Savannah Arts has been one of the most consistent teams in the state this season. The Panthers are currently 13-1 and are riding a seven-game winning streak. This performance has earned them the top ranking in the Class A-3A Private classification. Savannah Arts has been strong in recent years, making the quarterfinals in two-straight seasons, but this season feels different.
In each of the past two years, the Panthers fell short of a region title, losing to Pierce County both times. This year, however, they’ve already secured the region championship due to previous victories over Pierce County earlier in the season.
The team has never won a state title, but this year, they are arguably the favorite, a surprising development considering the class includes five defending state champions. On top of that, four other teams in the classification made the Final Four last season.
While the Panthers have been a solid program in the past, no one outside the team could have predicted the kind of season they’re having. A large part of their success comes from the scoring duo of Jordan Gunn and Amelia Reci. The two have combined for 58 goals and 24 assists. Both rank among the top 30 in the state in goals, with Jordan Gunn tied for eighth. Gunn also ranks sixth in assists and is currently fourth overall in total points.
The path to a championship won’t be easy. The two biggest hurdles for Savannah Arts are Lovett and GAC, both defending state champions. GAC spent most of the season at No. 1, but a loss to Lovett dropped them to No. 3. Lovett now holds the No. 2 spot with an 11-2 record, with the Lions’ only losses coming to Class 4A No. 2 Cambridge and Class 6A No. 2 Buford. Lovett’s resume includes wins over three currently-ranked teams in the private class, including GAC and No. 6 Holy Innocents’.
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