Season Preview: 1A Championship Contenders to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Williston (Last Season: 1A, 29-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The back-to-back state champions are prepared to dominate Class 1A again this season. The Red Devils boast a talented roster led by key playmakers who will be pivotal in their quest for a three-peat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2299651' first='Deandre' last='Harvey']</strong>: A 6-3 junior combo guard with a versatile scoring ability and leadership presence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2610240' first='Giovanni' last='Wright']</strong>: The 5-11 senior guard creates opportunities off the dribble and is a reliable offensive weapon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2427973' first='Xavier' last='Kirkpatrick']</strong>: The 6-3 senior transfer from Forest brings quickness and a natural scoring touch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hilliard (Last Season: 1A, 25-3)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming off a strong season where they fell short to Williston in the state title game, the Red Flashes are poised for another deep playoff run with an exciting mix of talent and youth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1879669' first='CJ' last='Hall']</strong>: A 6-2 junior guard who leads the charge with a balanced game and scoring ability.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Dennis “DJ” Alderman</strong>: The 5-6 sophomore guard provides energy and skill in the backcourt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2242995' first='King' last='McMillian']</strong>: A 2028 phenom who has been dominant throughout the offseason and could emerge as a future star.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hawthorne (Last Season: 1A, 16-5)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite losing dual-sport standout [player_tooltip player_id='1450208' first='CJ' last='Ingram'], the Hornets remain a threat in Class 1A. With a strong core of experienced guards, they're looking to make another Final Four appearance—and possibly more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Dacarian Debose</strong>: A senior guard who steps into a bigger scoring role this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>LeLand Johnson</strong>: Another senior guard who was a key contributor last season and will be vital in clutch moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Newberry (Last Season: 1A, 15-9)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers have the tools to make some noise this season, led by a couple of scoring threats and a roster that often blends football toughness with basketball skills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2800858' first='Juwan' last='Scippio']</strong>: A rising junior guard with the size and ability to take over games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Henry Matthias</strong>: A junior and last season's second-leading scorer who can make an impact on both ends of the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->