A historic season for the Wildcats resulted in a region title and a second straight deep playoff run. Losing one of the best to ever play for Rabun County in Connor McKay certainly hurts, but there are some key players back from last year’s run along with athletes who have waited their turn. In an all-new region, coach David Adcock will hope for similar results even if it’s with a new cast of characters.

HEAD COACH: David Adcock (5th Season)
2021-22 RECORD: 23-6, Region 8-AA Champions, 2A Sweet 16, #8 State Ranking
RETURNING STARTERS: Cooper Welch (8 ppg, 5 rpg, 3 apg)
KEY DEPARTURES: Connor McKay (All-State, Region POY, BLITZ POY, Lander University), Gus Hood (Covenant College), Grayson Carver, Clayton Dixon, Bear Old
KEY PLAYERS: “This year team has a good mix of seniors (Jayton Henry, Nathan Thompson, Evans Palmer, and Mike Swager), Juniors (Cooper Welch, Willie Goodwyn, Jack Hood, Tristen Burrell, Jarret Giles, and Paul Picciotti), as well as newcomers (FR Huey Blalock, SO Michael Bone, and SR Noah Legault),” says Adcock. “This group will provide a great amount of depth and flexibility across multiple positions that will allow us to create mismatches on offense, while being able to defend in multiple ways. Cooper Welch is our lone returning starter and we will look to him and our seniors for leadership.”
OFFENSE: “Our offensive style is based on our opponents, and line ups,” adds Adcock. “We have the ability to run through multiple sets (5 out, 4 out 1 in, and 3 out 2 in) based on our personnel and matchups. We try to dictate pace based on time and score and stretch opponents out to create mismatches.”
STRENGTHS: “The depth we possess will be a definite strength that will allow us to match up well offensively and defensively with almost anyone on our schedule,” states Adcock. “We have 6 players who have the ability to shoot over 40% from distances which will open up the paint for players like Willie Goodwyn, Jack Hood, and Cooper Welch.”
BIGGEST CHALLENGES: “With the loss of 4 starters from last year’s team, our biggest challenges will be seamlessly stepping into new roles and excelling at them,” says Adcock. “We graduated our 2 primary ball handlers, but we feel confident that we have the ability to fill in these positions and continue to build upon the success of last season.”

Point blank, the Wildcats will have a bullseye on their back after back-to-back playoff runs that show this program is a force to be reckoned with.

“Our goals – compete for the region title,” says Adcock. “And advance to the Sweet 16 and compete for berth into the Elite 8.”