Bibb County Media Day Tips Off Basketball Season with “Filling the Gap” Theme

Southwest boys and Central girls headline Media Day as teams aim to build on last season’s success

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – As high school football playoffs heat up across Georgia, the focus in Bibb County is shifting to the hardwood. The 2025-26 basketball season officially got underway Thursday night with the county’s annual Media Day at the Thompson Complex – where all 12 programs gathered under this year’s theme, “Filling the G.A.P..”

Coaches and players from across the county took turns previewing their upcoming seasons, reflecting on growth from last year and the work still ahead. Two programs drew particular attention – the Southwest Patriots boys and the Central Lady Chargers, both poised to make deep postseason runs once again.

For Southwest, the goal is redemption. The Patriots finished 27-3 last season, capturing the Region 2-A Division I regular-season title and advancing to the GHSA Class A Division I state championship before falling in a heartbreaker at the Macon Coliseum. Head coach Monquencio Hardnett returns a veteran core led by Chase Dupree, C.J. Howard, Ronaldo Callaway, and Montese Green, a group that was back in the gym just three days after that title loss.

Hardnett said his biggest focus this season goes beyond basketball.

“It’s way more important to me that they become better young men than basketball players,” Hardnett said. “Of course, we set goals and try to win it all, but I want them to enjoy the journey. Any loss for us is a lesson for them – that’s what matters most.”

Southwest opens the new season Nov. 15 at Northside against Beach at 10 a.m.

Meanwhile, Central’s Lady Chargers, led by head coach Tamara Bolston-Williams, are also on a mission. After a 21-6 finish and a 12-1 region record, the Chargers’ season ended earlier than expected. With a strong junior class returning, Bolston-Williams said the team’s focus remains on defense, discipline, and developing confidence after last year’s adversity.

“I just want these girls to be confident,” Bolston-Williams said. “Once that confidence kicks in, everything else will handle itself. Nobody’s coming to save them anymore — it’s their time to emerge and step into their own.”

The Lady Chargers tip off their season Nov. 15 at the ELCA event at 2:30 p.m. Countywide scrimmages begin Tuesday as Bibb basketball officially shifts into gear.