The Putnam County basketball teams celebrated standout seasons, as several players from both the boys’ and girls’ programs earned All-Region recognition.
On the boys’ side, Jmari Greene was named Region Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. Fellow senior Tamaud Woodson also earned first-team honors, while junior Jeremy Banks was named to the second team.
Senior Shamar McClendon earned a spot on the All-Defensive Team, and the program also saw strong performances from honorable mentions Jaylen Nelson, Devon Roach, and Matyus Jones.
Putnam County boys head coach Patrick Marshall said he was extremely proud of his players’ efforts.
“The season didn’t finish the way we wanted it to, but I knew going in — being ranked No. 1 in the preseason — it was going to be tough,” Marshall said. “It was new for these guys to go in knowing everybody was gunning for them. We held it together until we ran into those teams of the same caliber that stepped their game up — and we didn’t answer the bell that time. But that’s part of the process.
“You’re not going to be happy all the time. At the end of the day, only one team is going to be happy when the season ends. Ours just ended shorter than we wanted, but I’m extremely proud of these guys.”
Putnam County finished the 2025–26 season with a 23–8 overall record. The War Eagles advanced to the Class A Division I Elite Eight for the second straight year, but their season ended with an 81-72 loss to Fitzgerald.
Putnam County’s girls team was also honored, with head coach Derrick Arrington named Region Coach of the Year.
Arrington remained humble about receiving the award.
“I wish we could just put the whole town’s name on it because it’s not just a one-guy show,” Arrington said. “There’s like a village surrounding the program, and a lot of people put a lot of time and sacrifice into it.”
The Lady War Eagles received another major individual honor when freshman Jaydah Baker was named Co-Region Player of the Year alongside Lamar County’s JaZiyah Foster.
Putnam County placed three players on the All-Region first team: junior Journey Waller, senior Melody Richardson, and senior Jaikarccie Smith. Junior Eriyana Little and freshman Zikia Maddox were named to the second team, while senior Kadyn Dennis earned a spot on the All-Defensive team.
Arrington said he was proud of each of his players who earned postseason honors.
“All the girls who made the All-Region list, other coaches vote on that, so that’s a big deal for your work to be recognized by other people,” he said. “It was also a big deal for Jaydah. She doesn’t miss practice or shootarounds. We’ve got a handful of girls who were on that All-Region list, and we’re trying to build that list up.
“There are five, six, or seven girls who don’t miss any day from summer to March. That pays off.”
The Lady War Eagles wrapped up their season with a 21-3 overall record and advanced to the Final Four of the state tournament before falling to Elbert County, which went on to finish as state runner-up.