PICK&ROLL PREVIEW
GEORGIA’S HISTORIC HIGH COUNTRY
Experience the intersection of eld, farm and re at Jules, our new signature restaurant from acclaimed Chef Shaun Doty. Sample upscale Southern avors at Woodlands, while enjoying a pecan-infused bourbon. Sip on a local cra beer in our Biergarten, one of the many new amenities that makes the experience here unforgettable. With renovated cottages, new activities and legendary dining options, we have set the table – come make it your own.
There are so many reasons to love living at The Spires, a stunning lakeside senior living community immersed in the vibrant campus culture of Berry College. A 27,000-acre backyard full of walking paths, wildlife and breathtaking views. A state-of-the-art fitness center offering everything from cardio drumming to water fitness. A bustling music scene where you can sing, dance or jam to your heart’s content. And the peace of mind of a full continuum of care if further assistance is ever needed.
What our residents are saying:
“I’ve enjoyed making new friends and the staff is unbelievable from top to bottom.” — Dr. Woody Davis, Resident
“People here have been intensely supportive, and they mean it. It’s been a happy serendipity.” — Ann Marie Hollomon, Resident
“I think the best way I can describe the experience here is ‘community’ and I just give thanks. The opportunities are just endless for people to connect.” — Dr. Jennifer Barbieri, Daughter of Resident
“For social, emotional, mental and physical wellbeing — everything I need is here. It’s just been amazing the way our community loves each other.” — Julie Wahtola, Resident
Come see for yourself — we think you’ll love it here, too. Call 706-607-5322 or visit RetireAtBerry.com to schedule a personal tour.
Publisher's Note
I'd like to start this little note by saying, trust me, I understand that many of our readers are still experiencing football fever. The playoffs for high school are underway, and many area teams are still in the mix. Rivalry week is upcoming for college football, Thanksgiving and the NFL...I get it, football is still on the brain. But, while basketball kind of sneaks up on everyone and starts with a whisper, V3 is happy to dedicate our November issue for the 2nd annual Pick & Roll Preview, highlighting all the boys' and girls' basketball teams for the seven high schools within
PHOTOGRAPHERS
PUBLISHER V3 Publications, LLC
CONTACT hello@v3collective.com
CREATOR Neal Howard
6 -7 Reasons You Should Be Thankful for Nero
Letters to the Emperor is a monthly humor column from the self-proclaimed Emperor of Rome, GA. Nero Romansky, the unqualified descendant of Julius Caesar, answers his letters from his less-than-loyal subjects. It's like spending the first holiday season after your 104-year-old grandmother passes away, and realizing no store-bought bread product will ever recreate the gluten-rific majesty of her homemade rolls.*
First Question.
EMPEROR NERO,
"I teach math to elementary school kids, and this whole '6-7' phenomenon is out of control. How am I supposed to educate our precious youth if every time I write both numbers on the board, the entire room erupts in brain-rotting laughter? Can you explain 6-7 and the wavy hands thingy? Did you experience anything this disruptive from the youth of ancient Rome?" — Derrick DeRick | Teacher at Anna K. Davie Elementary School
DEAR DERRICK,
Thank you for your service to humanity. Being a math teacher for Gen Alpha has all the danger of a SEAL Team 6 mission, with only 7% of the glory. Where does the number saying come from? According to a recent article in the Calhoun News-
Chronicle, 6-7 originated from the dad joke, "Why is six afraid of seven? Because seven got in a fist fight with a velociraptor at 2:00 am in the Armuchee Waffle House." It makes zero sense, and it never will.
Fear not Mr. Of Rick, kids of every generation have an obsession with funny numbers, whether it's 69, 420, or typing five million, three hundred and eighteen thousand, and eight into a calculator upside-down. The quickest way to get the kids to cease the numerical shenanigans is for anyone over age 15 to 6-7 til the cows come home. Wave those weathered hands like a juggling mime. You will do it wrong, and this too shall pass. Me Vexat Pede, — Nero
Mark Suroviec, M.Ed., is the Chief Ambassador of Fun at WorkPlay Solutions, the author of Forever Sisters, and the Vice President of the Children’s Museum of Rome. He hopes you pity laugh at his humor and satire stories, especially the ones that aren’t funny.
