The Forever 14 Girls Basketball Showcase took place over the weekend, launching the basketball season for 12 teams, including six from Cobb County: Hillgrove, McEachern, Pebblebrook, Pope, Sprayberry, and Walton. The event was created to honor Allison Carroll, a Hillgrove graduate who died in a car accident in 2018 at age 24.
Allison Carroll was remembered for her dedication to education and mission work. She graduated from Hillgrove High School in 2012 and the University of Georgia in 2016. After earning her degree in Education, she returned to Cobb County to teach at Dowell Elementary School.
Her father Ed Carroll and family friend Phil Branon established the Allison Carroll Forever 14 Scholarship Fund with support from Hillgrove’s basketball coaches. The scholarship provides a one-time $1,000 award to Hillgrove students who demonstrate strong character and community impact.
“This was our fifth year of hosting the showcase and was probably the best one,” said Hillgrove Head Coach Sue Milam. “We had the largest amount of teams participate and raised about $4500 for the scholarship fund. Several basketball media outlets were in attendance, as well as college recruiters.”
The event featured games between local schools at Hillgrove’s Fowler Gymnasium. In one matchup, Walton defeated Collins Hill with senior Lauren Kent named Player of the Game. Sprayberry secured a win over Pebblebrook; Mikyla Wilson earned Player of the Game honors for Sprayberry.
Pope overcame McEachern with Abbey Bensman recognized as Player of the Game for Pope. Host team Hillgrove beat South Gwinnett behind Kierra Jackson’s performance; she received Player of the Game honors after scoring 26 points along with six rebounds and five steals.
Coach Milam reflected on her team’s effort: “I was pleased with our team’s performance,” she said. “I thought they set the tone of the game with their defensive intensity and did a good job with offensive execution and shared the ball well.”
Other notable performances included Aeris Macon contributing 21 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks for Hillgrove while Shelby McCall added seven points and seven rebounds.
Coach Milam also spoke about Allison Carroll’s legacy: “Having coached Allison, this cause is very dear to me. I watched her grow up, and I know her parents. I love that we are able to give back to Hillgrove students who excel in sports and academics, and who share the same moral compass that directed Allison’s life. The scholarship is a great way to continue to shine the light that Allison put into the world,” Coach Milam concluded.
Cobb County girls’ basketball teams are entering a new season marked by high expectations following their participation in this showcase event.
