February 25, 2026 — The Wheeler High School Athletic Hall of Fame (HOF) announced the Class of 2026 inductees. Featuring student-athletes from the 1970s through 2015, the honorees sport impressive resumes.
“This year’s Class represents four decades of the seven that Wheeler has been competing in athletics,” Wheeler HOF committee member Tim McDaniel pointed out. “One football player, one baseball player, two basketball players, and two softball teams are represented in this Class. Each individual and the members of the 1977 and 1978 softball teams reflect the best of what Wheeler High School is all about. Their character and commitment to their team and their school resulted in success that deserves recognition."
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Basketball star Jaylen Brown is likely the most recognizable of the inductees. As a senior, he led the team that became the 2015 6A State Champions, earning individual accolades including McDonald’s All-American, Parade All-American, and Mr. Georgia Basketball. After one successful college season, Brown also became an NBA star, leading the Boston Celtics to the 2024 NBA title and earning the NBA Finals MVP. In January, the four-time NBA All-Star was honored by having his high school jersey number retired.
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Sharaud Curry flashed brilliance on the Wildcats court ten years before Brown. Curry was a 5-foot-10 scoring dynamo who won two State titles at Wheeler, as a sophomore (2003) and as a senior (2005). He finished his high school career as the third all-time scorer with over 1,800 points in three seasons, and he added 530 assists. Putting up impressive senior season stats, Curry was recognized as the 2005 Class 5A Player of the Year by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Marietta Daily Journal, and the Georgia Sports Writers Association. Curry eventually played professionally overseas, winning multiple MVP awards.
Joey Monahan found success at Wheeler as a versatile baseball infielder. His 1999 senior season earned him Georgia Dugout Club All-State honors and First Team All-Cobb County honors. Monahan went on to play for Liberty University, where he became a Freshman All-American and two-time All-Conference player. His 85 career stolen bases remain a Liberty record. Monahan joins his brother Sean (HOF Class of 2009) in the Wheeler Athletic Hall of Fame.
Inductee Hal Shaw also joins his brother (Bill, HOF Class of 2015) in the Wheeler HOF. Shaw played football for legendary Wildcats coach Corky Kell (HOF Class of 2009) in the early 70s. In Shaw’s senior season of 1973, he was a key lineman and linebacker on the team that enjoyed an undefeated regular season before losing in the State Championship Game. Following that season, the Wheeler coaching staff named Shaw the Team Most Valuable Lineman, which was followed by other honors, including All-Cobb County, All-Region, All-Metro Atlanta, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution All-State Team.
“I was surprised and humbled,” Mr. Shaw recalled about learning of his inclusion. “I never really thought they would call me. Looking at the other names on this list this year and from previous years, there are some great players. To even think that I’d be mentioned in the same breath is exciting and humbling.”
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Joining the individual inductees of the Class of 2026 are two Wildcats softball teams. The 1977 and 1978 “Wild Kittens” teams played before the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) sanctioned softball as a high school sport. Without a statewide title to chase, this era was limited to vying for county championships. The 1977 team posted a 19-2 record on its way to winning the Cobb County Championship game, which it clinched in dramatic fashion, ending the game with a title-winning triple play. The following season’s team had to replace three starters who had graduated, but still went 17-3 and repeated as Cobb County Champions. Head Coach Jim Mau (HOF Class of 2009), who had previously won the 1975 GHSA Baseball State Championship at Wheeler, led both of these softball squads.
“In the ‘70s,” Coach Mau pointed out, “if your team won the Cobb County Championship, you were literally considered the State Champions of Georgia. That’s how strong Cobb County softball was. These teams deserved induction. Even though they didn’t have ‘State’ on their trophies, they were the best in the state of Georgia.”
These inductees were set to be celebrated in a ceremony that was eventually canceled due to severe winter weather. Instead, they were presented publicly during a recent Wheeler basketball game.
“Each of their stories reflects dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” Wheeler Athletic Director Barry Bowdre said in praise. “These are all qualities that define the very spirit of Wheeler. Standing alongside them reminded me of the powerful legacy our community continues to build. Their achievements not only inspire our current students, but they also strengthen the foundation for generations to come. I am grateful for the opportunity to recognize their impact and to help preserve their place in our school’s proud history.”
Undoubtedly, the merits of their careers warrant recognition. Congratulations to all of the inductees.
h/t photos provided by Wheeler High School Athletics Hall of Fame
