AJC > Sports > Highschools > Blog > Archives > 2009 > March > 05 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWheeler-Norcross: A state tournament basketball battle for the decade
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Wheeler-Norcross game Saturday night in Carrollton isn’t for the state championship. It’s bigger than that.
Well, almost. It’s a Class AAAAA quarterfinal, but it’s also perhaps the championship of the decade. Each school has won three state titles since 2000 and sent several big-name players into the SEC and ACC.
They’ve played each other four times in the state tournament. It’s 2-2. They’ve played twice in state finals. It’s 1-1. Wheeler has a slight edge in total wins, winning percentage, rounds won in the state tournament and major Divison 1-A signees.
Here’s a look at each team since 2000.
NORCROSS
Year - W-L record, State finish
2000 — 13-13, DNP
2001 — 17-13, 1R
2002 — 22-7, 1R
2003 — 26-6, QF
2004 — 27-2, 2R
2005 — 31-1, Runner-up
2006 — 29-4, Champion
2007 — 29-3, Champion
2008 — 29-2, Champion
2009 — 27-2, QF
Decade record — 250-53 (.825)
State playoff record — 24-5 (.828)
State titles — 3
Runner-up — 1
Semifinals — 4
Quarterfinals — 6
Sweet 16 — 7
State playoff berths - 9
Major D-1 signees - 6: Archie Miaway; 2004 (Auburn); Jodie Meeks, 2006 (Kentucky); Gani Lawal, 2007 (Georgia Tech); Jordan Demercy, 2007 (Florida State); Tony Neysmith, 2007 (Oklahoma/Auburn); Al-Farouq Aminu, 2008 (Wake Forest)
Bragging points: Norcross is the only boys team since World War II to win three straight titles in the highest classification, and the team’s 17-game winning streak in the state playoffs is the fourth-best in boys tournament history. Norcross’s 2007 state championship team had four major D-1 starters, including current ACC stars Lawal and Aminu. Norcross has graduated 22 players this decade who have played college ball, including A.J. Hawkins (Canisius), Brenton Butler (Fordham) and Daniel Emerson (Mercer) to mid-majors in Division 1.
WHEELER
Year - W-L record, State finish
2000 — 23-8, 2R
2001 — 25-6, QF
2002 — 29-3, Champion
2003 — 30-2, Champion
2004 — 23-5, 1R
2005 — 31-1, Champion
2006 — 29-2, SF
2007 — 22-7, 1R
2008 — 29-3, Runner-up
2009 — 22-7, QF
Decade record — 263-44 (.857)
State playoff record — 27-6 (.818)
State titles — 3
Runner-up — 1
Semifinals — 5
Quarterfinals — 7
Sweet 16 — 8
State playoff berths — 10
Major D-1 signees - 7: Jermario Davidson, 2003 (Alabama); Sharaud Curry, 2005 (Providence); J.T. Tiller, 2006 (Missouri); J.J. Hickson, 2007 (N.C. State); Dequan Jones, 2008 (Miami); Richard Howell, 2009 (N.C. State); Ari Stewart, 2009 (Wake Forest)
Bragging points: Wheeler is considered by many to be the team to beat this season. If the Wildcats win the title, they will have won four this decade with 19 different starters. Only Sharaud Curry (2003, 2005) has started on two Wheeler state champions. In addition to the seven major D-1 signees, Wheeler has graduated some very outstanding mid-major players. David Gonzalvez (Richmond), James Florence (Mercer) and Quennell Green (SE Louisiana) have led their teams in scoring.
Head-to-head: Here’s a recap of the four Wheeler-Norcross playoff games this decade.
2008 final: Norcross 57, Wheeler 54 (March 7) — Norcross became the first school since World War II to win three straight titles in Georgia’s highest classification. Both teams were loaded with major D-1 prospects. Norcross had Al-Farouq Aminu, the AJC’s all-class player of the year, now at Wake Forest. Wheeler’s leader was forward Dequan Jones, a great leaper. Jones signed with Miami. Norcross was ranked No. 6 by USA Today. Wheeler was No. 15. Played before 8,000 fans at the Gwinnett Arena, Norcross went up 17-2, as Wheeler seemed stage-frightened. Wheeler chipped away and took the lead in the second half. But it didn’t last long. Aminu hit a 3-pointer to break a 46-46 tie with 2:52 left and made two clutch free throws with 0:25 left for a 55-52 lead that sealed it.
