Seven basketball teams from Cobb County have advanced to the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) state tournament’s Final Four after winning their Elite Eight games last weekend. The teams moving forward are Kell Girls, Campbell Girls, Hillgrove Girls, Hillgrove Boys, McEachern Boys, Pebblebrook Boys, and Wheeler Boys.
Four of these teams—Kell, Pebblebrook, and both Hillgrove squads—secured victories on the road. Campbell, McEachern, and Wheeler played at home. Earlier rounds saw 12 Cobb teams eliminated from the postseason.
With all seven remaining teams winning in the quarterfinals, Cobb will be represented in multiple categories: Kell in the 4A Girls Final Four; Campbell and Hillgrove in the 6A Girls; and an all-Cobb lineup in the 6A Boys with Hillgrove, McEachern, Pebblebrook, and Wheeler.
McEachern Coach Tremayne Anchrum commented after his team’s win over Peachtree Ridge: “I’m so proud of George [Washington, Pebblebrook Head Coach] and [Greg] Moultrie [Hillgrove Head Coach] and Larry [Thompson, Wheeler Head Coach]. Region 3 was the best region in the state this year. We had three teams in the top six in the state. We would play them tough, and they would play us tough. This region is ready!”
Wheeler Coach Larry Thompson added: “This is what it’s all about. If you get to the Final Four, you give yourself a chance to plan for a state championship. We never take that for granted. I’m super proud of this team. We’ve been through a lot of adversity, but it was all a lesson that helped us get to this moment.”
McEachern and Wheeler are set to meet at Georgia State University (GSU) for one of the 6A Final Four matchups. The two teams faced each other earlier this season with Wheeler winning 68-59. Last year’s semifinal between them ended with McEachern victorious.
Coach Anchrum reflected on his team’s journey: “We had a down place in the middle of the year with Chase Lumpkin being hurt, and our guys were trying to figure out what their roles were. We built it brick by brick, and it has now kind of clicked in. We are looking forward to this rematch [against Wheeler].”
Chase Lumpkin’s return contributed significantly as he scored 36 points against Peachtree Ridge at Lovinggood Arena; Zach Graves added 22 points while Emmanuel Alofe contributed 13.
Pebblebrook will face Hillgrove in another semifinal matchup between familiar rivals from Region 3; Hillgrove has won all three previous meetings this season.
Hillgrove Coach Greg Moultrie said: “Competing in the toughest 6A Region in the state prepared this group to battle through adversity and grow together as a team. Our players have embraced the standard, holding each other accountable every day and fully buying into our coaching philosophy.”
Pebblebrook Coach George Washington stated: “Making the Final Four is an incredible accomplishment for our program, our players, our school, and community. It reflects the hard work, discipline, and commitment our student athletes have shown all season long. Our team has embraced the challenge of representing our school with pride, and reaching this stage is a testament to their dedication both on and off the court.”
On the girls’ side, Campbell will play North Paulding while Hillgrove faces Grayson at GSU this weekend; if both win they could meet again for a fourth time this season.
Hillgrove girls’ coach Sue Milam said: “We are thrilled to be returning to the Final Four, even more so with our boys team too! Our team created vision boards back during summer workouts with goals for the season, and they have worked hard to make them happen. I’m so proud of how hard they are competing. I feel like we are playing our best basketball right now and am excited to compete in the highest levels of the tournament. Nothing would be better than to see these young ladies finish the season as state champions.”
Campbell head coach Randy McClure makes his fifth appearance at GHSA semifinals after leading his team to its thirteenth Region 3 championship; he approaches his 650th career win but still seeks his first state title.
“These kids have worked very hard and are finally having some things come together,” Coach McClure said. “They have really grown from good individual players to being a great team. It means so much to the returning players who were eliminated in the first round last year and remember the disappointment. It’s also great for the Smyrna community. We are proud to have the privilege to represent the Campbell nation and Cobb County!”
In Class 4A competition Kell’s Lady Longhorns aim for another championship run under Coach Kandra Bailey following an undefeated region campaign reminiscent of their previous title-winning season.
Coach Bailey remarked: “I’m really proud of this group and grit and determination they’ve shown all season… We’ve faced a lot of adversity this year but our girls never backed down… They stayed together kept working kept believing in each other.”
She continued: “For past four years we haven’t been able get past Sweet 16 so breaking through making Final Four means lot for program school… Winning on road get here shows toughness… I’m proud way handled every challenge come their way but know job isn’t finished yet!”
McEachern High School participates actively within Cobb County School District which is recognized for educational excellence according to its official website. The school fosters diversity among students while promoting family involvement for academic growth (source). Its leadership includes principal Krystal Wattley along with assistant principals Kyle Adkins, Valencia Andrews, Tina Hadley and James Lockhart (source). The campus environment is designed for safety as well as effective teaching (source), aiming for high learning standards supported by communication among families (source). McEachern also holds accreditation through Cognia (source).
The upcoming games will determine which Cobb teams advance further toward potential state championships next week.