NERO,
"Settle an intense argument from our last HOA meeting. My neighbor decorated for Christmas the day after Halloween. Our family waits until the more traditional time after Thanksgiving. When is it too early to put up Christmas lights?"
— Spencer W. McAllistergion IV | St. Mary's School, Class of 1989
DEAR SPENCER,
When is it too early to put up Christmas lights? 34 BC. Me Vexat Pede, — Nero
NERO,
"I see what you did there."
— Dr. Humbert R. Tuffleson, Ph.D. | Associate Professor of Ancient History at Georgia Highlands College
DEAR DR. TUFFLESON,
Thought you would like that one.
Me Vexat Pede, — Nero
NERO,
"Before anyone eats Thanksgiving supper at our home, every person, regardless of age or experience, has to share what they are thankful for this year. I would invite you over for dinner, but only if you were willing to do the same. Young man, what are you thankful for?"
— Chenestra Datyphoidsk | Pepperell High School, Class of 1967
DEAR CHENESTRA,
Like a holy sea otter pulling the sword Excalibur from the face of Stone Mountain, Emperor Nero transcends primordial concepts of thanksitude and
gratifulity. He does not do thanks, nor giving.
In the spirit of the first pilgrims in the New World, I prepared a brief list of why you should thank your lucky fireflies that Nero Romansky the First, Emperor of Rome, GA, is the appointed regent of the Enchanted Lands:
• Nero declined to dance, by himself, in the SAC Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge.
• Nero singlefingeredly ended the U.S. Government shutdown by ignoring it for 43 days until it went away on its own.
• The emperor not only provided millions of dollars of SNAP benefits to needy residents of Floyd County, but also CRACKLE and POP benefits as well.
• Speaking of Rice Crispies, did you know that if you are lactose intolerant, apple juice makes the nostalgic breakfast cereal as soggy and disgusting as milk does?
• Ole' Nero has never constructed a carwash thirty-eight feet away from another carwash.
• Nero finished his bucket list already, so you don't have to.
• And lastly, you should be thankful for Nero because the emperor never hid $1.5 million denarii from Roman authorities for thirty years inside giant sunflower-yellow kid-chariots.
Too soon?
Me Vexat Pede, — Nero
Disclaimer: Emperor Nero Romansky is a satirical character written and created by Mark Suroviec, M.Ed. All people and quotations are fictional, invented by the limited imagination of the author, and do not reflect the opinions of the author, editors, or V3 Magazine. *R.I.P. Bernice Fryer (1921-2025).
Something I Would Never Do
It’s hard to know which is worse: the fear of losing something you love, the losing itself, or wondering what you did to cause it.
Here and Now with
Nina Lovel
The day after Halloween, I was leaving to go to a party and reached for the last things I always put on: my rings.
They were gone.
These rings were my most treasured possessions, especially the yellow-gold double-diamond that was my mother’s. She and Mr. Brock designed it back in the 60s, and when she passed in 1981, I had slipped it off her finger and onto my own. The others were two little bands with sentimental value; I have always worn these together.
I had kept the diamond ring appraised and insured, and I wore it everywhere except for those no-makeup-and-baseball-cap destinations like rivers, trails, the gym, or the yard. But the minute I walked back in the door, those rings came off even faster than my shoes did, and I hung them in the obscure, illogical spot that has been their home for twenty years. I’ve never hidden them anywhere else, because, well, their spot is as well hidden as anywhere else I could come up with.
I went to the party uncomfortably ring-less, perplexed that the rings were not on their hooks. I am very consistent with these rings. The minute I get home, I take them off and hang them up. As much as I love them, I don’t want them on my hands at home. I don’t need to lay them down anywhere else; my house is so small that it’s just a few steps from anywhere to the spot where they live. Putting them anywhere else is something I would never do.
I spent the weekend obsessively returning to the ring-spot; they were never there. I tried to envision the last moment I was aware of having them,
and I thought it was at work. I do take them off sometimes, but I always wear them home. I’ve left them on my desk overnight exactly once in my whole career. So, though it’s not something I would usually do, I decided they must be on my desk.
