If there was a year marked out to be in tune with Rabun County, this is ‘The Year’ to do it. The Wildcats have maybe the best player in North Georgia in Huey Blalock, and several veterans around him along with freshmen phenoms Trace Adcock and Cord Burrell. These boys can flat out shoot, and have sights set on getting past the Elite 8.

PRESEASON INFO

2024-25 Record: 23-6; State Sweet 16; Region Champions
Head Coach: David Adcock (8th Season)
Returning Starters: 3
Key Departures: Michael Bone (Toccoa Falls), Chase Alonso (transfer to Rabun Gap), Macade Huff (transfer to Banks County)
Key Players: Huey Blalock – SR (Region POY, 1st Team All-State), Hayes Free – SR F, Reed Burrell – JR, Colton Crane – SR, Khanii Thompson – JR, Hayden Cannon – JR, Cord Burrell – FR, Trace Adcock – FR

“Rabun County returns three key starters from last season which combined for 45 points per game,” says Adcock. “Huey (5’10 SR PG) averaged 20 points, eight assists, and three steals and is entering his senior season with 1,250 career points and 608 career assists. His IQ, motor, and skill make him hard to contain, opening up the floor for his teammates. Hayes (6’8 SR F) has had a great offseason improving his game in all facets. He averaged 15 points, eight rebounds, two steals, and two blocks, and is entering his senior season 300 points shy of the 1,000 point mark. His shooting ability and ability to move without the ball make him a match-up problem for opponents. Reed (6’1 JR) is a tremendous two-sport athlete and is one of the most versatile players in the area. He averaged 10 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals and is 400 points shy of 1,000. His skillset and ability to play anywhere on the court puts a lot of pressure on opposing defenses. Colton (5’10 SR), Khanii (5’9 JR), and Hayden (6’3 JR) are also returners who are very good defenders and know how to play their roles to perfection. We also bring in two freshmen this year who are going to have to learn on the fly, Cord Burrell (6’1) and Trace Adcock (6’4). Both are very skilled, high-IQ players. Cord is a strong facilitating guard who can play anywhere on the court and sees the floor very well. Trace’s length, ability to score and make plays will open up lanes for his teammates to attack.”
Offense: “We run a 5-out read and react motion style offense predicated on ball movement, spacing, and creating mismatches. The Wildcats will look to play up-tempo and put as much pressure on the defense as possible.”
Strengths: “This will be one of the most skilled teams 1 through 5 that Rabun has had,” exclaims Adcock. “Their ability to move without the ball and play off one another will make them hard to defend. They have five players who are capable of scoring 15+ any given night, and four players who could shoot around 40% from three. We have four players who are able to lead the break making it easy for them to get out in transition as they look to improve on their 72 points per game average from last season.”
Biggest Challenges: “Our biggest concerns this year will be our ability to rebound and defend inside, although we do return leading rebounder Hayes from last season. The biggest area that we will be working on this year is defensive consistency.”

“Rabun’s expectations will remain the same,” adds Adcock. “The Wildcats look to compete for a region title in competitive Region 8-A D1; hopefully repeat as region champions for the first time in school history. Rabun would also like to advance to the Elite 8 and give themselves a chance to make the Final 4.”

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