TENNESSEE

District 5-A

With the move from District 6, Arts & Sciences should be tough. Grace Academy, a state semifinalist a year ago, should be a strong team with senior guard Brandon Herman, an NCAA Division I recruit. Senior Dexter Peterson is the only returner from Tennessee Temple's Class A state-runner-up team.

District 6-A

Marion County and South Pittsburg are the early favorites. Marion's Warriors return 6-foot-8 post Cody Henegar, who committed to UNC Greensboro, and senior guard Corpeio Brocks. Once football is over, South Pittsburg will return seniors Malcolm Jones, Terrell Robinson and Jiajuan Fennell, who combined to average 48 points per game last year. Signal Mountain returns a solid nucleus from last year and could be a sleeper.

District 5-AA

McMinn Central returns two returning starters, talented point guard Branden Simpson and athletic wing Josh Moss. Coach Danny Green returns to head the Sweetwater program and has junior point guard Corey Billingsley, who might be the district's top player.

District 6-AA

The toughest district in the area by far. Brainerd, Howard, Red Bank and Tyner all could claim the district championship, and the same four teams could comprise the Region 3-AA semifinals. East Ridge could be a sleeper with some talented players returning, as could Hixson, which returns 6-foot-4 forward Randy Boyd.

District 7-AA

Although there is no clear-cut favorite, Chattanooga Christian and Sequatchie County both have talented players. Sequatchie sophomore guard Daniel Cartwright and CCS senior forward Jordan Harris are considered two of the best players in the district, but with some young talent, Notre Dame could be the district's sleeper.

District 5-AAA

Cleveland is far and away the preseason favorite in the district. Senior Ish Sanders was the district and region MVP a year ago, while Terrell Parks, Jamial King and Marcus Davis have the Blue Raiders primed for a state tournament run. McMinn has added some athleticism and should be tough, led by senior post Cy Ables, but keep an eye on both Ooltewah and Bradley Central. Both have young, talented players who could jell by January.

Division II

McCallie's Chad Lee leads a solid list of returners, but all eyes are on 6-foot-4 sophomore Jordan Price -- the top-ranked sophomore shooting guard in the country. Baylor will be led by sophomore guard Leo Born and junior guard Tyler Martin.

GEORGIA

Region 6-A

The graduation of all-state guard Tyshawn Good at Darlington has leveled the playing field. The Tigers still will be talented, but Bowdon has the most talent returning, while Gordon Lee may have the region's top player in senior guard Grayson Chambers.

Region 7-AA

This will be a two-team race between two state-tested units. Defending region champion Dade County has the firepower to make a deep playoff run, while Chattooga, led by Rashad Ramsey and Sinorise Perry, is the most athletic team in the A sub-region. The B sub-region is wide open, with Armuchee, Pepperell and Model the slight favorites.

Region 6-AAA

Until proven otherwise, Ridgeland is the prohibitive favorite in sub-region A after going undefeated in league play last year and returning all-star Dewaun Harrison. LaFayette, with two athletic forwards in Tyler Burse and Dimitri Miles, could pose a challenge. Carrollton and Cedartown are the top teams in sub-region B.

Region 7-AAAA

Hillgrove is the team to beat in this massive 15-team region. Dalton, with football stars Shaquon Moore, Jalen Fields and Watts Dantzler leading the way, is the most athletic of the area teams, while Northwest Whitfield and 6-foot-5 Nermin Delic need backcourt help to contend.