Monday came; the rings were not at work. I envisioned harder. I did not panic; a life with ADHD has taught me that everything is somewhere, and adrenaline is not your friend when you’re looking for it. Deep breaths and a still mind work better, and while it’s okay to ask someone if they’ve seen it, you just don’t want to be that spacey frantic person who can’t keep up with your stuff.
It had been a hectic Halloween week, with a Trunk or Treat, new earlymorning gym classes, and some nasty weather. When had I worn them, and when had I not, and why on earth would I have done anything different than what I always do?
I hated the thoughts that crept in. Had I worn them to the Trunk or Treat? Had I taken them off to put on gloves? Did I leave them in the truck, or put them in my coat pocket, and they fell out? These were not things I would usually do, but the rings were somewhere; everything is. Had somebody found them? Had somebody taken them? I hated those thoughts. When Winn remembered seeing them on my hand at the Trunk or Treat, I gladly released that train of thought. They had to be in my house.
I moved on to surfaces. I circled my very small house, over and over, and over. They were not lying around. Pockets were the next frontier, even though putting the rings in a pocket was something I would never do. Days went by. I checked the pockets of jeans, jackets, dresses, my bathrobe, and my hammock chair on the porch. Of course they weren’t there; I would never have put them in a pocket.
Little tubs, bowls and baskets holding pens, makeup, business cards, and a broken drumstick came next. I pulled everything out of these little vessels, didn’t find any rings (because I never would have put them there), then put things back in place. My household corners are holiday-clean and my products are now within their expiration dates.
I questioned myself. I doubted myself. I worried about myself. I hated myself. I still didn’t tell anyone.
I downloaded a hypnosis app for Finding Lost Things. It took the edge off my acting like a moth to the flame of those little hangers, but it didn’t help me find the rings. I prayed, of course, and finally told the kids and a couple of friends, starting with Lauretta, because she is Catholic and I figured she had the most direct line to St. Anthony.
When I finally told the kids, they were so sweet. It was okay that my daughter and granddaughter would no longer have the ring to inherit; they were just worried for me. The boys would come move all my major appliances to help me search. Putting my rings beneath a major appliance was not something I would ever do, but their caring touched me deeply, and I actually did break out Mr. Flashlight and Mr. Yardstick and swept under everything. I found a lot of kitten toys and a Hot Wheels or two, but still, no rings. Now my house is *really* holiday clean.
My friends all wanted to help. The answer to all of their questions was “yes”: Have you looked in the truck? Have you looked in the garage? Have you checked your Ring cameras? Are you sure you didn’t hide them away somewhere? (Actually, the answer to that last one was “I’m not sure about anything anymore.”)
It terrified me that I could not summon a memory of my last moment with the rings, but I had to move on. I contacted my insurance agent and she was so nice. She didn’t seem to think I was crazy, and she didn’t need a police report; just send her an email when I got ready to file the claim.
Do you know how stupid it feels to write down that you’ve lost the most treasured thing you’ve ever owned, and you don’t even know when or where it happened? I do.
This column was on deadline. I filed the insurance claim and kept writing, but I didn’t stop looking. I kept checking pockets and corners, returned to the hangers when the hypnosis app wore off, and I kept pleading with my brain to show me the last time I had the rings. I kept feeling crazy, and I kept feeling sad. I had to become okay with knowing I would never know where they were. I knew I would never stop looking.
The insurance money came in two days. If you want an insurance company recommendation, I have one for you. At least I had the diamond ring insured, right? Would the money make things better? I would never replace the diamond ring. If I couldn’t be trusted to keep up with it the first time, why get another one? I must have thrown them in the trash with Halloween candy wrappers.
My column was nearly done, and the girls were coming for the weekend. I dusted and mopped the guest room and fixed the back of the linen chest where the kitten had learned to crawl into an opening and nap on the blankets, then push the front door open to get out. I re-folded all of the pushed-out blankets and turned to pull the cover sheet off the bed that was there to keep kitten hair off the spread. There, on that cover sheet, in the middle of the guest bed, out in the open and framed by a hula hoop, lay my rings, as peaceful as a kitten in a sunbeam.
