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DEL.ICIO.USSouth Cobb has goods to battle Wheeler
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If you go by Wheeler’s record and its talent and its coach and its history, another AAAAA championship is on the horizon. Depth and skill, leadership and confidence, the Wildcats possess it all.
So why are folks so smugly confident at South Cobb? Hang out around the No. 2 Eagles and the feeling is almost touchable although unsaid: We have the goods to wear the crown in the end.
Having eyeballed them Friday night at home, I say its optimism is understandable. Indeed, South Cobb just might have enough depth and talent and heart to end Wheeler’s run.
The operative word here is might. Doug Lipscomb has built a program at Wheeler that is the envy of many. Last year, when the expectation was that Louis Williams-led South Gwinnett would take it all, Lipscomb’s squad rejected the notion and took the title.
The heart of that run was point guard Sharaud Curry, a poised floor leader who never seemed to be fazed by pressure. Curry’s gone now, as are other key members of that team. But Lipscomb doesn’t rebuild; he regroups. And so, with such transfers as heady guard Adrian Williams, Wheeler again looks to be of championship quality.
All that noted, South Cobb just might have the resounding answer. It is a team of style and substance, personified by its best player, John Wesley Matthews III — known to you as Wes Matthews.
The 6-foot-4, 204-pound senior, who has more than 1,600 career points, comports himself on the court with a self-assuredness and confidence that permeates the Eagles. He can get his shot off anytime he wants, but instead he shares the ball without hesitation.
In the first half of their 101-60 cruising over Pebblebrook —clinching an undefeated season in the region — Matthews took just six shots (five made) in the first half, including a power dunk, a deft shot in the lane, a 3-pointer from the top of the key and a trey from the right wing.
The diversity of those baskets shows the completeness of his game — and he sports a 4.167 GPA (magnet program) and scored 1200 on the SAT, which shows he’s a complete person.
Meanwhile, he has teammates who complement him nicely. Steve Spurrier landed South Cobb basketball bruiser Terrance Campbell. Eagles quarterback Austin Kelly brings maniacal hustle. Kenny Russell attacks the basket with authority. Adam Callaway brings strong defense. Garrison Johnson is an energetic crowd-pleaser who likes to play above the rim on the fast break. And then there’s Gifford Blakely, a senior who opened the game with a dunk.
And on and on. Coach Tommy McWhorter has grown with the team, and has his players performing and believing. He’s promoted a balance concept that his players have accepted. But it all starts and ends with Matthews.
He rang up the most efficient 28 points you could imagine Friday night, surely impressing the scouts from Miami and Notre Dame who were there to see him.
There’s a lot of ball to be played before Wheeler and South Cobb could meet in the postseason. The champs have every reason to believe they can get it done again. But they lost Curry, a special talent — and the Eagles still have Matthews.
And that right there just might be the difference.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Categories: Curtis Bunn
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By NY Joe
February 4, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this
I saw the Eagle against Norcross when they facedd off a few weeks back at Campbell. Jodie Meeks from Norcross was the best player on the floor, but the Eagles were poised throughout. Great athletes and more than that, great discipline. Matthwes is a gem. Bunn, you’re right, they could certainly give Wheeler a run for their money. Whoever wins state this year will definitely have earned it.
By PD from SC
February 4, 2006 08:41 PM | Link to this
Great article! I saw Curry play during his yrs. @ Wheeler and he was a tremendous player. I’ve watched Wesley Matthews play since he was in the Junior Program @ SC. He is a class act on the court, in the classroom and just in general. We’re proud to say he’s from SC! I’m betting on SC in the state!!
By KP @ GT
February 4, 2006 09:44 PM | Link to this
I was a student at Wheeler during the 2002 and 2003 championship years and made it to all of their state tournament games in 2005. What I learned from watching Coach Lipscomb’s teams is that he is won of the best game planners around. With that every kid on his team buys into the system. Each player on the team is just as important as the next. For as much talent and style and quality as any opposition has, Lipscomb will always have his team prepared and can adjust to always put his players in the best position to excel. I look for Wheeler to capture another state title, not because they are the favorites, ranked No. 7 nationally, but because Lipscomb will never let his player acknowledge an accomplishment or a goal until it is reached. They will be ready for any challenge. Especially meeting South Cobb at Morehouse.