The high school girls basketball season in the Savannah Area has tipped off, with new regions and league play just around the corner. Here's a glance at the key returning players, facts about each team's upcoming season, and their schedules for the 2023-24 season. Below are the details!
GHSA CLASS 6A REGION 1
Richmond Hill High School Wildcats
Head Coach: Sarah Jones
Coach's Years: 11th
2023-24 Record (Overall/Region): 17-12/2-6
Key Players Returning: Jada Brown, Sr., 5'9, Guard/Post; Mmekom Inyang, Sr., 5'8, Post; Ariyana Canady, Sr., 5'7, Guard; Cullen McCormick, Jr., 6'2, Post; Emari Brown, Jr., 5'9, Guard
Key Players Lost: MaKiyah Matthews, Point Guard/Shooting Guard; Lexanna Oge, Guard/Post
Fast Facts: Richmond Hill will focus on filling the gaps left by key senior starters while relying on experienced returners. New starters will look to step up this season as the team works on discipline, defense, and avoiding foul trouble to make a strong region run.
GHSA CLASS 5A REGION 1
Bradwell Institute Tigers
Bradwell Institute Tigers
Head Coach: Faye Baker
Coach's Years: 29
2023-24 Record (Overall/Region): 23-6/7-3
Key Players Returning: Parris Parham, 5'9, Sr., F; TaTyana Anderson, 5'7 Sr., G; Jordyn Rogers, 5'7 Sr. G ; Ja'Nya Bush, 5'9, Jr., G; Janiyah Blevins, 5'5 Soph., G; Jamia Ousley, 5'8 Jr., G Kaydence Kern, 5'10 Jr., F
Fast Facts: We lost four key players to season-ending injuries last year, but all of those players are back for this year. The strength of our team is the depth that was established because of the valuable experience our younger players gained.
Effingham County High School Rebels
Head Coach: Danetia Jefferson Howard
Coach's Years: 2nd
2023-24 Record (Overall/Region): 5-19/1-11
Key Players Returning: Kyjana Jordan, Sr., 5'6, Guard; Abigail Jones, Sr., 5'5, Guard
Fast Facts: With only one senior last year, this year's team features mostly returners and a few new players. They've established a culture of unity and fundamental basketball, aiming to restore the program's success by teaching game comprehension and teamwork.
South Effingham High School Mustangs
Head Coach: Alexus Parker
Coach's Years: 4th
2023-24 Record (Overall/Region): 9-20/5-7
Key Players Returning: Hayden Johanson, Jr., 5'10, Guard; Kailyn Chapman, So., 5'6, Point Guard; Alayiah Lewis, So., 5'7, Guard; Kaylan Hamilton, Fr., 5'6, Point Guard; Savannah France, Fr., 5'8, Forward
Key Players Lost: Elean Hairston, Point Guard
Fast Facts: The Mustangs are a young and dynamic team that focuses on development. They emphasize a fast-paced style of play, and returning leadership mentors the younger players.
GHSA CLASS 4A REGION 1
New Hampstead Phoenix
Head Coach: Trey Lanier
Coach's Years: 4th
2023-24 Record (Overall/Region): 14-10/4-4
Key Players Returning: Gianna Brown, Sr, 5 "10, Center; Promise Cooper, Sr., 5'5, Guard
Fast Facts: The focus is securing a playoff spot and developing players. New Hampstead emphasizes hard work over raw talent, fostering competitive play against tough teams.
GHSA CLASS 3A REGION 3
A.E. Beach High School Bulldogs
Head Coach: Olufemi Gordon
Coach's Years: 11th
2023-24 Record (Overall/Region): 13-16/6-10
Key Players Returning: Mariah Reid, So., 5"7, Guard; Heaven Walker, Sr., Center; Rakeria Green, Jr.. 5'2, Point Guard
Fast Facts: With a mix of new players and depth from the freshmen class, the team is working on building chemistry and navigating limited veteran leadership.
Calvary Day School Cavaliers
Head Coach: Daniel Jackson
Coach's Years: 2nd
2023-24 Record (Overall/Region): 21-6/14-2
Key Players Returning: Destini Gooddine, Sr., 5'4, Guard; Zora Geiger, Sr., 5'10, Forward; Bre Jones, Sr., 5'6, Guard
Fast Facts: With four returning starters, Calvary Day aims to improve rebounding and maintain high standards for ball-handlers.
