Five Cobb Schools basketball programs have received Top 20 state recognition with the most current Georgia rankings. Usual contenders Pebblebrook, McEachern, and Wheeler are no surprise on the list, but Osborne and Hillgrove are also garnering state-wide respect with their hardwood play.
With a 15-2 overall record and undefeated in region 2-7A, the Pebblebrook Falcons (#2 in GA) are picking up right where they left off last season. The Falcons were eliminated from last season's 7A state tournament in the Final Four by Milton, who went on to claim the 2021 state title. This season they have already beaten Milton, as well as Newton, the current top-ranked team in the state. At this pace, the Falcons will easily be the odds-on favorite to win the 2022 7A title.
A fellow Region 2-7A powerhouse, the McEachern Indians (#8), were also eliminated from last year's state tournament in the Final Four, with a one-point loss to Berkmar. The Indians are ready for redemption in 2022, led by new head coach—and former Pebblebrook assistant—Tremayne Anchrum. The Indians scored an impressive trio of wins in early December over Wheeler, Hillgrove, and North Gwinnett, followed by a win over Top 10 Grayson in mid-December. Circle the February 1 rematch between McEachern and Pebblebrook on your calendar now.
As the only unbeaten team in Cobb, the Osborne Cardinals (#11) have been impossible to ignore this season. The Cardinals have been methodically tallying wins in a region filled with top talent (Region 6-6A). Key matchups with Pope, Allatoona, and Wheeler await the Cardinals as they enter their region schedule. The prevailing wisdom in this region has always been that it's anyone's game, especially later in the season. The Cardinals will need to be at their very best to keep their undefeated season going.
Last season's 6A state champs, the Wheeler Wildcats (#17), are also playing impressive ball right now. After losing the majority of last year's team to graduation, the Wildcats needed to pivot and rely on experience earned from bench players. It seems to be paying off with an 11-3 overall record. The Wildcats enter the second half of their schedule undefeated in region play (7-0) and hungry for a repeat of last year's postseason victories to earn a third consecutive state championship. Keep your eye on the 'Cats as they close their regular schedule with two games against Osborne before their final game at Kell.
With new coach Greg Moultrie on the sidelines, the Hillgrove Hawks (#19) have been quietly gaining confidence and wins. A loss to Powder Springs rival McEachern in early December is the only ding on the Hawks' 13-1 record. A grueling region schedule lies ahead for Hillgrove, as they must face Walton twice, not to mention Marietta, Harrison, and North Cobb. With an uphill fight to close out the season, the Hawks will get the experience they need to make a long postseason run.
With these five teams making up one-quarter of the top 20 programs in the state, Cobb basketball is continuing its dominance. Contributing four of the eight teams left standing in last year's Final Four in both 6A and 7A, Cobb Schools is once again poised to show the state how it's done on the basketball court. Way to go, Cobb!
