It’s almost time to hit the hardwood! Now Georgia and reporting partner BLITZ Sports bring you team-by-team previews with the players to watch and storylines to follow as local schools tip off the 2026-27 basketball season. This preview: Dawson County’s Lady Tigers.
Head Coach: Will Anglin (5th Season)
2025-26 Record/Results: 13-13; Region 7th; No Playoffs; #9 Rank
Will Anglin’s team was dealt a significant blow last season when Maddie Siuta went down to a season-ending injury early on. But the silver lining was the chance for the younger players to get a chance to shine early. Lilly Abbott is one of those, as she won BLITZ Player of the Year as just a sophomore. With her back alongside some other up-and-coming talents, Dawson County hopes to get back to the playoffs.
PERSONNEL & STYLE OF PLAY
# of Returning Starters: 5
Key Players: Lilly Abbott, Baylee Green, Laila Woody, Kadence Rhodes, Ramsey Smith, Kinslee Negley, Alivia McBrayer
Key Departures: Maddie Siuta (Emmanuel), Ava Roberson (Georgia College)
Offensive Style: Fast-paced, defense translating to offense
STRENGTHS & CHALLENGES
Strengths: “SPEED. TEAMWORK,” says coach Anglin.
Biggest Challenges: “Size.”
EXPECTATIONS
From the Coach: “We expect to compete at a high level on a nightly basis. Region 6-AAAA is loaded with top-ten talent, and I hope our kids accept that challenge and improve each game.”
From BLITZ: With Lilly Abbott, Baylee Green, and Laila Woody, there’s a lot to like about the offense and the defense alike. The journey back to the playoffs is going to be tough, but Will Anglin’s teams have a knack for being a pesky group that no one can overlook. Dawson County should be right in the mix in the region, and it appears to be a safe bet they’ll do what they need to in order to return to the postseason.
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