My head spun. I didn’t cry. Things were surreal. I took a picture, then picked them up and put them on. I had no memory at all of taking them off in that room, but the fact that I used the word “kitten” three times in the last paragraph suggests that a little fuzzy thing must have caused me to act in haste and do “something I would never do.”
For all those days, I had never searched the guest room. Going in there was not something I usually did. Until company was coming, or apparently, until a kitten fell out of the linen chest.
This column with an unresolved ending now had a real one. I said so many prayers of gratitude to God and Saint Anthony, and to my kids and friends.
I happily sent the insurance money back.
ARMUCHEE Indians
L-R: #30 GRAYSON ISHAM FORWARD, #4 OWEN BURK FORWARD, #3 OWEN BUFFINGTON GUARD, #14 AUBREY MCCONKEY FORWARD, #5 KELSEY ARP POINT GUARD, #21 TORI VITELLO FORWARD
PICK AND ROLL 2025 \\\\\
HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW
Both programs look to build off their records in 2025 while trying to peak at the right time to be in the mix for playoffs and beyond.
With the Lady Indians losing a one-point thriller to a Rabun County team that went on to an Elite 8 appearance, the trajectory of Michelle Arps team is certainly on the rise. While that marks the second straight 1st round exit, the odds of breaking through that ceiling are high thanks to a ton of returning production and veteran leaders.
Tim Puckett’s boys are also looking to break through and improve upon their efforts in 2025, but will have to do so without a trio of seniors that provided a ton of production the last few seasons, one of which (23-24) they were a game shy of reaching the playoffs. The approach to replacing those players will require great team play and effort, and Puckett looks to achieve that by helping his players become the best versions of themselves.
“For us this year, we’re going to be a much younger team than we’ve had the last few seasons,” says Armuchee Boys Head Coach Tim Puckett. “We are replacing 5 seniors so we’ve just put a huge focus on getting stronger and faster through strength and conditioning so we can put our players in the best position to perform on the court.”
While replacing the program's all-time leading scorer, Trent Cothran, won’t be easy, Puckett is hopeful his team can work together to replace Cothran and the other departing seniors' production. Forward Owen Burk and guard Owen Buffington learned a lot from last year's graduating class and will step into leadership roles to foster the younger players.
“We are going to have to share the ball to succeed. Building team chemistry takes time, but we are working on building that so we can share the ball and create opportunities on offense.”
For the girls, last year's 20-8 team only had one senior on the roster, so the expectations surrounding the Lady Indians are sky high for the upcoming season.
“We had 20 wins last year,” said Lady Indians Head Coach Michelle Arp. “We gained a lot of really good experience for every player on our team. So, we're super excited to bring that experience into this season just to compete, and to improve each day. If we can do that and peak in late March, we are going to have a chance to advance in the tournament.”
With a strong base of experienced players, led by Guards, Kelsey Arp(JR), Tori Vitello(SR), and Forward Aubrey McConkey(JR), this may still be a younger team, but the leadership those three players provide on and off the court could make for a special season. There will be no shortage of tests along the way, but those challenges are something the Lady Indians look forward to.
“Our region is very competitive, says Arp. “Every night seems like a dog fight. Having all the experience we bring back makes me feel better about being ready for that every single day.”
While the results aren’t guaranteed, it's fair to surmise that both Armuchee Boys and Girls have a great opportunity to make this season special.
SCHEDULE BOYS
GIRLS
COOSA Eagles
L-R: #3 LAVANYE MILLSAP GUARD, #2 KHYDEN TURNER POINT GUARD, #1 TIMBALAND MITCHELL CENTER, #30 MAKENNA MANLEY GUARD, #15 HARMONY CREAMER POINT GUARD, #14 ANNA FRANCIS FORWARD
BOYS
With both teams coming off playoff appearances the Eagles and Lady Eagles are looking to soar even higher this season.
