Prep Zone

By Allen

February 14, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this

I have seen Wheeler play several times this year and they are something to watch when you are not the opposing team. Can not be anything but impressed with the talent and the quality of the coaching. That being said, I can not help be hope to see someone give them some competition and make the state tournament more than a race for second place. Cherokee gave them the best game I have seen in the region 6 finals. Have to believe Wheeler wants to be challenged as well so if they do prevail as state champions, they can be satisfied they had to work for it. Hopefully there is a team in the state that can give them a game.

By Richard

February 14, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this

Norcross is gonna get all in that a*!!!!!!!! Norcross will win state and beat wheeler this year……..They have faced good opponents outside the state… They know they can be beat. Which makes them more hungry. Wheeler has not been beat. We were undefeated going into the State Champ game last year. Things will definately be different. If anything it will be a whole better game than last year.

By DaBoss

February 14, 2006 06:09 PM | Link to this

Norcross has a chance, but Wheeler just looks too good

By abdul

February 14, 2006 07:47 PM | Link to this

Wheeler has lost one game to the number one team in the whole country… they have beaten 3 or 4 of the top teams in the country… talk about getting challenged?? Norcross??? who??? yeah the same team that lost by 10+ points last year to wheeler in the finals… who has Norcross beat that was ranked top 25?? i cant recall a team… dont talk about the region when u put in your third string on a team when they were up by 31 at the end of the third quater… you guys i GO TO WHEELER HIGH SCHOOL!!!!!! first hand experience i’ve watched Norcross i’ve watched Wheeler… NORCROSS AINT GOT NOTHIN ON WHEELER!!!!. WHEELER 2006 STATE CHAMPIONS!!! Mvp of the Championship game my boy B.J. CORLEY! watch out for the future of Wheeler basketball at pg COREY TOWERS ( yeah he’s that good) …

By john

February 14, 2006 09:08 PM | Link to this

South Cobb will kill wheeler and take state back Austell where it belongs

By Mark

February 14, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this

John Hollis wrote “and once again top-ranked and defending state champion Wheeler is the prohibitive favorite.”

Last year Wheeler was not even ranked in the 10 pre-season polls. Perhaps it was their early loss in the previous state tourney combined with nearly all reurning starters. Hard work ethic and great coaching prevailed! All last year AJC covered S. Gwinnett and Williams like the dew. Meanwhile Wheeler clobbered teams like pre-season #8 Pope 60-24 by half-time with incredible defense and fast paced offence.

The Wheeler-S.Gwinnett was a great game last year. Certainly, South had better talent. Wheeler, however, out hustled the State Championship right out of South’s hands. Play back the game and you will see Louis and Mike Mercer bent over grasping for air during the second quarter.

This style is classic “Wheeler” ball with Lipscomb keeping the pedal to the metal. Norcross might have the single best talent in Meeks, but South Cobb beat Norcross with “Wheeler” ball, relentless defense and fast paced offence. Norcross wilted in the end.

Last year Wheeler had to beat S. Gwinnett and Norcross to win state. Norcross’s only tough game was Wheeler. Look at this year’s barcket. Norcoss only has two other state ranked teams on their side, Meadowcreek (9) and Milton (8) and only one of those will make it to see Norcross. Then it is clear sailing to the championship game, assuming fast improving Cherokee doesn’t catch Norcross down the bracket in round two.

Wheeler on the otherhand will likely play Shiloh (6) in round two, then South Cobb (2) in round three, then the winner of Tri-Cities (4) and Fayette Co. (5) in round four to reach the championship game.

Wheeler does at times miss the sure handed, three point shooting Sheraud Curry at point from last year, but they still come at you with a fierce three guard defence and a strong power forward - center combination. It is hard to go cold shooting dunks.

Conclusion: Just like last year, the state championship game will be played in the third round…at Morehouse, Feb 25 at 2:30 - Wheeler verses South Cobb. South Cobb has the speed and shooters to challenge Wheeler. Edge goes to Wheeler with strong inside game.

