locust grove Newsletter

Message from AD Willis: 

Welcome to Locust Grove High School Athletics! We are excited to kick off the 2025-26 school year. Our coaches are eager to enhance achievement and instill pride in our student-athletes both in the classroom and on the field and court. We are committed to developing champions in both competition and character, and we look forward to The Year of The Grove! Thank you to our Wildcat families and the community for your continued support of Locust Grove High School Athletics.

WINTER ATHLETICS PREVIEW

This winter season is shaping up to be an exciting one for Locust Grove Athletics, with several programs ready to compete, grow, and represent the Wildcats with pride. Our student-athletes and coaches have been working hard, and the community can look forward to a competitive and energized winter schedule.

Girls Basketball

Our girls basketball program enters the season as a new-look group, featuring a talented bunch of young players who are eager to learn, grow, and make their mark. With strong coaching, developing leadership, and a fast-improving roster, fans can expect a team that competes hard every night and builds momentum throughout the season.

Boys Basketball

The boys basketball team comes into the winter as a true region contender. This group brings athleticism, depth, and a relentless work ethic. With a disciplined offense and aggressive defensive identity, the team is poised to compete at a high level and make a strong postseason push. Expect high-energy games and a team that thrives on community support.

Wrestling

Our wrestling team continues to grow and develop into one of the school’s most committed and hardworking programs. This winter, fans can expect intense competition, strong technique, and athletes who embrace the grind. Several wrestlers are positioned for breakout seasons and postseason success.

Basketball Cheer

Our winter cheerleaders are ready to bring the energy all season long. They will support our basketball teams, energize the crowd, and represent Locust Grove with spirit, professionalism, and pride. Their presence plays a big role in the game-day environment.

Swimming 

Our swim team continues to build a competitive presence in the region. With athletes dedicated to improving their times and technique, fans can look forward to exciting meets and strong individual performances.

What the Community Can Expect This Winter:

• A family-friendly, exciting game-day atmosphere

• A boys basketball program competing for the region

• A young, energetic girls basketball team growing each game

• Increased student involvement and school spirit

• Competitive teams that embody the Wildcat standard

• Enhanced game operations with safety, organization, and professionalism

• Community engagement opportunities and themed nights

• Athletes who compete with passion, integrity, and pride

Locust Grove Athletics looks forward to welcoming our fans, families, and community members for a great winter season. Your support means everything to our student-athletes and coaches.do 

SPOTLIGHT ON TEAM,PLAYERS, AND COACHES

This winter season, Locust Grove Athletics is proud to highlight the dedicated coaches who lead, mentor, and inspire our student-athletes. Their hard work behind the scenes shapes the success of every program and builds the foundation of Wildcat excellence.

Coach Clayton – Head Boys Basketball Coach

Coach Clayton enters the season with a focused vision and a determined group behind him. Known for his strong leadership and strategic mind, he has positioned the boys basketball program as a true region contender. His coaching style emphasizes discipline, unselfish play, and defensive toughness—values that have helped shape a competitive and confident team. Under his direction, fans can expect high-energy matchups, intense preparation, and a group that represents Locust Grove with pride.

Coach Beasley – Head Girls Basketball Coach

Coach Beasley leads a new-look girls basketball team filled with a talented group of young athletes eager to grow. With patience, structure, and a player-first approach, he is building the foundation for a strong future. His emphasis on fundamentals, accountability, and team chemistry has already energized the program. Coach Beasley’s ability to develop young players and encourage confidence makes this group one to watch as the season progresses.

Coach Rey – Swim Coach

Coach Rey continues to elevate the Locust Grove swim program with enthusiasm, technical knowledge, and a commitment to helping each swimmer achieve their personal best. He is known for creating a supportive and disciplined training environment that encourages athletes to push past their limits. Under his guidance, swimmers are making notable strides in stroke technique, endurance, and competitive performance. The program continues to grow stronger each year thanks to his leadership.