2007 first round: Norcross 64, Wheeler 63 (Feb. 24) — Lines formed at Norcross High some three hours before tipoff for one of the best first-round matchups in state tournament history. Each had a McDonald’s All-American - Gani Lawal of Norcross and J.J. Hickson of Wheeler. Lawal, who would sign with Georgia Tech, played every minute for Norcross and scored 23 points with eight rebounds, three steals and six blocked shots. Hickson, an N.C. State signee now in the NBA, scored 18 points and had 13 rebounds. Wheeler had the final possession, but a runner by Corey Tower and put-back attempts by Hickson and Adrian Williams failed. “That last 11 seconds seemed like about eight minutes,’’ said Norcross coach Eddie Martin. “It was just chaos.’’ Norcross won its next three games by an average of 23 points before beating Centennial 59-58 in the final.
2005 final: Wheeler 63, Norcross 47 (March 4) — Playing at the Gwinnett Arena, Wheeler won its third title in four seasons, beating a Norcross team that was 31-0 and playing in its first championship game. James Florence, now at Mercer, hit a couple of 3-pointers in the first two minutes, and Wheeler raced to a 13-point halftime lead and was never threatened. Wheeler point guard Sharaud Curry, now at Providence, was the only holdover from Wheeler’s 2003 team.
2003 quarterfinals: Wheeler 81, Norcross 51 (March 1) — Norcross was an emerging contender in Eddie Martin’s first season as head coach but no match for defending champ Wheeler, which featured five new starters, including transfers Jermario Davidson, a former all-SEC player at Alabama, and Sharaud Curry, now at Providence. Norcross missed 25 of its firsrt 29 shots in this Georgia Dome game, as Wheeler’s signature pressure defense proved too much. Archie Miaway, who played at Auburn, was Norcross’s top player. He scored 20.
Talk back to Todd: Can Wheeler be the team of the decade if it loses three straight to Norcross?
Permalink | Comments (68) | Post your comment | Categories: Basketball, Extra Point
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By MartinsManiac
March 5, 2009 2:51 PM | Link to this
The only thing missing from this game is Eddie Martin. It would also help if Norcross had a high major player on the roster. This is Wheelers game to lose. The last 2 years mean nothing.
By uga777
March 5, 2009 3:10 PM | Link to this
norcross is the blue devils, not the wildcats
By Bill, Tourney Fan
March 5, 2009 3:26 PM | Link to this
Todd, one item to consider at Norcross, they didn’t have a real coach there until Eddie arrived. He was at Brookwood for over 20 years with much success but no big horses to beat the Wheelers of the state. Once he got started at Norcross, they won BIG. Not sure which year he started, but I think it was just 5 or 6 years ago. Yes I know he’s at GAC. That’s were he started coaching under a friend of mine, Jackie Bradford, who won 4 state titles years ago.
By An Inquiring Mind
March 5, 2009 5:40 PM | Link to this
Mr. Holcomb, do you know how many of those 19 starters were at Wheeler as ninth-graders?
By FATMAN
March 5, 2009 7:22 PM | Link to this
BILL,Tourney Fan—-Jackie a friend of mine also, did win four state titles—but for he and I don’t say years ago just say he won they (we are not old ! but years ago makes us feel that way) loved to watch him coach—Eddie also a freind—learned a lots form Jackie !!
By Devil Lover
March 5, 2009 7:33 PM | Link to this
Norcross has nothing to lose since this is a rebuilding year with a new coach. Wheeler, on the other hand, has all of the talent with the expectation that they should win everything. So maybe we are over building up this game. You don’t think that Wheeler might over look Norcross like they did Centennial and Whalton do you?
By Fin
March 5, 2009 7:36 PM | Link to this
@Inquring Minds…what difference does it make as to how many starters were there as ninth graders? If you are trying to make the correlation that players move into the area to play basketball..there is no difference than students moving to an area that has better academics.