By Ruprick

February 15, 2006 02:01 AM | Link to this

SCH…WE ROCK DA HOUSE!!!

By fidel

February 15, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this

man please wheeler aint nothing they going to play peachtree ridge high school in the second round and thats gona be it for them cuz my squad gona get all up in that a@#

By Eric

February 15, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this

Please give credit where it is due!! Westlake Lions is once again underfeated at 28-0!!!!!!!! They showed that they could any team when they won the peach state classic again!!!!!!! Coach Rogers has those guys ready to go underfeated again just like in 2000!!!!!!!! Put Wheeler up against the West Lake Lions!!!!!!!!

By Allen

February 15, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this

What has the Westlake Lions get to do with AAAAA baskeball state tournament??? They are a AAA team. I agree that South Cobb has the best chance to upend Wheeler. I was completely unimpressed with Norcross in last years championship, especially afer going undefeated to that point. They did not even give Wheeler a game - period. Maybe they are better this year - guess we will find out?

By abdul

February 15, 2006 05:34 PM | Link to this

plz.. read your obscene writing before you write it!! WHAT IS GOING THRU EVERY1’s mind oh yeah the weather changed outside so you think you got a chance.. HAHA!!! you guys make me laugh… PLZ.. SOUTH COBB???? just sit down when and whne we play south cobb in the playoff’s and the result of the game is concluded Wheeler will be on top.. WRITE THAT DOWN its destiny… 2006 STATE CHAMPS! THATS WHEELER HIGH SCHOOLS DESTINY! i am done with all you people who have no idea what you guys are talking about!!! plz give me some sort of argument telling me how south cobb has an ANSWER FOR THE number 3 ranked junior in the country in J.J. HICKSON!! 6’8 come on he will make his mark that come with 32 point and 14 rebounds 4 blocks and 3 assist yes i said it… A BIG GAME FOR THE MAN INSIDE!

By asfd

February 15, 2006 07:28 PM | Link to this

Your boi J.J Hickson isnt to hott….there is a sophmore J.C. Ward at Marietta who was the countys(that includes wheeler) #1 rebounder and got about 4 more rebounds a game then J.J. He didnt get to play in the wheeler game due to injury so u didnt see him in action so when your boi J.J. stop getting out rebounded by sophmores then u can talk a little more.

By abdul

February 15, 2006 11:25 PM | Link to this

doesnt matter about rebounds he’s a beast in the paint you cant stop him unless u get him in early foul trouble and it happends when he gets the rebounds loose ball fouls and stuff like that he’s #3 in the country for juniors so u kno wat? marietta aint gotten nothin but aaron gilstrap and u kno wat? he went to wheeler high school his freshman year and i rember him in middle school and my freshman year we had a few classes together he’s good but marietta just doesnt have the team nomor maybe next year they will be a power house and dominat

By James David Williams

February 16, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this

At one time I thought Savannah High could give Wheeler a run for their money, but I was in Savannah last week, and noticed that they lost their point guard. A team who won’t run won’t beat Wheeler. If Casey Mitchell who is an offensive machine scores 30 or more as he has done several times they might have a chance, but if he plays as bad as I hear his grades are SHS is doomed. Blame the coach for this talented boy not getting a scholarship by insisting he get his class work. Obviously there are no more coach carters out there!

By Jasen

February 16, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this

Why everybody has been talking about wheeler there is a team in the AAAAA that they need to fear and that is TRI-CITIES BULLDOGS. The bulldogs has lost only 2 games this year and both was under 6 points. This team is very talented and athletic. I have seen them more than once this year and wheeler need to bring their A-game when or if the make it to play them. My boys are ready so hope that they are ready!!!!!!!!!