Round ball along the Alabama Highway is heating up again as both Eagles programs enjoyed success last year that they will look to build on this season. While both teams fell in the first round of the state tournament, that experience should pay dividends for teams that a laden with veteran players.
For Lady Eagles Head Coach Jason Shields, the success was nice, but this group of girls has given him far more joy than making the playoffs.
“These girls have made basketball fun again for me,” says Shields. “It's not always fun when you're trying to build something, but they have made it fun again. I’ve been coaching basketball since I was 18 and there are times, I think I’d like to play a little more golf, but this group has excited me and that is a real blessing.”
Shields team will be anchored senior guard Makenna Manley and forward Anna Francis, while sophomore Harmony Creamer will run the point. Fans can expect a team that plays from tipoff to the final buzzer as that expectation is set through the intense practices and training regimen Shields implements for the program.
“Our practices are intense by design, and these girls have embraced that and made practice fun,” says Shields. “That attitude has created a great atmosphere around the team and that kind of chemistry will help us throughout the season.”
As for the boys, 2nd-year Head Coach Tyler Bradley is settling into his role nicely. While his boys fell in the first round of the state tournament to a Tombs County team that went on to the Final Four, they too, return a lot of experience that is hoping for a deeper run this season.
“When I took over, there was a goal to change the culture and raise an expectation to win,” said Bradley. “Last year was the first time both the boys and girls made the playoffs since 2009, so I feel like the program as a whole is starting to meet that expectation. Now our goal is to build on that success.”
To aid in the building process, Bradley has 3 senior leaders at his disposal this season with forward Timbaland Mitchell, guard LaVanye Millsap, and point guard Khyden Turner. That trio will be expected to lead the charge for the Eagles by taking accountability for their actions on and off the court.”
“We have to build each other up and be accountable for our actions to be the team we want to be,” says Bradley. “If we can do that and put in the work at practice, it will translate to success throughout the season.”
Buckle up Eagles fans, it seems like exciting seasons are in store for both Coosa teams this year.
GIRLS
PICK AND ROLL 2025 \\\\\
HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW
Tigers' basketball is tradition-rich, and both teams have eyes on the playoffs and beyond for the 2025-26 season.
Both boys and girls reached the state tournament last year and are eager to make another run this year. Nathan West’s boys punched their ticket to the Sweet Sixteen before falling, while Samantha Rush’s girls were eliminated by a strong Wesleyan team in the round of 32. The boys can rely on a lot of familiar faces if they want to make a deeper run this year, while the girls have a young core of players that are putting in the work necessary to compete at a high level.
“We have a standard to come in, work hard and just get after everyday,” says Girls Head Coach Samantha Rush. “We want to come in and channel off each other while pushing each other to be their best. If we can do that then usually everything else takes care of itself.”
That work is spearheaded by the leaders on the Lady Tigers roster, starting with senior guard Samantha Rush and junior forward Sara Jo Pierce, but a newcomer to watch is Kendall Dixon, who will be running the point this season. If those three can build chemistry with the rest of the roster, they have an opportunity to be a dangerous team.
“You can expect these girls to get out there and play hard,” says Rush. We've kind of always played man-to-man, but this group allows us to play a little zone too. I think you'll see their grit and determination as well. I can’t wait to watch them grow and take on new challenges as they present themselves.”
The boys have their eyes on a deep playoff run this season and will lean on a trio of seniors that were key contributors on last year's Sweet Sixteen team in guards Brent Bell and Christian Teasley, along with forward Cam Selig. Each of the three have the ability to stretch the floor and create on the fly. Those attributes fit perfectly with coach West’s up-tempo, attacking style of play.
“We’re going to continue to be who we’ve been since I’ve been here,” said West. “We are going to continue to press. The court is 94 feet long, so we’re going to press 94 feet for 32 minutes. We have the depth and conditioning to do that and on offense we want to get out in transition and push the ball up the floor to create some easy baskets.”
The tempo and pressure have been a staple of West’s teams, and it has allowed the Tigers to put together back breaking runs that can push their lead or eclipse their opponents’ advantage in the flash of an eye.
