POLL: Who is the frontrunner for Class 3A Player of the Year?

While White County doesn’t seem like a state title contender, the Warriors did make it to the Sweet 16 a season ago, riding Jadon Yeh Jadon Yeh 6'1" | PG White County | 2023 State GA to the second round. The do-everything star provided 20.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2 steals per game while shooting 54% from within the arc and 43.8% from three-point land.

Tony Baker averaged 19.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.4 steals as the Atomsmashers took a trip to the Elite 8. Kennesaw State has offered the smooth scorer. Baker’s greatest skill is his ability to get to the rim and finish through contact.

At 6-foot-5, Shamarrie Hugie Shamarrie Hugie 6'5" | SF Beach | 2023 State GA is a complete player. He averaged 16 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.8 steals and 1 block per game. The dynamic stat sheet stuffer is one of the better players in Georgia who still is flying under the radar statewide.

High Major programs are after the 6-foot-7 swingman. Smith has great size on the perimeter and handles well for a swingman. While he can hit the three, Smith is most dangerous within the arc as a slasher. Micah’s turnaround jumper is a real weapon, especially when he takes smaller defenders to the block.

The lefty is a burgeoning star that should really start to pick up some recruitment this season. He’s a three-level scorer that can also facilitate off the dribble. His on-ball defensive and IQ are impressive.

It is surprising that Tahj Johnson Tahj Johnson 6'7" | SF Hart County | 2023 State GA isn’t more frequently spoken about as a serious D-I prospect. The 6-foot-7 forward is a major athlete. He’s effective in the paint as a rebounder and scorer but also can attack off the dribble and shoot the three. Tahj has physical tools that translate well to the next level. I would be shocked if Johnson doesn’t end up playing D-I basketball eventually.

It will be interesting to see what Brent Bowman Brent Bowman 6'3" | SG Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe | 2023 State GA does his senior year, presumably going to get even more shots but face even tougher defenses now that running mate Jamichael Davis Jamichael Davis 6'1" | PG McEachern | 2023 State #263 Nation GA left for McEachern. When Bowman is on, he’s as good a perimeter shot maker as there is in Georgia. The mid-range assassin is adept at getting to his spots. Bowman averaged 19.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.6 steals per game as a junior. He has received D-I interest over the course of his career.

The two-time state champion has great length and invaluable big-game experience. He’s a defensive stopper that has improved his offense. Lorick averaged 11.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1 block per game. He has garnered D-I looks and currently holds a Coastal Georgia offer.