Cobb Schools held their 6th Basketball Media Day on October 31, and the coaches and players on the nine 6A teams in the District are ready to play. Cobb owns Region 6 and with all nine teams vying for one of four coveted playoff spots, the region will certainly see some competitive action this season.

Hillgrove coach Greg Moultrie has spearheaded the Media Day since he started it when he was at South Cobb. "Hillgrove has been so accommodating and receptive in hosting," Coach Moultrie said. "They have given us everything we needed with no questions asked. Every school in the District is represented. I am very happy with the turnout this year."

Last year's 6A state champ, Wheeler, will be strong again this year with several players returning from last year's championship squad. Kell, the team Wheeler beat to take the title in Macon, is looking to build on last season, albeit with many different faces. "I think you'll see more of a team effort this year," said Kell head coach Jermaine Sellers. "I think we'll see some guys step up this year and take on bigger roles."

Another team that always looms large in the region is Allatoona, and Coach Chad Phillips is optimistic. "I am excited for this upcoming season," he said. "We will once again be competing against some of the best programs in the state and nation." The Bucs are rebuilding, as they lost their entire starting lineup to graduation. "What we lack in varsity experience, we make up with grit, focus, hard work, and determination," Coach Phillips continued. "We will battle each and every game, giving our opponent our very best."

South Cobb has a new face on its sidelines. Eagle head coach Hollis Bethea is looking forward to competing against familiar teams in his new surroundings in Austell. "It’s a been great few months building this team and getting to know the players here at South Cobb," he said. "The guys have been working hard and continue to make good progress. I am very excited about our future and look forward to the season."

In East Cobb, second-year Sprayberry head coach Mike Marchese is looking to continue building on the positive direction of last year's season. "We made strides last year towards rebuilding," he said, "but there were some obstacles—most obviously Covid—which resulted in limited time to gel as a team. The bulk of the roster returns and Sprayberry will have improved depth at all positions, as well as more length and size in all positions. Look for a much more enthusiastic and cohesive Yellowjacket team to continue pushing forward towards returning to its winning ways." 

Over at Lassiter, Ben Kitzrow was honest about the challenges facing his mostly young team. "We have a strong sophomore class that we are very excited about," Coach Kitzrow said. "They are a group that is talented and deep. They are young but are going to be asked to be ready to go up against a very good region. We are returning four varsity players and only one of them is a senior. Those returnees will be a big part of our team and our season."

Good luck to all 6A Cobb teams as this year's hoops season begins. There will be a lot of fireworks in this region come January. Keep your Tuesday and Friday evenings open for attending some of the most competitive basketball games in the state!