SAVANNAH, Ga. — The Savannah High boys basketball team has kicked off its season with a 3-2 record as it embarks on its mission to defend its state championship title. Head coach George Brown remains steadfast in his goal: it’s state championship or bust for the Bluejackets.

With victories over Northside and Beach, Savannah High started the season strong. However, the team stumbled with consecutive losses to Butler and South Effingham. They bounced back by edging out Groves in a thrilling double-overtime win.

The Bluejackets face a challenging season after losing their entire starting lineup and four additional seniors to graduation. Among those departed is Maki Joyner, the standout player who was named the Class A Division II Player of the Year.

Despite these changes, Coach Brown is confident in his team’s ability to capture another title. “Our goal is to be ranked when March comes around,” Brown expressed. “I’m not concerned about early-season rankings. Last year, honestly, I found them to be more of a distraction. For us, rankings are just opinions that don’t hold much weight. Our focus is on what we can achieve together as a team.”

“We want to be ranked in March,” Brown said. “I don’t want to be ranked to begin the year. Actually, last year, to be honest, rankings are kind of a distraction. To our group, it always gives you something to look forward to and I just I don’t really care for the rankings. Like I say, it’s a person’s opinion, so I’m not really tripping about it.”

The next game for the state champs is Tuesday, Dec. 2 at home against Savannah Classical at 7 p.m.