Cobb Reporter

March 4, 2025 - The high school basketball scene in Georgia is known for producing top-tier talent. Division 1 scouts frequently attend Cobb County games, where standout players like last year's McEachern graduate Ace Bailey have emerged. Bailey is currently excelling at Rutgers and is expected to be a top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Other notable athletes from Cobb include Isaiah Collier, Sharife Cooper, Isaac Okoro, and Jalen Brown.

Cobb County entered the 2025 postseason with 14 teams. By the quarterfinals, only four remained: Hillgrove Girls and Pebblebrook, Walton, and Wheeler Boys.

District Athletic Director Don Baker remarked on the competitive nature of Georgia basketball: "The high level of basketball talent that Georgia produces is across the board, and you've got to be on your game every night. Sometimes, the ball just doesn't fall your way. You can get away with a couple of those during the season, but the playoffs are a different story. It's win or go home."

This was evident as three out of four remaining teams were eliminated from the GHSA tournament last week. The Hillgrove Girls narrowly lost to Cherokee (57-54), Pebblebrook defeated Walton in overtime (77-70) but fell to Newton in a close Final Four match (56-53). Meanwhile, Wheeler advanced by defeating Grayson with a strong second-half effort (68-53) and will face Newton in the 6A Finals in Macon this weekend.

Despite their quarterfinal loss to Cherokee being difficult to accept, Hillgrove Coach Sue Milam expressed pride in her team's performance this season as they secured their first region championship since the school's opening in 2006.

"I'm very proud of winning the first," Coach Milam stated. "The Hillgrove program has been strong since the school opened... We've been to state finals but never won region. I'm excited to finally get the first one."

Coach Milam also emphasized her role beyond coaching: "I'm grateful for... sharing experiences both good and bad that help prepare them for life beyond high school... these bonds leave a lasting mark."

Congratulations are extended to all Cobb teams for another impressive season. Best wishes go out to Coach Thompson and Wheeler as they aim for another state title.