The goal is to wear down our opponents and hopefully get into their legs late in the game,” says West. “Not many teams practice against that kind of pressure for a full game, so our depth and mobility can create an advantage for us. We just have to go out and execute.”
Just, you know, hopefully to wear guys down and continue to hopefully get into their legs late to the game. And so we'll continue to know with the figure. We've been, since we have gone to our adulty since we've been here when you, you know, you're on plate, I know you're on the plate, and it's pressure your entire game, hopefully playing against this value you're not used to practicing.
With both Tigers teams giving tenacious effort in practice, it won’t be any surprise to see them earn their stripes in games throughout the 25-26 season.
SCHEDULE BOYS
11.22
Chattahoochee,
GIRLS
L-R: #21 BRYSON DENSON POINT GUARD, #25 CHADON WOODLEY GUARD, #31 JOHN MASON GUARD, #14 JACK WOMACK JAVIA SAMPLES, #23 EVA POYNER FORWARD, #15 SASHA WOOD POINT GUARD
PICK AND ROLL 2025 \\\\\
HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW
BOYS
Region Championships, Final Fours and Sweet Sixteen appearances and a winning tradition make basketball season in Shannon something special.
At the high school level coaches can watch their players grow up before their eyes, sometimes getting the opportunity to see them play from rec league up until their chance to try out for the varsity team. After that it's four years max and off they go. Both Model teams must replace five seniors that contributed to teams that made deep playoff runs, but both teams have underclassmen that were major contributors throughout the season. How they evolve will determine the trajectory of these two teams in the 25-26 season.
“We’re never afraid to play the young guys,” says Model Boys Head Coach Jacob Travis. “We played Chadon Woodley and Bryson Denson a lot as freshman. John Mason has played in the last three region championships. These guys have played big games, but now the roles have changed. How they handle will impact our success this season.”
Travis is entering his 14th season at the helm, so he has experienced rebuilding and reloading. Replacing guys like Chase Allen, Stevie Dallas and Noah Travis certainly won’t be easy, but guys like Woodley, Denson and Mason are poised to take on the challenge to lead a younger group of Blue Devils while trying to defend their 3-peat streak of region championships.
“Nothing will be given to these guys, so they have to go out and earn it,” says Travis. “If we focus on getting better every day, they should have a lot of opportunities to win.
As for the girls, a trip to the Final Four and a near miss at the state championship game should fuel a roster that returns a ton of production. It seems like almost every season a freshman steps in and contributes big time for the Lady Devils and last year that player was Kam Sanders. With an off-season of development and veteran teammates like Javia Samples, Sasha Wood and Eve Poyner, this team is viewed as a state title contender.
The pipeline established in Shannon through Big Blue Basketball Camp certainly seems to keep the talent flowing through the doors for both the boys and girls, contributing to the sustained success of both programs.
“A big foundation for us is the Big Blue Basketball Camp,” says Lady Blue Devils Head Coach Sally Echols. We get to work with kids who are excited about the game and excited about the season. We have a wonderful middle school program, and we get to attend those practices regularly and that allows us to have a hand in their development.”
Those practices and the overall tradition have translated into a lot of wins over the years, but for Echols, coaching is about a lot more than wins and losses.
“The biggest win I can get is pulling up in my driveway to see a former player sitting in my driveway when I get home waiting to come hug my neck,” says Echols. “The relationships we form with our players can last a lifetime. Winning is fun and we’ve been fortunate to have some great seasons, but the players are the reason you do it.”
The players both coaches have on their rosters this year are certainly capable of continuing an already established tradition of winning, and the Shannon community can’t wait to fill the gym.
11.29
GIRLS
L-R: #12 SARAH HARRIS GUARD, #2 KAITLYN HOUSE GUARD, #3 HANNAH SMITH POINT GUARD, #1 ANTONIO BARTON JR POINT GUARD, #5 AARON WOOD GUARD, #24 ROB WHELCHEL FORWARD
PICK AND ROLL 2025 \\\\\
An experienced girls team looking to break through to the post-season and a boys team trying to build a foundation for the future, will take to the floor in Lindale for the 25-26 season.
