News & Announcements
The Legend of Anfernee Hanna
It wasn’t long ago that Anfernee Hanna was coming in off the bench in a varsity game as a freshman. As he grew and matured — which happened quickly — he suddenly became the focal point of the Indians’ offense.
What followed was one of the best careers we’ve seen in program history. Hanna was named by his parents after Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway, a 4-time All-Star who played 14 years in the NBA from 1993-2008. Hanna lived up to the hype, and the game has meant as much to him as it obviously did his family.
“I have played basketball for about 13 years,” adds Hanna. “The game means a lot to me. It is one sport that I can play every day of my life, and not get tired of it. Whether I win or lose, I still have lots of fun playing it.”
Hanna played all four years on varsity at Tallulah Falls, finishing his stellar career as the most winning player in school history with 65 victories suited up for. Among his accomplishments at TFS is becoming only the fifth player to reach 1,000 career points, and one of three to be a 1,000-point, 500-rebound member. His final count is 1,204 points (3rd) and 620 rebounds (2nd), along with 124 assists, 32 blocks (5th), 97 steals, 273 free throws made (2nd), and 445 field goals made (tied 1st).
He was named 2nd Team All-State following his senior season (was a Preseason 3rd Team selection), and a two-time 1st Team All-Region honoree and once a 2nd Team member. Hanna’s 18.8 points per game in his final season ranks first in school history, as he tallied 507 points (2nd most in a season). The small forward had three 30-point games in his career and five 25-plus point games. His 132 free throws made in 2022-23 is a single-season record, and his 176 field goals made in his senior year tied the mark there.
“I am very proud of all of my accomplishments that I have made here at TFS,” states Hanna. “I am proud because it makes me happy that the younger players have someone to look up to.”
Of the many accomplishments he’s achieved, it’s the team success that he says is most important.
“My favorite memory at TFS is winning the region championship game in the 2020-21 season,” says Hanna.
It was the first region title for the boys in TFS history. In Hanna’s time at Tallulah, the Indians have made the state playoffs each season, including a Sweet 16 berth in 2021-22. The team had its highest-ever ranking at #2 in 2021-22, and were ranked as high as #4 during the 2022-23 season, and #9 in 2020-21. Hanna was a pivotal player on the region championship squad, and led the team to signature victories over #2-ranked Towns County in 2021 and #4 Oglethorpe County in 2022. But of all the moments he’s had, he’ll long for the people he had them with.
“I will miss the loving community, players, staff, and coaches the most,” adds Hanna, who counts coach Cody Coleman as a special person in his life.
“My bond with coach Coleman is a close one,” says Hanna. “He pushed me to be the best I could be as an individual off and on the court. He helped me to elevate my game to the next level, and gave me the tools I needed to take my game and play at the collegiate level.”
The chapter on his basketball career at TFS is over, but the next chapter is just about to begin. To that end, Hanna is close to figuring out where he will write that next chapter.
“I have plans to play at the next level, and I will make a decision very soon on where I plan to take my talents,” states Hanna.
Wherever that will be, Hanna is sure to see his talent, attitude, and determination lead him to more success. As for the legacy he’s left behind, it now creates huge shoes for someone to step into in the years to come.