With high school basketball in full swing again, the Times Free Press is taking a closer look at the Chattanooga area’s top five boys’ teams and top five girls’ teams to watch during the 2021-22 season, along with the key players who are pivotal to their success this winter as they seek deep runs in the GHSA and TSSAA playoffs.
BOYS
1. LaFayette: The Ramblers are 123-16 over the past six seasons, and their current lineup is highlighted by reigning Best of Preps player of the year Aidan Hadaway (6-foot-8, 195 pounds), a senior guard who signed with Ohio University last month. Hadaway, who set the Ramblers’ single-game scoring record with 48 points against Ridgeland this season, is hard to stop around the rim and has a sweet jumper from outside. He is the No. 16 prospect in Georgia for the class of 2022, according to 247Sports.com. Another key player is senior Jaret Barber Jr., who had 25 points and five 3-pointers in a win over North Murray last week.
2. McCallie: The Blue Tornado have playmakers all around the court, including a trio of seniors: Mercer-committed center David Craig (7-1, 270) has averaged 12 points, eight rebounds and two blocks per game while shooting 83% from the field this season; newcomer Milos Stijepovic (6-7, 200) is 20-for-52 from 3-point range; and guard Wilson Rankin (6-5, 175) can drive or score from outside. Guillaume Bogaert offers flashy passing and lockdown defense, while fellow junior Kollin Claridy brings elite athleticism and sophomore Parker Robison is a solid 3-point shooter and defender.
3. LFO: The Warriors won 23 games two seasons ago and are off to another strong start. Jamichael Davis (6-1, 155) has led Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe early by averaging 28.6 points, 13.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, three steals and 1.8 blocks per game while shooting 63% from the field and 44% from 3-point range. Fellow junior Brent Bowman has been another big factor with averages of 20.2 points, six rebounds, five assists and 1.5 steals.