New Year Storylines

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the new calendar year upon us, let's talk about what storylines are to unfold in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Grayson or the Field?</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It has never felt more like Grayson's year to capture their elusive first state title than it does in 2024. The Rams are nationally ranked and already hold a 79-62 win over No. 2 McEachern. Purdue-signee [player_tooltip player_id='1131773' first='Gicarri' last='Harris'] has been the centerpiece of a devastatingly talented roster which also features Georgia-commit [player_tooltip player_id='1444779' first='Jacob' last='Wilkins'], Appalachian State-signee [player_tooltip player_id='1235067' first='Anthony' last='Alston'], Western Carolina-signee [player_tooltip player_id='1131772' first='CJ' last='Hyland'] and forwards [player_tooltip player_id='1159801' first='Ahmad' last='Clark'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1383021' first='Amir' last='Taylor']. Class 7A is always the toughest title to win in Georgia but comparatively speaking, it feels like the rest of the field while of course dangerous, isn't as strong on paper as years past. Rutgers-signee [player_tooltip player_id='1122508' first='Ace' last='Bailey'] can win a game by himself in the blink of an eye, but Grayson already has a comfortable win over McEachern. Berkmar is tough, loaded with quick guards and a big guy in [player_tooltip player_id='1411622' first='Mekhi' last='Ragland'] that is a load to deal with, but Eddie Cooke leaving for AZ Compass over Christmas break is a stunning turn of events. Wheeler is always scary to deal with in March and Larry Thompson is one of the best coaches in the state with multiple state titles to his credit, but the Wildcats aren't quite what they were the past two seasons with Isaiah Collier and Arrinten Page at USC. Dacula is an upstart team that has surprised many this season while Archer has seen Wofford-signee [player_tooltip player_id='1155729' first='Kahmare' last='Holmes'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1617612' first='Darrian' last='Joseph'] take their game to the next level. Could there be a Cherokee-like team to take a magical run to Macon? If there is, it could be Walton. If Wofford-signee [player_tooltip player_id='1131830' first='Luke' last='Flynn'] is able to return to the lineup, he will add another lethal scorer to a deep, well-coached group that hasn't missed a beat with him sidelined.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Who's the Favorite in Class 2A?</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a loss to Central, AL, preseason No. 1 Columbia has finally succumbed to Thomson for the top overall spot. Thomson has been a surprise this year after slipping to the four-seed in Region 4 and falling to Windsor Forest in the opening round of the state playoffs last season, finishing 16-9. Star guard [player_tooltip player_id='1146472' first='Lavonta' last='Ivery'] transferred to region rival Westside-Augusta in the offseason but the Bulldogs haven't missed a beat, winning at Westside last month 71-68 to send a statement. Veteran guard [player_tooltip player_id='1235068' first='Jahkiaus' last='Jones'] has run the show but the big breakout star has been [player_tooltip player_id='2046333' first='DaQuan' last='Young'], an explosive swingman averaging 22.9 points, 10 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 5.9 steals per game. I wouldn't count out Westside-Augusta however. The two-time defending state champs hold a 76-44 win over McDonough and routed Cross Creek 95-62 earlier in the season. DeMarco Middleton has thrived as the go-to-guard, averaging 16.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists. A potential thorn in the side of both contenders in Region 4 could be Butler. The Bulldogs are 11-2 and currently No. 3 in the state riding a 10-game winning streak. Butler holds a 56-49 win over Westside and will travel to Thomson on January 16 after their rematch with the Patriots, which will give the region much more clarity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->