Robert W. Groves Rebels
Head Coach: Amber Chambers
Coach's Years: 4th
2023-24 Record (Overall/Region): 1-24/0-16
Key Players Returning: Tamiya Washington, Jr., Point Guard; KenNya Savage, Sr., Post Player; Aniyah Wright, Jr., Shooting Guard
Fast Facts: Strengths include improved guard play and quickness. The team is young and focused on developing chemistry and consistency.
Islands High School Sharks
Head Coach: John Cutter
Coach's Years: 1st
2023-24 Record (Overall/Region): 0-17/0-8
Key Players Returning: Brooklyn Howells, Sr., Forward; Jordyn Terrell, Sr., Forward; Madison Bell, Sr., Guard
Fast Facts: Rebuilding with a focus on establishing a culture supported by players, coaches, and the community.
H.V. Jenkins Warriors
Head Coach: Brianna Brooker
Coach's Years: 6th
2023-24 Record (Overall/Region): 9-17/2-8
Key Players Returning: A'Niyah Browner, Jr., 5'3, Guard; Malaysia Easley, Jr., Foward; Ke'Ara Jones, Jr., Guard; Iycess Scott, Jr., Foward; Taylor Young, Jr., 6'1, Center; Aliyah Frazier, Sr., 5'6, Guard; I'Yarna Lee, So.; Heaven Arkwright, So.; Eden Bullard, Sr.; Molly Smith, Jr.
Fast Facts: Strengths include team chemistry, defensive tenacity, and experience from playing in higher classifications. Jenkins aims to enhance his assist-to-turnover ratio, boost offensive rebounding, and strive for another region championship this season.
Sol C. Johnson Atom Smashers
Head Coach: E'Lona Levett
Coach's Years: 4th
2023-24 Record (Overall/Region): 15-9/12-4
Key Players Returning: Bryahnna Patton, Jr, 5'2, Shooting Guard; Zacharia Grady, Jr., 5'9, Power Forward
Fast Facts: Aiming to win a Region Title, the team emphasizes discipline and "Lady Atom Smasher style basketball." Both returning players are expected to lead in their respective statistical categories.
Liberty County High School Panthers
Head Coach: Kimberly Battle
Coach's Years: 4th
2023-24 Record (Overall/Region): 9-14/9-7
Key Players Returning: Lyric McIver, 6 -foot-1, Sr., Guard
Fast Facts: Returning players will include Maritza Troche, a 5'0 "guard who plays tenaciously on the defensive end of the floor. Lyric McIver, a senior post player, can face up and play with her back to the basket. When aggressive, she is a double-double type player who can change the game. The key focus for this season is competing on both ends of the floor and being aggressive on the defensive end.
Windsor Forest High School Knights
Head Coach: Natasha Coxon
Coach's Years: 1st
2023-24 Record (Overall/Region): 5-17/0-11
Key Players Returning: Grace Ellington, Jr., 5'6, Point Guard; Katelyn Cabellero, Jr., 5'6, Shooting Guard; Kamryn Poinsett, Sr., 5'11, Power Forward; Rakiyah Bush, Jr., 5'1, Shooting Guard
Fast Facts: Focused on building chemistry and communication, the Knights utilize their athleticism and fast-paced style to create opportunities on both ends of the court.
GHSA CLASS A DI REGION 3
Savannah Christian Preparatory School Raiders
Head Coach: Allyson Faircloth
Coach's Years: 2nd
2023-24 Record (Overall/Region): 6-20/3-14
Key Players Returning: Mollie Poppell, 5'11, Forward; Alivia Branch, 5'7, Guard; Hannah Jane Gard, 5'8, Guard
Fast Facts: The program continues to build on its foundation, aiming for growth and development.
Savannah Country Day School Hornets
Head Coach: Joe Nero
Coach's Years: 1st
2023-24 Record (Overall/Region): 19-7/15-1
Key Players Returning: Madison Bueno, So., Guard; Mollie Hilderbrandt, Jr., Guard; Charlie Hawkins, So., 5'9, Guard; SC Gilpin, Jr., Guard; Olivia Aliotta, So., Forward
Key Players Lost: Stella Oelschig, Guard (Graduation)
Fast Facts: Returning most of their rotation, the Hornets boast a blend of youth and experience, focusing on defensive intensity and building on last year's success.
St. Vincent's Academy Saints
Head Coach: Fallon Page
Coach's Years: 5th
2023-24 Record (Overall/Region): 7-16/6-10
Key Players Returning: Elsie Thompson, Sr., Forward; Sam Crossley, Sr., Forward; Alexis Sppiso, Sr., Guard; Sadie Albert, Sr., Guard; Anna Hines, Jr., Guard; Anna Sophia Upchurch, Jr., Guard
Fast Facts: We're stepping into a new region, and while we may not know much about our opponents yet, I believe it's a good fit for us. The extra travel will be a new challenge, but it's an exciting opportunity for our team to grow and showcase what we can do.
