Clinch County Panthers chase first boys basketball title since 1989

Team chemistry, depth fueling deep state tournament run

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:48am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Clinch County Panthers are one win away from ending a 37-year championship drought, and the players say the bond between them is what has carried the team this far. With just one senior on the roster, the Panthers spent previous seasons developing behind standout players Aaron Bryant and Jeremy Bell. Head coach George said that time was not wasted, as the team's collective ability has made the difference this season.

Why it matters

For Homerville native Coach George, the run carries added meaning, as he previously was a part of a Clinch County final four as a player. The title that eluded him on the court is now within reach from the sideline, making this an important milestone for both the team and the community.

The details

The Panthers are set to compete at the Coliseum in the state championships on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Player JaKyrie Posely said the team's chemistry and bond, having played together for most of their lives, is what sets them apart. Player Kamarion Johnson added that this year the team's collective ability, with everyone able to score, rebound, and play defense, has been the key difference.

  • The Panthers are set to compete at the Coliseum in the state championships on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

The players

JaKyrie Posely

A player on the Clinch County Panthers team.

Kamarion Johnson

A player on the Clinch County Panthers team.

Aaron Bryant

A standout player for the Clinch County Panthers in previous seasons.

Jeremy Bell

A standout player for the Clinch County Panthers in previous seasons.

George

The head coach of the Clinch County Panthers, who is a Homerville native and previously was a part of a Clinch County final four as a player.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“What sets y'all apart from other teams? I'd say our bond with each other. Most of the team we been playing together our whole life, so the chemistry's always been there.”

— JaKyrie Posely, Player

“Being that those guys were here and very effective basketball players, they were able to kind of grow and get a feel of what we want them to do in terms of the style of basketball we want here. And so now it's really showing.”

— George, Head Coach

“Past years it's been more talent like individually, but everyone is better, you know what I'm saying. Everybody can score, everybody can rebound, everybody can play defense.”

— Kamarion Johnson, Player

“Even when I got into this field I basically just asked God to show me my purpose and it's been here. I've had opportunities to leave but something about it just keeps me here, so therefore it would mean so much not only to this community but me as well.”

— George, Head Coach

What’s next

The Panthers are set to compete at the Coliseum in the state championships on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

The takeaway

This deep tournament run by the Clinch County Panthers, fueled by their strong team chemistry and collective ability, represents an important milestone for both the team and the Homerville community, as they chase the school's first boys basketball title in over three decades.