Class 1A preseason preview and predictions
The high school basketball season is fast approaching, so that means it is time to make some predictions.
Here are the previews and predictions, preseason edition for Class 1A. This includes the top five teams from the class, a surprise sleeper team, the top five players from the class and some sleeper players to watch this season.
Top 5 teams
Chipley
Senior wing Trent Forrest may be gone to Florida State, but the Tigers still have two 2017 prospects in guard Adrian Sims and forward Justin Campbell who can still make a significant impact. Sims had 16 points and Campbell had 12 in Chipley’s second straight state title win in February. Rising junior center Noah Gustason is the third starter from that lineup back from the group that went 28-3.
Paxton
The 2016 state runner-up and 2015 region finalist Bobcats went an impressive 27-4. Six seniors graduated but 2017 prospect Zach Varnum returns. This kid went off in the state tournament combining for 42 points, 22 rebounds, five blocks and three assists in the semifinal and final. As long as he is healthy and leading the Bobcats, they’ll have a chance to contend once again.
Hamilton County
Senior captain Markeem Ingram went off to college after helping the Trojans go 21-7 and make a state semifinal appearance. They lost 56-53 to Chipley, but after being a region finalist the year prior this is still a group that should contend. Seniors Michael Whetstone (17 PPG) and Jervouse Keel (12.5 PPG) do a ton for this team as the duo combined for 35 points in that loss to Chipley.
Hawthorne
The Hornets went 22-6 last season as they fell to Hamilton County in the region final. Senior Desmond Lawrence (7.8 PPG) is now gone, but Hawthorne a pair of juniors in Deonte Bowie and Nick Baskin that are on the rise. Add in senior Detron Green and that is three players that averaged over 10 points per game a year ago. Don’t forget the Hornets finished as the state runner-up just two years ago. This is a talented group.
West Gadsden
Andrew Reddick and Mark Bradwell return as the two leading scorers a year ago. Both players averaged over 11 points per game. They 2017 duo will lead this group that made a region final appearance before losing to eventual champ Chipley. Senior Xavier Bush and freshman Antonio Charleston are some other guys to watch for the Panthers, a team that posted a 22-7 record this past season.
Sleeper Team
Bell
Here’s a group that posted a program-best 23-6 record a year ago. They made it all the way to the state semifinal before losing to Paxton. Although key seniors Josh Thomas and Devin Townsend have departed, the Bulldogs have a large unit of younger players ready to step up. 2018 forward Reese Rankin, 2018 forward Zach Edmonds, 2017 forward Clay Hutto, 2017 guard Mikey Trantham and 2018 guard Tony Yoder will be in for bigger roles. Bell has a deep team that should be able to make a run this year despite the losses of Thomas and Townsend.
Top 5 players from the class
- Wildwood SG Darion Wilson (2018)
- Liberty County F Shamon Mosley (2018)
- Hamilton County F Michael Whetstone (2017)
- Paxton F Zach Varnum (2017)
- Hawthorne SG Nick Baskin (2018)
Sleeper players
- Central G Brad Moye (2017)
- Port St. Joe G Tyler Farmer (2018)
- Baker PG Derek Peoples (2019)
- Bethlehem SG Jordan Sumner (2019)
- Franklin County PG Jan Lowe (2019)
- Jefferson County F Alic Troutman (2019)
- Melody Christian F Kel Mcquay (2019)
Photo credit: Chipley Tigers Twitter account