I’m excited about this game..but am very disappointed by the GHSA’s decision to play the game way out in Carrolton. It’s not a fiscally sound move AT ALL!
By wheelerfan
March 5, 2009 7:42 PM | Link to this
lover- not at all, they want to beat norcross, why would they overlook them? they didnt overlook centennial or walton this year, centennial played better that day and won, wheeler more than made up for that december loss by dominating centenn in the region final by 20 pts…and the walton game, well that game came during a tough period with tates suspension, and as you saw the other night, walton is a pretty darn good team, so losing by 1 pt on the road is hardly a bad loss by wheeler
By Bill, Tourney Fan
March 5, 2009 8:06 PM | Link to this
Fatman, Jackie is a great guy and still very astute about the game. Saw him at the regionals at GAC at the new Long Forum. That’s a great venue for basketball or any concert, etc. Seats about 3600 and would be a place for some of the tournament in the future.
I did just say years since he won not specific. Anyway guess I’m rolling to Bama Saturday like it or not.
By BLUE DEVIL
March 5, 2009 9:48 PM | Link to this
WE GOT HEART BABY GO DEVILS!!
By highschoolfan
March 5, 2009 9:57 PM | Link to this
its just a shame that they scheduled this game at West Georgia. This game could very likely decide the winner of this years state tournament, and it is going to have very poor fan support, as in not representative of what this game means to both teams, because it is so far away.
By highschoolfan
March 5, 2009 9:59 PM | Link to this
and i believe it is Richard Howell, not Charles Howell
By Mr. Top Hat
March 5, 2009 11:26 PM | Link to this
Devil lover, Wheeler in no way is looking over this game. All of the players from last year wanted to play Norcross this year.
By Mr. Top Hat
March 5, 2009 11:28 PM | Link to this
This game will not have very poor fan support on the Wheeler side. expect to see the wheeler faithful in full force on saturday
By Todd Holcomb
March 5, 2009 11:52 PM | Link to this
Todd, one item to consider at Norcross, they didn’t have a real coach there until Eddie arrived.
and
The only thing missing from this game is Eddie Martin.
The coach just prior to Martin, David Corder, led Norcross to the state playoffs in 2001 and 2002. Before that, Norcross hadn’t been to the state tournament in 20 years. Jesse McMillan is the new coach, of course. I’ve not seen Norcross yet, but it seems the Devils are doing well considering they lost Aminu. But yes, Eddie Martin is one of the top coaches around.
its just a shame that they scheduled this game at West Georgia. This game could very likely decide the winner of this years state tournament.
You’re right. There aren’t any Class AAAAA teams in West Georgia, at least not as west as Carrollton.
Norcross has nothing to lose since this is a rebuilding year with a new coach. Wheeler, on the other hand, has all of the talent with the expectation that they should win everything. So maybe we are over building up this game.
You’re right that these aren’t necessarily the best two teams in AAAAA or the state. But it’s the rivalry and history that make it big. Even if neither wins state this year, the winner of this game can probably say it’s the best known team in the state from a national year-in, year-out perspective.
Mr. Holcomb, do you know how many of those 19 starters were at Wheeler as ninth-graders?
Without researching it, I’d say at least half, probably more. From 2005, James Florence and JT Tiller started high school at Wheeler. I think BeJay Corley and Chris Hanna did too. If true, that would be 4 of the 5 starters. On the 2002 and 2003 teams, I’d guess half or more. On this season’s team, Phil Taylor played a lot as a freshman at Wheeler.
Most any team winning Class AAAAA from here on out will have 2-3 move-ins. That’s just the way it is.
By Todd Holcomb
March 5, 2009 11:54 PM | Link to this
Also, thanks Top Hat and uga777 for pointing out a couple of errors that I fixed.
By WildcatMan
March 6, 2009 12:59 AM | Link to this
Wheeler has 4 of their 5 starters from last year’s team. However, this seems to be the team with the least amount of chemistry.