Pepperell Dragon’s basketball is building towards a heat check. With the girls coming extremely close to a state tournament berth and the boys only getting 1 win in the 24-25 season, the goals are different, but similar for the two squads. Their mantra is to get better every day and if the girls achieve that, a playoff spot for an experienced team is certainly in play, while the boys are working just as hard to develop the chemistry, accountability and teamwork needed to start the train rolling in the right direction.
Lady Dragons coach Emily Claytor begins her 7th year at the helm after returning to coach at her alma mater in 2019. The proud Dragon, led Unity Christian School to two region championships and two Elite Eight’s before taking the job in Lindale, so she brought with her the know-how for building a winning program.
Her roster this year is highlighted by a trio of guards in seniors Kaitlyn House and Hannah Smith along with junior Sarah Harris. The experience those three provide will be a valuable asset to a team ready to get over the playoff hump.
“We were a few hundredth points off making the state tournament last year,” recalls Claytor. “That, of course, stung, but stuck with us. We want to build on that. They will play tough and they are not going to quit until that final buzzer, no matter what the scoreboard says.”
That kind of mental fortitude is exactly what a team needs to compete for a playoff spot and the experience from last year will continue to fuel the fire.
“Over the past few years, we've kind of struggled with numbers with our upperclassmen,” says Claytor. “And so this year, having 3 seniors, we’re in a different position. They have played in big moments in big games, so our goal is to build on those experiences this season.”
The boys are also looking to build but are still in the starting phases of that process under 2nd-year Dragons Head Coach Zach Thompson. Thompson knew he had a project on his hands when he took over and embraced the fact that the foundation for the program had to be built from the ground up.
“Last year, although the success didn’t come in the win column, it did come with our accountability,” said Thompson. “There were some heartaches, there were some tough conversations for sure, and through that adversity we succeeded in becoming a better team off the court.”
The Dragons are a young team, with senior Rob Whelchel and sophomores Antonio Barton and Aaron Wood leading the way for the 25-26 season. That trio will look to be the brick and mortar for the future of Dragons basketball. Coach Thompson is proud of the accountability and focus of his players both on the court and in the classroom.
“Our boys are working hard to be better basketball players every day,” says Thompson, but they are working even harder on becoming good men. Every player on our team is excelling in the classroom and while I promise you I want to win as many games as we can here, helping my players grow as young men off the court also means a lot to me.”
Both Dragons teams will be ready to lace up their shoes and take the court for the Lindale faithful with hopes of laying the building blocks of success.
SCHEDULE BOYS
GIRLS
ROME Wolves
L-R: #5 AMARI BOATNER GUARD, #13 LILLY BLANCHARD GUARD, #33 AISYA POWELL FORWARD, #3 MALIKHI GLOVER POINT GUARD
PICK AND ROLL 2025 \\\\\
HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW
With the sustained success of the girls program and a boys team coming off a Sweet 16 appearance, both Wolves squads will be on the prowl this season.
The 2024-25 season was good for both Wolves' programs, as the girls made the playoffs once again, and the boys punched their ticket to the Sweet 16. The similarities don’t stop there for the upcoming season as a ton of production from those squads donned their caps and gowns last May. The challenge to sustain and build on last year’s success lies in how both teams replace that production with the current rosters.
Jared Hughes is in the third year of his 2nd stint as head coach for the Lady Wolves and during both tenures, state tournament berths have been the norm. With a trio of seniors departing from last year’s roster, it will be up to senior guard Lilly Blanchard(guard) and forward Aisya Powell to fill those leadership roles for the 25-26 season.
“We will certainly operate a little differently this season, and we are still trying to put that puzzle together,” says Hughes. “I can tell you this though, I have some outstanding leaders and overall these girls give such a great effort in how they prepare that I consider myself lucky to be their coach. We have talent and great leadership, so that can take us a long way.”
The Lady Wolves have no shortage of talent, with a host of younger players ready to take on bigger roles this season. You can expect a team that defends the whole floor on defense and an offense that will get their shots up and crash the boards. That recipe has been successful for Hughes teams in the past, and there is no reason to think that trend won’t continue. Especially with the senior leaders on the roster.
