 points and four blocks against Heritage Christian Academy on Tuesday, January 20.
Kenard never stops moving. She crashes the boards, creates chances to score, and serves as the anchor in Habersham’s 2-3 zone. Even more, her vocal leadership guides teammates who are still mastering the game, according to Habersham head coach Ashley Norman, and she praised Kenard’s maturity.
“Gaby hustles hard, creates shot opportunities, and chases rebounds on both ends,” Norman said. “She leads the way with her voice and keeps her head up in tough moments — and she does all of this as a 15-year-old sophomore.”
Kenard’s effort, toughness, and leadership stand out every night.
Nominate a Player Here
Know a boys’ or girls’ basketball player who deserves recognition? Nominate them for Coach’s Corner Player of the Week by filling out the form here: https://forms.gle/rVASh6RTyZRL3o779.
Thank You to Coach’s Corner
Prep Sports Report thanks Coach’s Corner for being the proud sponsor of Coach’s Corner Player of the Week and for supporting Prep Sports Report since day one. Your commitment helps shine a spotlight on the student-athletes who lead, compete, and represent their schools the right way.
Past Winners - Click on the link below to find out why they received the award.
Johnson’s James, Beach’s Reid Lead Coach’s Corner Players of the Week
Coach’s Corner Players of the Week: Bradwell’s Thomas, Bryan County’s Mikell Answer the Call
Coach’s Corner Players of the Week: Groves’ Wright, St. Andrew’s Glover Take Over
Coach’s Corner Boys Basketball: Calvary Day’s Brown, Jenkins, and Massey Set the Tone
Chapman (South Effingham), Mincey (Bryan County) Score Coach’s Corner Girls Basketball Honors
Coach’s Corner Boys Player of the Week: Michael Hall Answers the Bell for South Effingham
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Photo Credit: Courtesy lensbyshaunce_, 28suspence, and The Habersham School Athletics Instagram page
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