Wheeler has lost their desire to play harder than the other team, defend with great intensity, and move the ball with passes instead of dribbles. Guys stand around to watch Phil juke and jive to then shoot a three. Howell to get the ball and force a drive between three players. Ari, with his great shooting could clobber teams at the high post with great drop passes or swinging out an open Taylor for three. Tate can finish like crazy … but please play some team defense then break for the fast break.
Howell needs to rebound like Walt Bellamy, and he can!. Clear the boards and start the break with fierce outlet pass and follow down the floor. He needs to stop trying to be a point guard and dribbling up the court.
Talented Phil Taylor should take the outlet and pass the ball forward and not go to the baseline to get the ball from the rebounder, settling for a half court game, one on one game. This minimizes possessions and keeps the other team in the game. Past Wheeler teams especially the ones lead by Curry, Tiller, and Florence just wore teams out physically by pushing the past.
Athletic Ari, Super Finisher Tate, and smooth Joey should release as Howell grabs the boards. Wheeler has forgotten how to devastate teams in the open court, cause more turnovers than they commit, and share the rock.
I love WHEELER Ball. WHEELER Ball used to be defense, defense, defense yielding easy high percentage shots. We have seem some spurts of this (Centennial by 20). But please bring it back Coach Lipscomb!
I wanted Lipscomb to be bold and start the second five to begin the third quarter in the Peachtree Ridge game to let the starters know this crap has got to stop.
Wheeler has the players, the coaching ability, and the fan base to beat Norcross. But, do they have the TEAM to beat Norcross? … That is the only remaining question.
By wheelerstudent
March 6, 2009 9:08 AM | Link to this
Hey Ari has played great inspired ball since the Walton loss. They are inspired for this game this is the game they have been wanting all year long. The question is: Will Wheeler play overly emotional or will they keep it in check and lock down and focus on this game?
By Devil Lover
March 6, 2009 9:46 AM | Link to this
Norcross has been playing flat since the beginning of the regional tournament but winning the second rd game with walton at the buzzer will give them their SWAGGER back. Even though they will be out matched again phyically and skill wise like last year, I think they should come out inspired with the thought that they can be the first 5A team to win 4 championships in a row. Remember this is a rebuilding team with no D1 seniors but a group of guys with big hearts who can (sometimes) play like a well oil machine…..team.
By Todd Holcomb
March 6, 2009 9:55 AM | Link to this
Good points about Wheeler’s chemistry. I think the past two Wheeler teams have been tougher to coach because you’ve got four guys who would be The Man on most high school teams, yet they’ve got to find roles at Wheeler. Sometimes they’re scorers, sometimes they’re defenders, sometimes they’re rebounders.
Wheeler’s 2002, 2003 and 2005 championship teams had role players, guys like Chris Hanna, Mike Williams, Richarde McCray - somebody to shoot a 3, somebody to play smothering defense, somebody to rebound. It seemed to me those earlier teams beat you with intensity, while the recent teams beat you with talent.
By Devils Pride
March 6, 2009 10:13 AM | Link to this
Taariq Muhammad is definately a D-1 prospect. Has been starting guard for the last 3 season for Norcross. Look to see Muhammad and Jones show up for this game.
By wheelerstudent
March 6, 2009 10:18 AM | Link to this
Todd
Who do you take in this game?
Wheeler has more talent but Norcross has better Chemistry
Wheeler will play intense because this is the team they’ve wanted to see for a year now. I think if this turns into a running game Wheeler should win but if its slowdown it’ll be a tough grind out game. What are your thoughts about the actual game?
By Wheelerfan
March 6, 2009 10:26 AM | Link to this
Chris hanna’s role was of demoralizer, he just dunked on teams with a ridiculous leaping ability, his you tube highlighs are still fun to watch… And also the earlier wheeler teams were very deep, they played a lot of guys who were solid players, not spectacular, but they kept a breakneck pace the wholegame cause they were 9-10 deep…and devil lover last year norcross did have the top player in the state and one of the best in country in aminu so it wasn’t like wheeler had exponentially greater talent last year, aminu won that game for norcross, that’s what all-American talent players do
By Ronnie
March 6, 2009 10:43 AM | Link to this
I think WildcatMan is a huge Georgia Bulldog fan as well as a faithful Wildcat.
