November 4, 2026 — A new high school basketball season brings fresh opportunities, new challenges, and plenty of reasons for excitement across Cobb County. As teams prepare to take the court, coaches are focused on developing team chemistry, building leadership, and finding ways to compete in what promises to be a challenging season.
From experienced senior classes ready to lead the way to young players stepping into bigger roles, six Cobb programs are preparing to make their mark. Here's a look at what fans can expect from these programs this season.
Allatoona Buccaneers
For Head Coach Hannah Beth Baker, one of the most exciting parts of Allatoona's upcoming season will be watching experienced players take on leadership roles and seeing their hard work pay off. Several players have been with her since she took over the program two years ago, and she is eager to see them step up as leaders.
The Lady Bucs will face some early challenges, including three varsity players sidelined with season-ending injuries. That means several younger players will have opportunities to contribute, and Coach Baker is encouraged by their enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
Seniors Sophie Macurak, Alana Edwards, and Taylor Battleson will help establish a culture built on support, encouragement, and determination. On the court, sophomore Addie Gray returns as a key contributor after averaging 15 points, four rebounds, five steals, and three assists per game. She will be joined by junior Skylah Tiggs and freshman Samara Machua.
With a young roster and plenty of opportunities for players to grow, Allatoona will focus on intentional practices, game-like situations, and developing the skills needed to compete. Baker is looking forward to seeing the team's returning players lead the way while younger players gain the necessary experience.
Kell Longhorns
The Lady Longhorns enter the 2026-27 season with a large dose of experience. Head Coach Kandra Bailey is excited to return the majority of last year's roster after graduating just one senior. That continuity gives the Longhorns a strong foundation as they look to build on team chemistry and take on leadership roles.
Their biggest challenge is a new classification and region after moving up to Class 6A. With tough competition expected throughout the region, the Longhorns will need to be ready to compete every game.
Seniors Asiah Thompson, Maliyah Gilbert, McKenzie Green, M'kya Johnson, and Maddie Harden will provide leadership and experience. Coach Bailey is counting on them to set the tone through hard work, communication, and accountability.
They will continue to emphasize their hallmark of strong defense, while focusing on improving every day. With a veteran roster and a talented senior group motivated to leave their mark on the school, the Lady Longhorns are ready to embrace the challenges ahead.
McEachern Indians
Head coach Phyllis Arthur says this season is all about growth and maturity for her Lady Indians. With eight returning players, they have an opportunity to build on their existing relationships and develop a stronger team bond that will be needed for a successful season.
Coach Arthur identified maturity, camaraderie, leadership, and developing a team-first mentality as areas of focus. Establishing a "We before Me" approach will be especially important as the team works to come together and improve on last season.
The senior class of Elisa Malone, Summer Edwards, Kiyah Simmons, and Ava Couzens will be expected to take on leadership roles and help set the team's identity. Embracing this responsibility will be key to building strong connections on this season's team.
McEachern's goal is straightforward: to get better every day and become a stronger, more unified team. With a new season ahead and a renewed focus on teamwork, Coach Arthur and the Lady Indians are ready to take the court.
North Cobb Warriors
Building team chemistry and developing individual skills are two top priorities for Lady Warrior Head Coach Jarae Savage. She wants to create a culture centered on hard work, accountability, and confidence and is looking forward to seeing the Lady Warriors grow both on and off the court.
One of the team's biggest challenges will be bringing together players with different strengths, experiences, and skill sets. Coach Savage says that communication, trust, and consistency will be essential as the Lady Warriors establish their identity and respond to adversity.
Jaidyn Taylor, Isabella Vargo, Hananiah Bell, and Kayden Rush will serve as team leaders. The senior class includes Taylor, Ja'Myah Hamilton, Javae Johnson, and Yannie Majors. Coach Savage expects her seniors to lead by example during practices, conditioning, games, and team activities.
"I want them to create an environment where every player feels valued," she said.
This season, success will be about more than what happens on game night. Coach Savage believes her seniors have the opportunity to help establish a lasting "team-first" culture and leave a legacy that moves the North Cobb program forward for years to come.
South Cobb Eagles
The Lady Eagles want to make some noise in their new region, and Head Coach Lasonia White says her senior class is ready for the challenge. She is especially excited to see the seniors lead the team, having coached several of them since their freshman seasons.
Jordyn Martin, Kimora Starling, Aliceson Lewis, and Destini Woodard will lead the way for South Cobb. After years of hard work and development, Coach White anticipates that these four seniors will take on leadership roles and help establish and reinforce the program's standards.
The team will face several challenges, including sharing athletes with flag football, a lack of height, and the need to adjust to the new region. They will not have a junior varsity squad this season due to roster constraints, making player development and building depth especially important.
On the court, the Lady Eagles will focus on finishing around the basket, maintaining consistent defensive pressure, making smart shot selections, and playing hard whistle to whistle. "I am expecting our seniors to set the example through hard work, accountability, and trust," Coach White said.
Despite these challenges, the Lady Eagles will compete every night, regardless of the opponent or circumstances. The program is committed to helping the girls develop the skills, discipline, and confidence needed to compete. They will be ready to represent South Cobb with pride.
Walton Raiders
Head Coach Matt Kelterborn believes his team is ready to turn the page after a disappointing finish last season. He is excited about the opportunity to coach this year's team and says they are eager to take a step forward.
"Our region is one of the strongest in the state," Coach Kelterborn said. "Seven out of the eight teams would have qualified for the state playoffs last year if PSR [Post Season Ranking Formula, being used by GHSA for the first time this year] was being used. Many teams did not graduate any players or had very small senior classes, so the region will be even more challenging this year."
Seniors Evie Harkey, Karina Barton, and Ayla Inan will lead the Lady Raiders this season. All three bring valuable experience and understand what it takes to compete at a high level.
Coach Kelterborn is counting on his seniors to lead the team and push to meet the demands of a difficult schedule. With a motivated group and plenty to prove, the Lady Raiders are ready to meet the competition head-on and make the most of the opportunity.
As the new basketball season gets underway, these Cobb Schools programs will look to their returning players, emerging leaders, and team-first attitudes to help set the tone for the months ahead. Let's go, Cobb!