Coach Meadors – Wrestling Coach

Coach Meadors leads the wrestling program with unmatched dedication and a passion for developing mentally tough, technically sound athletes. He brings structure, discipline, and a competitive edge to every practice. His commitment to teaching fundamentals—along with instilling hard work and resilience—has positioned several Wildcats for standout seasons. The wrestling program continues to rise because of his steady leadership and belief in his athletes.

Locust Grove Coaches: Leaders On and Off the Court

These coaches not only prepare their teams for competition; they help shape character, confidence, and leadership in every student-athlete they mentor. We are proud of their dedication and grateful for the impact they make within our athletic community.

key winter dates

As we move through the winter season, here are several important dates for our Wildcat community to mark on the calendar. These events highlight major matchups, championship opportunities, and special celebrations across our programs.

Basketball

• Rivalry Game – Locust Grove vs. Ola

A high-energy matchup that always brings out the best in both teams and the community. Expect a packed gym and a great atmosphere.

• Locust Grove vs. Eagles Landing Christian Academy (ELCA)

A competitive non-region showdown featuring strong talent on both sides.

• Senior Night – February 3

Join us as we celebrate our senior basketball players and cheerleaders for their leadership, dedication, and contributions to Wildcat Athletics.

Wrestling

• Region 2-4A Duals

A major championship event where our wrestlers will battle for seeding, postseason positioning, and the opportunity to advance to sectionals. This is one of the most competitive meets of the season.

Swimming

• County Swim Meet

Our swimmers will compete against programs across the county in one of the biggest meets of the season. Look for strong individual times and continued improvement across all events.

ATHLETES TO WATCH

As the winter season gets underway, several Wildcats are already emerging as key contributors, leaders, and impact players. Here are a few athletes who are expected to make major waves across their programs.

Boys Basketball

Tyler Jones enters the season as a strong candidate for Preseason Player of the Year and has been getting increased college interest since this summer. His leadership, scoring ability, and comp etitiveness elevate the entire team. As a member of the District SAAC, he also sets the standard off the court with maturity, academic commitment, and student leadership.

Kaden and Kennedy Union, known across campus as “The Twins,” bring valuable senior leadership to the boys basketball program. Both athletes play multiple guard positions and provide stability, poise, and intelligence on the court. Their experience, communication, and ability to control the tempo make them important anchors for the team this season.

Girls Basketball

Taylor Jones is a freshman who has already been holding her own in the paint against upperclassmen. Her toughness, fearlessness, and physical presence make her stand out early. She brings energy, rebounding strength, and a quickly developing skill set that will be a major asset to the team's future.

Wrestling

Brandon Armstrong brings strength, discipline, and a relentless work ethic to the mat. His technical improvement and mental toughness position him as a major contributor heading into region competition.

Chris Tapia enters the year as one of the most improved wrestlers in the program. His determination, conditioning, and competitive fire make him a threat in every match and a key wrestler to watch during championship season.

Swimming

Ava Rhodes continues to rise as one of the most dependable and competitive swimmers in the program. Her work ethic, stroke development, and ability to perform under pressure have made her a standout heading into the county meet.

ATHLETE(S) OF THE MONTH

Football: Darion Newton (Big Swole) is a tremendous leader within our football program and consistently excels in the classroom. Darion was selected as an All-Region Defensive Lineman.

Eleanor Wilde, who earned a course personal record at state and demonstrated outstanding leadership and determination throughout the season.

ACADEMIC AND LEADERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS

Tyler Jones – Boys Basketball

Tyler Jones continues to set the standard for what it means to be a true student-athlete at Locust Grove High School. With an impressive 4.4 GPA, he is already academically qualified for college and demonstrates the discipline needed to succeed at the next level.  Beyond athletics and academics, Tyler also serves on the District SAAC Council, where he represents Locust Grove with professionalism, maturity, and a strong voice for student-athlete leadership.  His commitment to excellence in the classroom, leadership on campus, and dedication on the court make him a role model for Wildcats across all programs. Tyler embodies what it means to compete with character, purpose, and pride.

Athletic Director Contact: michael.willis@henry.k12.ga.us          School Website:  lgh.henry.k12.ga.us/     Address:  3275 S Ola Road, Locust Grove, GA 30248