By Bill, Tourney Fan
March 6, 2009 11:05 AM | Link to this
Todd, You’re right about McMillan, it’s his first year but has done a remarkable job with Aminu gone and no All American. He obviously has had great mentoring by Eddie just as Eddie did by Jackie Bradford. I’ve seen most of the top teams this year and Norcross has really surprised me to be near the top all year.
My sleeper, who is no longer a sleeper is Milton with 4 nationally ranked players all Soph or younger. Wow, Boyd has done it again. Haven’t seen much mention about him but titles as 3 schools and on the way to 4. His Berkmar teams were a thing of beauty, Great team play but no AA, Arnold was the star but never got his head on straight in college.
Milton reminds me a lot of his earlier teams, I predict Milton gives Wheeler all they want in the Finals. Maybe even upset them, as some have said, Wheeler plays now to stun the crowd more than total team play and solid defense. Ripe for an upset. I remember what 3 years ago when Beach blew them out when Wheeler would have been a 8 or 10 point favorite in a betting line.
Not a special fan of any team, so just based on observation and history.
By Todd Holcomb
March 6, 2009 11:34 AM | Link to this
Who do you take in this game? Wheeler has more talent but Norcross has better Chemistry
Wheeler is the better team. Wheeler will be very difficult to handle inside. And the longer the season goes, the more chemistry Wheeler has. So almost everyone who is objective will be picking Wheeler. But it’s one game, and Norcross is one team that’s not afraid of Wheeler or anybody. So Norcross definitely can win. But Wheeler also can win and win big, especially given the motivation they’ll have. I’m going to say Wheeler by 12.
By Wheelerfan
March 6, 2009 11:35 AM | Link to this
bill- beach didn’t blow wheeler out, stunned was more like it, but they were definitely not blown out… And Milton has been dominated twice by wheeler this year already, the second time was only a week and a half ago in the region tournament, Richard howell makes Julian looks average at best, miltons not there yet, maybe in 2 years
By Wheelerfan
March 6, 2009 11:41 AM | Link to this
Wow Todd 12 might be a stretch tho I would love to see that…. If the wheeler team that dominated centennial shows up then I think we will win the game, but we all know from years past that wheeler can try to mail it in a la the beach game previosly mentioned, they looked past beach ahead to the finals and got upset… But I don’t expect them to take norcross lightly, they want to make up for the last 2 games
By NHS FAN
March 6, 2009 11:43 AM | Link to this
Wheeler will win if it is a running game? Not true. Norcross can run with the best of them. At the end of last weeks game, Walton players looked pretty tired compared to Norcross. I agree, it is Wheelers game to loose. If Norcross looses, chalk it up to a rebuilding year - new coach. If Norcross wins - great upset! Just my 2 cents.
By Golly
March 6, 2009 12:48 PM | Link to this
Anybody know where West Georgia is? just kidding. why do we have to pass up 5 major college Gyms to go and play in Carrollton? (KSU, OLGETHORPE, GSU, EMORY,and TECH) GHSA needs to go back to school and take a GEOGRAPHY Class. They have no consideration for the students, fans, economy(gas prices) etc. I’m over this..North GA / South GA B.S. After tomorrows game some students won’t be getting home until after curfew, or do they not have curfew for <18 year olds in the country. God forbit someone gets hurt or killed in an accident coming home from the 60-80 mile treck.
By Stop Complaining
March 6, 2009 1:06 PM | Link to this
I am so sick of hearing the North complain. You guys complain about EVERYTHING. First you complained about how the brackets were set up, now you are complaining about the location of a state quarterfinal game. True, it may not be in your back door as you are accustomed to (and when I say “you” I mean regions 5-8), but IT IS ONLY ONE GAME! If you think your 50 mile drive is such a huge inconvenience, then think about region 4 who ALWAYS have to go to South GA to play in all state playoffs. This year region 4 has to travel to Fort Valley State University but you don’t hear them complaining! Also, think about regions 1-3 from deep south GA who always have to come to Atlanta to play in the state finals EVERY YEAR. Stop whinning about everything…either you are going to the game(s) or you are not!