By steven

February 16, 2006 08:14 PM | Link to this

look ppl i went to wheeler they are that good i’ve played with them. and whoeva said westlake beatin wheeler beata check it…we talkin bout AAA and AAAAA basketball…a Nationaly ranked #7 team and i went no knock on mah boi A.j and patrick they are good but they cant handle J Flo and J.T… ohh and for the south cobb fan question…whrn was the last time yall had a state title…enough said…if u wanna find out for ur self come to the game Friday:febuary 17 at 7:30 and wheeler

By abdul

February 16, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this

savannah state u guys are funny as anything you kno wat it takes to be number 7 in the whole country yeah you can’t be a joke and serouisly everyone else will find out at the end of the season that wheeler is ranked #7 in the country for a reason and #1 in the state… upsets happen… but not with this years Wheeler squad just toooooooooo gooood and doo much depth and school that has the history of winning and a coach that knows how to win come on you guys there isnt a better coach in the state of georgia then DOUG LIPSCOMB himself… wheeler will take anyone in the state of georgia and kill em’ thats why there number 1 and 7 in the country and the other high schools arent… face it you know it wheeler is tooooo goood and iA they will win state with year

By brian

February 16, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this

i will admit, wheeler is legit. But Westlake could definitely beat them. Forget that they are AAA THIS IS HIGH SCHOOL not the NCAA, both schools arguably have some of the best talent in the state. Why won’t the GHSA let each class winner play to see who’s really the best?

By Robert Lumpkin

February 17, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this

Let’s not get too cocky Wheeler fans. I also have find myself routing for Wheeler, but you have to admit that this is not the same situation they are used to. Wheeler has never won a state championship as the favorite.

On the other hand, the first two rounds of the state tournament should not be too tough for the Wheeler squad. Wheeler’s student body this in the past two years has really raised the home court advantage in the Dougnasium. Ever since the origination of the “Gametime” chant, you have not been able to hear anything in that gym. Not only that, but it seems as if the student body is very informed. The way they know Trevor Gaskins, Connor Nolte, and Chris Singleton’s names, and apply them in chants is something I have not seen in ages.

Wheeler continues their style of play that they have been running for the past 13 years. Coach Lipscomb is a big game coach, and I expect him to prove that against South Cobb (if that is the matchup that occurs). Let’s not forget that there is a reason he has all that jewelry on his fingers.

Ignorant people that get on here and say WheElEr GonE GeT uP In DaT @$$, need to chill out. You are overlooking teams with players like Wesly Matthews, Kenny Austin, Jodie Meeks (Kentucky), Gani Lawal (Georgia Tech), Chris Allen (Michigan State).

Biggest Joke of a 21 win season~Milton. Someone give Trevor his pacifier back for the end of his season.

By Eric

February 17, 2006 01:11 PM | Link to this

That’s what I’m talking about brian!!!! WESTLAKE LIONS!!!!! Coach Rogers is about to make History again!!!!! He led the Lions to a 33-0 record in 2000!!!! And he’s about to do it again in 2005!!!!! Wheeler is good, but they can’t beat Westlake!!!!! Sorry folks, it’s a done deal!!!!! Just ask the teams that played the LIONS this year!! They no!!!!!!! And I feel sorry for the teams that still have to face them!!! The LIONS has the most talent!!!! Holla

By abdul

February 17, 2006 01:12 PM | Link to this

wheeler has a player named jj hickson who could go to any ncaaa schoooll he wants… yes even duke or unc! there both recurting him and i saw both colleges the other day at wheeler talking to him

By abdul

February 17, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this

WESTLAKE LIONS!! LOL WAT A JOKE dude there not even ranked so why even talk… wheeler is ranked and could kill the lions in a game

By Alex

February 17, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this

You cannot compare Norcross’s last years team to this year’s they are two totally different teams. Last year, as well, Norcross had a very easy schedule through the season, we had a tough game against Wheeler and we were not prepared for that and Norcross choked. This year Norcross had a much tougher schedule and has truly come together as a team during region play-offs. I think Wheeler can be beat. I also think it would be a lot more interesting if the GHSA wasn’t so corrupt and wasn’t getting paid off by wheeler to approve all of their transfers.