The Starting Five Taylor Handte Guard School: Lakeview Height: 5-7 2012 stats: 16 points, 6 rebs., 2 steals, 2 assists per game Tavia Sykes Guard School: Flowery Branch Height: 5-10 2012 stats: 14 points, 5 rebounds per game Kaela Davis Guard/Forward School: Buford Height: 6-2 2012 stats: 18.5 points, 6.5 rebounds per game Haley Gerrin Forward/Center School: Habersham Central Height: 6-2 2012 stats: 18 points, 9.5 rebs., 3.1 assists, 2.1 steals per game Kristina Nelson Forward/Center School: Buford Height: 6-4 2012 stats: 10.2 points, 6.2 rebounds per game Team Previews Banks County Coach: Jerry King Region: 7-AAA 2011-2012 record: 15-12 Returning starters: C Kaitlyn Duncan (6-1, So.); PG Taylor Kennedy (5-8, Jr.) Key contributors: SG McKenna Rylee (Sr.); C Haley Warner (6-1, Jr.); SG Lauren Carter (5-4, Jr.). Key losses: SG Madison Franklin, PG Deasha Beasley Notable: Division-I prospect Duncan led the team in rebounds last season and is expected to be a leading contributor again. …Rylee returns to the team after taking a year off. …Franklin and Beasley combined to average 25 points per game last season. …The Leopards upset then-No. 1 Rabun County last season before suffering injuries that hurt their chances in the region tournament.Buford Coach: Gene Durden Region: 7-AAA 2011-12 record: 25-8; Region 6-AA champ, state Class AA runner-up Returning starters: G Kaela Davis (6-2, Sr.; 18.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg); C Kristina Nelson (6-4, Sr.; 10.2 ppg, 6.2 rpg); F Mackenzie Darrah (6-4, Sr.); PG Maya Dillard (5-6, Sr.) Key contributors: C Bree Horrocks (6-5, Jr.); G Camile Anderson (5-8, So.); G/F Caitlyn Dawkins (5-4, Jr.); G/F Tara Dambach (5-6, Jr.) Key losses: PG Andraya Carter (6.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg), G Kallie Case Notable: A loss in last season’s state title game ended a run of three straight championships, but the Lady Wolves appear loaded to make a run at another. ... Carter is now at the University of Tennessee, but Buford got accustomed to playing without her as she missed most of last season due to an ACL injury. ... Five Lady Wolves are committed to college programs; Davis is ranked as the No. 2 player in the country by ESPNU.Chestatee Coach: Web Daniel Region: 8-AAAA 2011-12 record: 19-11; second round of state tournament Returning starters: F Maegan Kenimer (6-2, Sr.; 15 ppg, 8 rpg, 1.5 bpg); G Erin Clifford (5-6, Sr.; 6.8 ppg); G Samantha Brown (5-9, Sr.); PG Bridgette Kelly (5-5, Jr.; 5 ppg) Key contributors: SF Katie Arthur (5-6, Sr.); PF Danielle Stephens (5-10, Sr.); SG Deanna Bradberry (5-6, Jr.)Key losses: G Emily Crain (7 ppg, 40 percent 3-pointers) Notable: With two solid post players and capable shooting guards, Daniel said his team will have an inside-out approach. ... The Lady War Eagles will look to push the ball down court, but will mainly play in the half-court offense, relying on passes and movement. ... They will continue to use their signature 2-3 zone, but Daniel said the team will look to press more and show more man defense because his players possess the size, quickness and intelligence to make it effective.Commerce Coach: Rex Gregg Region: 8A-A 2011-2012 record: 5-15 Returning starters: F Lily Mather (5-9, Jr.; 7.5 ppg, 10.5 rpg); F Hanna Davis (5-10, Jr.; 7 ppg, 7 rpg) Key contributors: PG Madison Maddox (5-4, Sr.); F McClaine Martin (5-6, Sr.); G Bridget Barnett (5-6, So.) Key losses: PG Drea Mathis, F Erica Greene, F Allie Morgan Notable: Mather was a team leader in points per game and rebounds per game last season. …A number of players on this Lady Tigers team have varsity experience, and Gregg believes that the entire team will have to be strong and contribute this season. …Commerce could see appearances from young players Tremelia Sims (So.) and Libby Lance (Fr.).Dawson County Coach: Steve Sweat Region: 7-AAA 2011-12 record: 12-13 Returning starters: PG Carly Gilreath (5-8, Sr.; 14 ppg, 3.3 apg); F Allie Costley (5-11, Sr.; 7 ppg, 5 rpg); F Sheyenne Seabolt (5-11, So.; 7 ppg, 5 rpg) Key contributors: G/F Kacie Bearden (5-7, Sr.); G Hannah Porter (5-9, Sr.); G/F Whitney Glover (5-8, Sr.); C Kenna Seitz (5-8, Sr.) Key losses: G Morgan Huber (6 ppg) Notable: Gilreath is a three-year starter and will be looked at a leader on a team that includes six seniors. ... The Lady Tigers have their sights set on snapping a long playoff drought, though Sweat said he expects the region to be challenging as Dawson County moves up to Class AAA. ... Sweat said the Lady Tigers used numerous different starting lineups last year, allowing many returning players to earn quality experience, which should benefit Dawson County this season.East Hall Coach: Joey Rider Region: 7-AAA 2011-12 record: 26-4, Region 8-AA champions, second round state playoffs Returning starters: PG Latisha Shelton (5-4, Sr.) Key contributors: G Chelsea Dale (5-6, So.); G Natalie Winters (5-8, Jr.); G/F Aleayah Hendrix (5-7, Sr.) Key losses: PG Jasmine Jenkins (18 ppg, 5 rpg, 3.2 apg); G/F Morgan Jackson (20 ppg, 6 rpg, 2 apg); F Audrianna Lindsey (9.4 rpg); G Holly Lester (6 ppg).