By BBall Fan
March 6, 2009 1:19 PM | Link to this
GOLLY: Poor North Georgia, you mean to tell me that the GHSA didn’t cater to you this year by having the location in our backyard? Come on! You North Georgia fans are such babies. You got so spoiled by having the location in your backyards. I guess you feel like if you have to travel more than 20 minutes to get to your location, then that’s asking to much. Stop whining. It’s not all about you! If you’re going to the games at West Georiga, then go. If not, shut up and stop complaining!
By wheelerstudent
March 6, 2009 2:38 PM | Link to this
Wheeler is the best running team in the state. Norcross’ bigs aren’t as quick down the floor as Wheelers and wheeler’s guards excel in transition. If Norcross tries to make it running then I see wheeler winning.
By MountainMama
March 6, 2009 3:38 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe all the fussing about having to drive an hour or two to get to a basketball game! Up here in Towns County, our closest single A opponent during the regular season is an hour away and it’s not uncommon for 2 hour trips on school nights. (It just can’t be more than 100 miles on school nights.) Our Lady Indians are MORE THAN HAPPY to travel to Marietta High School for their quarterfinal game tomorrow…and I suspect there will be a legion of fans there to cheer them on! (I know I’ll be there!) So quit fussing and drive!
By Bill, Tourney Fan
March 6, 2009 4:50 PM | Link to this
There is a solution to all this driving for tourney games. DO AWAY WITH CLASS BASKETBALL. There are only 2 states left doing this and Kentucky still has the largest tourney crowds in the nation outside Indiana. Having 5 classes is utterly rediculous. I think even 3 may be too many. In years past some A and AA could beat the big dogs. Mitchell Baker and Griffin now a 3A South Atlanta. A championship would mean more than having a dozen each year, well almost.
But it’s still idiotic having it in Carrolton or is it Bama for a quarter round, when no 5A is within 60 miles.
By BigBallFan
March 6, 2009 5:34 PM | Link to this
Big sleeper: South Gwinnett. People seem to avoid their extreme athletism & chemistry. Some people will be schocked when they take down milton tomorrow & make it to the finals; not saying they’ll when but they’re better contenders than Milton or any of the other highly-rated teams in 5A.Someone will be upset.
By still a fan
March 6, 2009 9:09 PM | Link to this
to the folks in the south who can’t understand why the Wheeler/Norcross fans are whining about driving to W. Georgia College for the game: it’s 50-60 miles and as someone already stated, there are plenty of closer “neutral” sites where this game could have been played. It seems like a waste of gas, time and money for these schools who are probably about 20-25 miles apart to drive twice that far to play. As far as being used to only driving 20 minutes to see the teams, the metro area is a dense population area with a large number of schools. Therefore you don’t normally have to drive that far. This game could have been played at Georgia Tech and the fans could have even taken MARTA to the game. I don’t have a stake in this game, but it is going to be a great one! But I do agree with their fans, that the GHSA made no sense putting this game out at W. Georgia College.
By Golly
March 6, 2009 9:55 PM | Link to this
to BBfan and stop complaining. stick it where the sun don’t shine. you hicks are used to the farm crap, were not. just making a statement about the drive you idiots. there are kids driving over 60 miles on unfamiliar roads, and staying after curfew to attend their high schoool game. We’ll be there because we are fans, you won’t because you are a loser and your high school only goes up to the 9th grade. your idea of graduation is middle school.
By by bbfan too
March 6, 2009 10:07 PM | Link to this
thank you for your comments still a fan. i could have not said it any better… your truly a class act.
By by bbfan too
March 6, 2009 10:11 PM | Link to this
still a fan,… could not have said it better. your truly a class act..great thoughts.
By Devil Lover
March 6, 2009 10:20 PM | Link to this
The w. Ga College thing is very simple…MONEY…it is all about making money. Since it will cost a lot less, they are banking one having enough fans to travel the distant so they can make more money. for the past three yrs it was as follows; Atlanta University, Macon Convention Center, Marrieta HS and now w. Ga College.
