Basketball in the Athens area usually means one thing: the Georgia Bulldogs. But if you’ve been paying any attention to the local high school circuit lately, you know there’s a massive storm brewing over at Prince Avenue Christian School.
Honestly, the "Wolverines" aren't just a small-town private school team anymore. They've turned into a genuine powerhouse.
I was looking at the recent MaxPreps data from early January 2026, and the numbers for prince high school basketball are kind of wild. Just this week, on Tuesday, January 13, the Varsity Boys absolutely dismantled Hart County High School with a 69-52 win. That's not just a lucky night. That's a statement.
The Current State of the Wolverines
Right now, the Prince Avenue Christian boys are sitting on a 10-3 overall record. They’re ranked 81st in the entire state of Georgia. For a school that was struggling with a 6-20 record just a couple of seasons ago (back in 2023-24), this is a total 180-degree turn.
What changed?
Basically, they stopped playing "small ball" and started playing high-intensity, physical basketball. They’re currently sitting at #9 in their specific state division. You don't get there by accident.
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Breaking Down the Roster
It's not just about one kid. It's the depth.
When you watch them play, you notice they aren't relying on a single "hero" to bail them out in the fourth quarter. They’ve got a rotation that actually trusts each other. Earlier in the season, they went on a seven-game winning streak that included a dominant win over Walhalla.
- The Guard Play: Quick, aggressive, and they don't turn the ball over.
- The Defense: They held Oglethorpe County to just 37 points on January 6th. You can't win if you can't score, and the Wolverines make scoring feel like a chore for the opposition.
- The Coaching: The shift in culture since the JD Powell and Brandon Jones eras has been palpable.
Why the 2025-26 Season is Different
People often mistake private school ball for being "soft." That’s the biggest misconception out there. If you watch the Wolverines battle in the Lowcountry Roundball Classic, you'll see exactly how tough they are. They took some lumps against Frederick Douglass (losing 45-72) and Keenan, but those are the kinds of games that build the "armor" needed for a deep playoff run.
They’re currently competing in AA Region 8. It's a shark tank.
But look at the win against Porter-Gaud (43-40) on December 27th. That was a gritty, ugly, defensive struggle. In years past, Prince might have folded in a game like that. This year? They found a way to grind it out. That's the hallmark of a team that’s ready for the state tournament.
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Other "Prince" Schools You Might Be Thinking Of
It gets a little confusing because there are a few "Prince" schools making noise nationally.
- Prince of Peace (Carrollton, TX): These guys are the Eagles. They're currently 13-15 and led by Graham Turner, a junior guard who’s averaging about 12.1 points per game. He’s a bucket. If you’re in the Dallas area, that’s the "Prince" team people are talking about.
- Prince Tech (Hartford, CT): Known as the Falcons. They have a massive history of producing college talent like Delshawn Jackson Jr. and Tyshawn Jackson.
- Princeville High (Illinois): Their girls' team just made headlines because Lana Scott hit her 1,000th career point against them.
But if we’re talking about the team with the most upward momentum right now, it’s the Wolverines in Athens.
The Girls' Program is Also Rising
We can't ignore the Lady Wolverines. While their record (2-3) doesn't look as flashy on paper as the boys' 10-3, they are playing a brutal schedule. They have a massive game coming up against Hebron Christian on January 23, 2026.
Hebron is arguably the gold standard in the region, so that game is going to be the ultimate litmus test. If the Prince girls can even keep it close, it proves the entire athletic department is moving in the right direction.
Real Talk: Can They Win State?
Look, ranking 81st in Georgia is great. But Georgia basketball is a different beast.
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To win a state title, the Wolverines have to find a way to beat teams like Athens Academy more consistently (they lost a close one 44-49 back in December). They need more consistent scoring from their bench. When the starters get in foul trouble, the scoring tends to dip.
But honestly? They have the "it" factor this year.
The chemistry is there. The home-court advantage in Athens is real. And they’ve proven they can win on the road, with a solid 3-1 away record early in the season.
What to Do if You Want to Follow the Team
If you’re a scout or just a fan who wants to catch the hype train before it leaves the station, here’s how to stay updated:
- Check MaxPreps Regularly: Their "High School on SI" page and MaxPreps are updated almost daily with box scores.
- Watch the Region Standings: Keep a close eye on AA Region 8. That’s where the real drama happens in late January and February.
- Go to a Game: There’s nothing like the atmosphere at a Prince Avenue home game. The gym is loud, and the community support is massive.
The Wolverines are no longer an underdog. They’re a target. And watching how they handle that pressure over the next month is going to be the best show in town.
Actionable Next Steps: If you want to track their progress toward the playoffs, bookmark the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Class AA brackets. The seeds will be finalized in early February, and based on their current #9 division rank, the Wolverines are locked in for a high seed. If you're looking for specific player stats to track for your local fantasy league or scouting report, keep your eyes on the box scores for the upcoming Hebron Christian matchup—it’ll reveal who stays cool under the brightest lights.