Forsyth Central
Last year’s record: 9-16
Key returners: Dylan Carter, Sr.
Key newcomers: Eli Chol, Jr.; Cade Chitty, Jr.; Usman Barry, Sr.
Season outlook: Forsyth Central will lean heavily on senior Dylan Carter, who is the Bulldogs’ only returning starter from last year’s team. Carter averaged 8.6 points and 2.6 rebounds per game as a junior.
Central must replace Jake Craft and Joakeim Celestin, who each transferred to Dawson County, as well as Brandon Sherer (Piedmont College) and Anthony Roveto (Covenant).
Second-year head coach Brandon Hutchins hopes 6-foot-10 junior Eli Chol will bring some size to the middle on offense and defense.
Denmark
Last year’s record: 25-6
Key returners: Sutton Smith, Sr.; Joseph Scott, Sr.; Kourtland Tolbert, Jr.
Key newcomers: Jayden Hilliman, Jr.; Sefan Davidov, So.; Lucas Garabadian, Sr.
Season outlook: Denmark returns three starters in seniors Sutton Smith (14.3 points, 6.3 assists) and Joseph Scott (9.7 points, 6.3 rebounds), as well as junior Kourtland Tolbert. Smith is a two-time All-County selection and a University of Alabama in Huntsville commit.
The most noticeable hole in Denmark’s starting five is the absence of Robert Cowherd, who transferred to Grayson after averaging more than 20 points per game last year. Also gone is Adonnis Tolbert (Augusta University).
Still, following deep playoff runs in each of their first two seasons, the Danes figure to be one of the top teams in Region 6-7A. Head coach Tyler Whitlock said he expects each of his newcomers — Jayden Hilliman, Lucas Garabadian, Stefan Davidov — to play significant roles.
Lambert
Last year’s record: 18-10
Key returners: Marc Mauge, Sr.; James Tyre, So.; Paul Lunguana, Sr.; Luke Paris, Sr.; Joao Moreira, Sr.
Key newcomers: Mason Barnes, Sr.; Niko Wilson, So.; Matthew Whicher, Jr.; Will Sorel, Sr.
Season outlook: Seniors Paul Lunguana and Mason Barnes figure to handle the bulk of the scoring this season after the departure of seven seniors.
Lambert sent three players to the Division I ranks — Colin Granger (Ohio), Braxton Beaty (Navy), Luke Champion (Samford) — but head coach Scott Bracco said he expects his team to compete with high energy despite many new faces.
Barnes is a transfer from Dawson County, where he helped the Tigers to a 25-3 record and a region championship last season.
North Forsyth
Last year’s record: 6-19
Key returners: Aidan Kudlas, Jr.; Jackson Olson, Sr.
Key newcomers: Matthew Rouse, So.; Will Sokol, So.; Kal-El Delgadillo, So.; DJ Hyams; Braden Mullis, Fr.
Season outlook: North Forsyth looks to take the next step under third-year head coach David Sokol.
North finished 1-9 in region play last year, and was anchored by center Cory Seitz (Truett-McConnell), an All-County selection who averaged 14.9 points and 9 rebounds per game last season.
Junior Aidan Kudlas came on strong at the tail end of last season, while sophomore Matthew Rouse impressed in limited action. Sokol said the Raiders have emphasized half-court defense and rebounding this season.
Pinecrest Academy
Last year’s record: 17-12
Key returners: Oscar Lynch, Jr.; Ryan Kieffer, Sr.; Will Howell, Jr.; Colin Brown, Jr.
Key newcomers: Carter Kling, Sr.; Pat Flanigan, Jr.; Pat Frain, So.
Season outlook: A season after reaching the Class 1A Private Elite 8, Pinecrest has much to replace.
Six-foot-6 guard Oscar Lynch is the only returning starter for a Paladins squad that must also replace head coach John Bauersfeld. Jay Lynch, who led Pinecrest’s basketball team from 2012-16, will lead the Paladins. Lynch averaged 14 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals last season. Tony Carpio transferred to Providence Christian and JJ Hayes transferred to Hilton Head Prep (S.C).
Jay Lynch said shooting guard Carter Kling will be a key scorer this year, while Ryan Kieffer and Colin Brown will be defensive leaders and Will Howell and Pat Flanigan will be asked to be key rotation pieces for the Paladins.
South Forsyth
Last year’s record: 18-12
Key returners: Devin McGlockton, Sr.; Kohl Harris, Sr.; Ethan Underwood, Jr.
Key newcomers: Brandon Stoudamire, Sr.
Season outlook: Bolstered by 2019-20 Forsyth County News Player of the Year Devin McGlockton and a second-round playoff appearance, South Forsyth heads into the season with plenty of momentum.
McGlockton averaged 18 points and 8 rebounds last season, while Ethan Underwood stepped up as a sophomore to shoot 45 percent from the field and average 13 points per game.
The War Eagles picked up a big transfer in Brandon Stoudamire, who figures to give South another legitimate scoring option.
West Forsyth
Last year’s record: 18-11
Key returners: Mason Little, Sr.; Caleb Lesch, Jr.; Elijah Massard, Sr.; Russell Miller, Sr.
Key newcomers: Jake Mooney, Jr.; Mark Daly, Jr.
Season outlook: West Forsyth lost one of the top guards in Forsyth County in Broc Bidwell, but the Wolverines return several promising pieces.
Bidwell, who averaged 14.6 points, 4 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2 steals per game last season, transferred to former region foe Milton. The Wolverines must also replace Dawson County transfer Tyler Lane, as well as Joseph Staiti, Jack Bock and Nick Zabetakis, who all graduated.
However, West returns plenty of size in 6-foot-7 Jake Mooney, 6-foot-5 Russell Miller and 6-foot-4 Caleb Lesch and figures to be one of the top teams in a competitive Region 6-7A.
