The Gator Den was alive on Saturday, November 22, as Ware County High School hosted the 2025 Next - Level 9th Grade Basketball Showcase. The Swamp lived up to its name. The energy was high, the gym was packed, and Southeast Georgia basketball showed out from start to finish.
Programs from across the region rolled into Waycross ready to compete, bringing intensity, school spirit, and a whole lot of talent. Hitting the court in a full slate of matchups were:
Brantley County (Girls & Boys)
Camden County (Girls & Boys)
Wayne County (Boys)
Ware County (Girls & Boys) - Defending home court the Gator way
From clutch shots to defensive stands to players stepping up when the lights were brightest, the showcase delivered everything we love about basketball in the South. Young athletes battled hard, built confidence, and set the tone for what’s shaping up to be an exciting 2025-26 season for all programs involved.
A huge thank you goes out to every school, coach, athlete, parent, and supporter who contributed to such a successful day in The Swamp. Next-Level Talent. Next-Level Effort. Next-Level Basketball. The future is bright - and Saturday proved just how high the ceiling is for these rising stars.
Players of the Game
GAME 1 - Boys
Jaquan Mercer, 9th Grade - Camden County High
GAME 2 - Girls
Xyana Shellman, 9th Grade - Camden County High
Ri’Janae Buford, 9th Grade - Ware County High
GAME 3 - Girls
Anniston Bowers, 9th Grade - Brantley County High
Niya Lane, 9th Grade - Ware County High
GAME 4 - Boys
Jimmy Green, 9th Grade - Ware County High
Kris Jackson, 9th Grade - Wayne County High
GAME 5 - Boys
Tallan Collins, 10th Grade - Brantley County High
Kennan Kirksey, 9th Grade - Ware County High
GAME 6 - Girls
Reagan Conley, 9th Grade - Camden County High
Chloe Johns, 9th Grade - Brantley County High
GAME 7 - Boys
Adam Shaw, 9th Grade - Wayne County High
John Davis, 9th Grade - Camden County High
The Swamp was alive, the talent was undeniable, and the 2025 9th Grade Basketball Showcase once again proved why Ware County is a premier host for youth athletics.
The future of basketball in Southeast Georgia is in good hands—Saturday was only the beginning!
For more photos, please click the link below:
11/22/2025: 9th Grade Basketball Next Level Showcase Photos:
Go Gators!