Bryan County High School Boys Basketball Season Preview

In a season that will be remembered for years to come, the Bryan County High School Boys Basketball team made history with their best performance in nearly three decades, finishing 22-9 and earning a coveted Elite 8 appearance for the first time in 28 years. Season of Milestones Led by a talented and battle-tested group of seniors, the team posted a #6 final state ranking in Class A-DII and took on some of the toughest competition in Georgia. Six of their nine total losses came at the hands of the top three ranked teams in the state, including close contests against eventual state champion Savannah High and runner-up MacIntosh Academy, both region rivals. Standout Performers Mike Smith Sr. earned 1st Team All-Region 3A-DII and GACA 1st Team All-State. He poured in 349 points and 243 rebounds, setting the tone as a dominant force on both ends of the floor. Elijah Mincey Sr., the team’s floor general, logged 262 points and 98 rebounds despite missing time late in the season. He was recognized across the state with All-State Honorable Mentions from both Sandy Spiel and the AJC. Darius Edwards Jr. emerged as a key contributor after stepping into a starting role midseason, tallying 219 points and 113 rebounds. He developed into the team’s most reliable perimeter shooter. Chris Winfree Sr. added toughness and grit in the paint with 155 points and 177 rebounds, earning regional and local recognition. Jayden Odum Sr., a 1st Team All-Region honoree, anchored the team defensively and added 186 points and 114 rebounds. Defining Moments The turning point came in a tightly contested game against Savannah High late in the season. Despite losing Mincey in the second half, Bryan County came within four points of an upset. That fight gave the team confidence heading into the playoffs. Another pivotal moment came in the regional semifinal, when the team fell to MacIntosh Academy by just one point—proof they could hang with the state’s best. Senior Class Legacy This year’s seniors leave behind a legacy of consistency and achievement. They are the first class in program history to make four straight state playoff appearances, and they carried Bryan County to the Elite 8 for the first time since 1996. Their leadership and performance laid the foundation for the program’s rise. Future Bright with Returning Talent Coach Napier is excited about the core group returning next season: Gerbravion Collins Jr. started for half the year and dropped 24 points in the first round of the state playoffs. Darius Edwards Jr. will be back as a seasoned shooter and playmaker. Cayden Rawls and Aaden Frederick (sophomores) both logged over 200 varsity minutes, with Frederick leading the team in scoring during the Elite 8 game. With the middle school team winning a regional championship, the pipeline is strong, and expectations are rising. Offseason Goals The focus heading into the offseason is twofold: get stronger physically and become a more consistent shooting team. These improvements will be critical as Bryan County looks to build on its historic run. Stats Team stats are maintained internally and through local media coverage. For additional player recognitions, refer to AJC, GACA, Sandy Spiel, and Greater Savannah All-Area selections.