Woodville-Tompkins High School Wolverines
Head Coach: Jeffery Roberson
Coach's Years: 12th
2023-24 Record (Overall/Region): 9-15/4-6
Key Players Returning: Cassidy Freeman, Jr., 5'7, Guard; Destiny Edwards, Jr., 5'6, Guard/Forward/Power Forward; Leiara Pusha, Sr., 5'8, Center
Fast Facts: Woodville is a young team with a solid core of players who have been together since middle school. The Wolverines aim to compete with tough teams like Swainsboro and Vidalia.
GHSA CLASS A DII REGION 3
Bryan County Lady Redskins
Head Coach: Mario Mincey
Coach's Years: 18
2023-24 Record (Overall/Region): 26-4/10-0
Key Players Returning: Ashanti Brown, Jr., 5'8; Katelyn King, Jr., 5'9; Sonia Whitaker, Jr., 5'9; Nevaeh Lovett, Jr., 5'5; Jasmine Mikell, So., 5'4; Elizabeth Harvey, So., 5'6; Briana Crawford, So., 5'8; Layla Mincey, 8th, 5'9
Fast Facts: Coming off strong finishes the past two years, the Lady Redskins are focusing on team defense to build on their Sweet 16 and Elite 8 runs.
Savannah High Blue Jackets
Head Coach: George Johnson
Coach's Years: 15
2023-24 Record (Overall/Region): 11-14/5-5
Key Players Returning: KeyShauna Gusby, Sr., 5'5, Guard; Chelesa Goodwin, Sr., 5'7, Guard; Christina Roberts, Sr., 5'9, Center; LaNia Bryant, Sr., 5'6, Guard
Fast Facts: Strengths include quickness and senior leadership, but the team is looking to develop contributions from young players and improve through challenging region play.
GIAA AAA REGION 2
St. Andrew's School Lions
Head Coach: Jimmy Stettler
Coach's Years: 4th
2023-24 Record (Overall/Region): 6-19/0-8
Key Players Returning: Gray Holmes, Sr., 5'6, Guard/Forward; Valerie Ward, Fr., 5'5, Guard; Coco Carnahan, Jr., Forward; Maren Wrieden, Jr., 5'7, Forward; Addi Yates, Sr., 5'5, Guard
Key Players Lost: Claire Fleming, Forward
Fast Facts: With nine returning players, the Lions are focusing on defense and pushing the pace on offense to take a big step forward this year.
GIAA A REGION 6
Memorial Day School Matadors
Head Coach: Emon Grayson
Coach's Years: 4th
2023-24 Record (Overall/Region): 2-18/0-4
Key Players Returning: Johnkeria Miles, 8th, 5'8 Guard; Nyla Edwards, So., 5'11, Forward
Fast Facts: This year's team is young but ready to rise to the challenge. The Matadors have a couple of players who can score consistently, and their contributions should help us secure more victories this season.
GAPPS 1A REGION 4
The Habersham School Patriots
Head Coach: Glenn Burnsed
Coach's Years: 4th
2023-24 Record (Overall/Region): 17-12/3-3
Key Players Returning: Myla Shippy - Fr., 6'0, Foward; Maddie Viles - Sr. 5'10, Forward, Izabel Arvin - Senior, Foward
Key Players Lost: Anna Cadle, Anna Livingood, Camryn Hampton
Fast Facts: Fast Facts: After graduating four experienced players, including a high-scoring point guard, we have two stand-out all-region players returning, Myla Shippy and Maddie Viles. The team is really young, but you would not know it with their scrappy play. Our focus is to send our two seniors out with a return trip to the state tournament and to grow a young team with three freshmen and three 7th graders.
NOTE: Schedule Link from MaxPreps
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Optim Orthopedics is a familiar face on Savannah's prep sports scene, extending their support from the gridiron to the court. Their dedication to local athletes goes beyond logos, offering crucial medical support to nine powerhouse high schools:
- Dr. Don Aaron: Bryan County Middle/High School
- Dr. David Sedory: Benedictine Military, Bradwell Institute, Liberty County
- Dr. David Palmer: Calvary Day, Richmond Hill, South Effingham
- Dr. Thomas Alexander: Savannah Country Day, St. Vincent's
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