TIFTON — Tift County basketball programs had a pair of meet and greets recently ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Middle and high school boys were introduced at Eighth Street Middle Friday, which featured intrasquad scrimmages. High school girls had a session Sunday in the commons area of Tift County High.

Tift’s Blue Devils, led by Tommy Blackshear, have the current longest active streak of consecutive state tournament appearances. The streak is more than a decade longer than any of the players on the roster, stretching back to 1994.

Julie Conner-Johnson’s Lady Devils advanced to their first elite eight last season since 2013. They’ve been to the tournament annually since 2011.

Conner-Johnson noted this year’s group of five seniors had a 63-20 record over their first three seasons. Makayla Bryant, Jimmya Cushion, Nadia Kennedy, Jalaya Miller and K.K. Mitchell are the 12th graders. Miller and Cushion, both candidates for 1,000 career points, will miss a few games at the start of the campaign because of injuries.

Each player introduced herself, as well as her family at the event. Conner-Johnson had something to say on each’s abilities. Conner-Johnson said her goals were to win, but to also help each player grow into successful young women.

The Lady Devils played a scrimmage Tuesday at Tiftarea Academy. They will start their regular season Nov. 23 at the Central Macon Showcase against Jones County.

Boys and girls will make their home debuts Dec. 3 against Westover. Four road games follow before they meet Fitzgerald at The Palace Dec. 14.

Tift will have a two-day Christmas Classic Dec. 27-28. Region starts Jan. 4 at home against Lowndes.