The second half of our girls basketball preview shifts from the GHSA gyms to the independent-school courts across Savannah. In the GIAA and GAPPS ranks, several teams are starting fresh with new coaches, young rosters, and high hopes. Memorial Day brings back one of the area’s top young scorers, St. Andrew’s looks to build a stronger foundation under new leadership, and The Habersham School begins a new chapter with a very young group that’s eager to grow.
Just like the GHSA schools, these programs are pursuing their own goals—some seeking deep playoff runs, others focusing on steady improvement. Here’s a look at where each team stands as the season begins.
Here’s a region-by-region look at what to expect across the GIAA and GAPPS teams in 2025–26.
GIAA
Memorial Day School
Head coach: Emon Grayson
Years at school: Five
Region: GIAA A Region 6
Last year’s record: 13–9 (Elite Eight)
Key returnees: Johnkeira Miles, Fr., 5-7, 16 ppg.
Newcomers: Raliyah Rivers, Jr., 6-2.
Outlook: “This season is shaping up to be a great one. We have the right pieces in place.” - Emon Grayson.
MEMORIAL DAY — Girls Basketball Schedule, 2025–26
11/4 vs. The Habersham School – W 75–3
11/6 at Bible Baptist Christian – W 70–11
11/10 vs. Bible Baptist Christian – W 60–10
11/13 at Groves – W 42–31
11/18 vs. Savannah Athletic Association – 6 p.m.
11/20 at Coastal HomeSchool – 6 p.m.
11/22 vs. Brunswick – 2 p.m.
12/2 vs. Savannah Christian – 4:30 p.m.
12/5 vs. Coastal HomeSchool – 6 p.m.
12/9 at The Habersham School – 5:30 p.m.
12/18 at Savannah Christian – 6 p.m.
1/10 at Beach – 2 p.m.
1/13 at Savannah Athletic Association – 6 p.m.
1/20 vs. Robert Toombs Christian Academy – 6 p.m.
1/27 at Citizens Christian Academy – 6 p.m.
1/30 at Robert Toombs Christian Academy – 6 p.m.
2/6 vs. Citizens Christian Academy – 6 p.m.
St. Andrew’s School
Head coach: Daniel Jackson
Years at school: First
Region: GIAA AAAA/AAA District 2
Last year’s record: 6–18
Key returnees: Valerie Ward, So., G; Maren Wrieden, Sr., G/F; Coco Carnahan, Sr., F; Gracie Dare, Jr., G; Avery Nein, Jr., G.
Newcomers: Janiyah Johnson, So., F; PJ Benson, Jr., G; Aubri Rutledge, Fr., G.
Outlook: “The staff is committed to developing players, fostering a culture of accountability, and elevating competitiveness in every contest will serve as a cornerstone of the Lady Lions’ approach this season. With a focus on maximizing the potential of returning players and cultivating leadership on and off the court, the Lady Lions are poised to show marked improvement, push deeper into league standings, and make meaningful strides toward playoff contention.” – Daniel Jackson.
ST. ANDREW’S GIRLS BASKETBALL — 2025–26 SCHEDULE
11/18 vs. South Effingham – 5:15 p.m.
11/20 vs. St. Vincent’s – 6 p.m.
11/21 vs. Bradwell Institute – 6 p.m.
11/25 @ May River – 6:30 p.m.
12/2 @ Hilton Head Island – 6 p.m.
12/3 @ Southeast Bulloch – 6:15 p.m.
12/9 @ South Effingham – 5:30 p.m.
12/10 vs. Southeast Bulloch – 6:15 p.m.
12/12 vs. Hilton Head Prep – 6:15 p.m.
12/19 vs. Episcopal School of Jacksonville – 2 p.m.
12/20 vs. Effingham County – 11 a.m.
12/27 vs. TBA (Carolina Invitational) – TBA
12/29 vs. TBA (Carolina Invitational) – TBA
12/30 vs. TBA (Carolina Invitational) – TBA
1/7 vs. John Paul II – 7:15 p.m.
1/9 @ Pinewood Christian – 6 p.m.
1/10 @ Woodville-Tompkins – 12:30 p.m.
1/13 vs. Frederica Academy – 6 p.m.
1/16 @ Westminster Schools of Augusta – 6 p.m.
1/20 vs. Bulloch Academy – 6 p.m.
1/22 @ John Paul II – 6 p.m.
1/27 vs. Westminster Schools of Augusta – 6 p.m.
1/30 vs. Pinewood Christian – 6 p.m.
1/31 @ Bradwell Institute – 6 p.m.
2/3 @ Frederica Academy – 6 p.m.
2/6 @ Bulloch Academy – 6 p.m.
GAPPS
The Habersham School
Head Coach: Ashley Norman
Years as head coach: First
Region: GAPPS 1-A Region 4
Last year’s record: 11-10
Key returnees: Gaby Kenard, So. Forward, 5’10; Eliza Reeves, So. Guard, 5’3; Holland Hogan, Fr. Guard, 5’6.
Newcomers: Lola Wacker, Eighth, Guard, 5’4; Lucy Sandquist, Eighth, Forward, 5’9; Clara Sandquist, Eighth, Guard, 5’9; Lauren Beaumont, Jr., Guard, 5’3.
Outlook: ”We have a young team composed of several who have never played a real game of basketball before, but I believe we have a lot of potential. This team will leave a legacy in the years to come through hard work, a competitive spirit, and a positive team culture. I expect us to be strong defensively, and to develop more confidence on the offensive end through the course of the season.” - Ashley Norman.
THE HABERSHAM SCHOOL — GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL SCHEDULE, 2025–26
10/28 vs. Faith Christian Academy – W 35–22
10/31 vs. Varsity Opponent – W 33–25
11/4 @ Memorial Day – L 75–3
11/11 @ Woodville-Tompkins – (No score reported)
11/14 vs. Savannah Christian – (No score reported)
12/2 @ Islands – 4:30 p.m.
12/3 @ Savannah Christian – 6 p.m.
12/5 vs. Faith Baptist Christian Academy – 5 p.m.
12/8 vs. New Hampstead – 5 p.m.
12/9 vs. Memorial Day – 5:30 p.m.
12/12 vs. Savannah Athletic Association – 6 p.m.
12/18 vs. Trinity Christian – 5 p.m.
1/6 vs. Cross – 5:30 p.m.
1/8 @ David Emanuel Academy – 5:30 p.m.
1/13 vs. Heritage Christian Academy – 5:30 p.m.
1/15 vs. New Hampstead – 5 p.m.
1/20 @ Heritage Christian Academy – 5 p.m.
1/22 vs. David Emanuel Academy – 5:30 p.m.
1/23 @ Faith Christian Academy – 5:30 p.m.
1/27 @ Trinity Christian – 5:30 p.m.
With the private-school season tipping off, the road ahead is wide open. Some teams have star players returning, others are rebuilding with youth, and all of them are working to establish their identity. No matter the level—GHSA, GIAA, or GAPPS—the excitement is the same across Savannah. The energy is high, the goals are set, and every game gives these teams a chance to write their story.
Part 2 wraps up our girls' basketball previews, but the season is just getting started. Stay tuned for more coverage as the action continues all winter long.
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Photo Credit: Courtsey Memorial Day School girls basketball program
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