“Leading young people is leading young people,” says Hughes. “Once they know they're cared for, everything else falls into place.”
On the boys side, Head Coach Dawson Wehunt enters his second year at the helm, and is looking to build off the success of last year's team. It will look different, but he is looking to replace some of the graduated production with a holistic approach.
“We really feel like we have 10-12 guys that can go out and play quality minutes,” says Wehunt. “We have 4 solid seniors that have all started games and a host of underclassmen that are ready to contribute. That kind of depth should allow us to defend the entire court for four quarters and hopefully that leads to a lot of easy baskets in transition.”
Seniors Malikha Glover and Amari Boatner will be looked upon to be leaders of a team that will rely on pressure and ball movement to find quality shots on offense. With goals of an even deeper playoff run and future aspirations of state championships, this team can continue to raise the standard around Rome Wolves basketball.
“I learned last year that I really didn’t know anything,” says Wehunt. So much of this job is about relationships and entering year two, I feel like we are only strengthening the relationships that are going to help get this program where we want it to be.”
One thing is clear, both Wolves programs are in good hands as they continue their ascent to the top of the Georgia High School food chain.
11.22 Vs North
GIRLS
Lions
L-R: #21 ONDREO SAWYER POINT GUARD, #42 ELLIOTT WHITESIDE FORWARD, #33 SAM JAMES, #5 CAMRYN KING POINT GUARD, #1 ANNA GRACE WELLS CENTER
PICK AND ROLL 2025 \\\\\
HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW
The Lions have built programs that expect to compete for and win championships, and even with a change in their GAPPS division that will elevate the competition, those expectations still remain.
At Unity Christian School, championships have become the norm under boys Head Coach Davy Fisher and girls Head Coach Mel Thornbury with the boys bringing home the GAPPS Class A State Championship for the 2023-24 season and the girls doing the same in 2024-25. Winning breeds expectations and how these teams have handled their success is something both coaches are quick to attribute to the foundation of faith UCS provides.
“Basketball was my identity for a long time,” said Fisher. “Jesus changed that. He used the game as a platform, grabbed my heart and put the right people in my life. That’s why I use the game, that’s why I’m coaching, because I want to be part of the group that helped change my life.”
Fisher’s focus on ministering through the sport he loves has paid dividends on the court, but it’s obvious he cares even more about the impact he can have on the lives of his players outside of basketball.
“I expect these guys to play with a clear mind, full heart and great passion,” said Fisher. “However, my expectations are not attached to the outcome or the scoreboard, but on the process every day. Seek first the kingdom and everything else will take care of itself.”
Fisher’s Lions will be led by three standout senior guards in Ondreo Sawyer, Sam James and Elliot Whiteside. All three were part of the state championship team 2 years ago, so they know what it takes to reach the mountain top and the camaraderi they’ve built on and off the court can help them get back there.
As for the Lady Lions, they enter the season with everyone back from last year's state championship roster, led by senior guard Camryn King and Forward Anna Grace Wells and will have the unique experience of having a target on their backs while moving up a division.
“The mountain is a little different this year, because (GAPPS) changed our division,” says Thornbury. “They have bumped us up in our league with larger private schools out of the greater Atlanta area. I’ve done some scouting, and I believe we are ready to compete with these teams. I believe we will still make a run there, but we do have a target on our backs, and we are going to be the new kids on the block.”
With all the experience on the roster, the off-season focus has been more about fostering the younger players and getting them ready to contribute. With all the key pieces in place for another championship run, getting those upcoming freshmen ready and part of the fabric of the team could have a huge impact when it comes to the overall depth of the team.
We have a strong senior class that is established in their leadership roles on and off the court,” says Thornbury. “Then we have a lot of younger girls that are coming into the program as well. So, our seniors have focused on how they lead and carry themselves as they help our new players. As far as our outcomes at the end of the season, I trust that if we take care of business, we can go into the playoffs in this new division and make a run.”
With the time near and the mission clear, the Lions are ready to hit the court running.
BOYS
GIRLS
WHEN THE ANSWERS YOU GET ARE THE ANSWERS YOU NEED
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