By TheHouseOfBlue
March 6, 2009 11:04 PM | Link to this
OVERALL RECORD FOR THE YEAR; NORCROSS 27-2 WHEELER 22-7. AVERAGE SCORING FOR THE YEAR; NORCROSS 71-55 WHEELER 72-65. 100 PT GAMES; NORCROSS 1 WHEELER 2. 90 PT GAMES; NORCROSS 3 WHEELER 2. KEPT OPPONENTS BELOW 60 PTS; NORCROSS 22 WHEELER 10.
By Defense King
March 6, 2009 11:06 PM | Link to this
Hey Todd, do you want to give me Norcross and 12 for your house?
By Stop Complaining
March 6, 2009 11:54 PM | Link to this
GOLLY: Actually, my team IS STILL in the tournament and I am not from south GA. I am from the metro Atlanta area (region 2 as a matter of fact) and I have to make the long trek to Fort Valley State University tomorrow. So before you start with your lame attempt at an insult, PLEASE KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT! Do I WANT to make that trip? NO!!! But I am not complaining!
And as another side note, I did attend the games Friday night at West GA, because I AM A BASKETBALL FAN! And guess what? I survived!
By wheelerfan
March 7, 2009 12:04 AM | Link to this
[Nerd Mode on]
HouseofBlue- lets not even pretend that wheeler and norcross played anywhere near a comparable schedule for those numbers to be of importance
Number of games vs nationally ranked team (usa today super 25) Wheeler- #1 Mater Dei #5 St Patrick #8 St Benedicts #16 Dominguez, i’ll also mention King of California ranked in usa today west regional rankings
Norcross- zero
Number of games vs state ranked opponents (gaprepcountry final poll) Wheeler- Centennial twice, Walton twice, Milton twice, Lassiter twice Norcross- walton once meadowcreek once
the 2 florida “powers” that norcross played: Choice Learning Academy 12-8 record per maxpreps Monsignor Pace 14-6 per maxpreps….Bishop Mcnamara is a quality team (they have also played a ridiculous schedule) so that was a strong win, otherwise the schedules arent even close, so listing the avg score of games and times over 100 etc, is pretty meaningless in my opinion when the schedules arent even close…i would hope norcross would allow fewer points than wheeler, if not then i would be really worried about norcross
[end nerd mode]
By HouseOfBlue
March 7, 2009 7:24 AM | Link to this
MOST CONSECUTIVE GAMES IN THE STATE TOURNAMENT NORCROSS 17 wHEELER 11. CURRENT MOST CONSECUTIVE GAMES IN THE STATE TOURNAMENT NORCROSS 17 wHEELER 2 CURRENT MOST CONSECUTIVE GAMES WON AT HOME NORCROSS 102 wHEELER 4
By THS FAN
March 7, 2009 8:39 AM | Link to this
Tucker High School senior Nick Bowers dominated Cedar Grove as he pitched a no-hitter on Friday. Nick struck out 13 hitters and walked only one batter as the Tigers shut out the Saints 4-0.
By HouseOfBlue
March 7, 2009 8:51 AM | Link to this
COMMON OPPONENTS PEACHTREE RIDGE; NORCROSS 13, 27 wHEELER 11. WALTON; NORCROSS 3 wHEELER 11, -1.
By Wheelerfan
March 7, 2009 10:08 AM | Link to this
Region championships
Wheeler 1
Norcross 0
By Ga Sports Fan
March 7, 2009 11:32 AM | Link to this
My opinion about having the games at West Georgia is that a lot of people lose sight of he fact that this is a state-sponsered tournament and these sites are pre-determined before they know who will be playing. The fact that you have two great teams from the metro atlanta area having to travel to Carollton is of little significance to the GHSA. There are also AAAA boys and girls games at this site as well and at the end of the day they try to move the games around as much as possible to try and be fair to everyone in the state. You have a lot of people in South Ga complaining about having to travel to Atl all the time for football ganes in the dome. But regardless of where these games are played somebody will always be upset about it.
By HouseOfBlue
March 7, 2009 1:27 PM | Link to this
CONSECUTIVE STATE CHAMPIONS NORCROSS 3 wHEELER 2
By Devil Lover
March 7, 2009 1:32 PM | Link to this
Last time Norcross did not win their region in 2007 they went on to beat the 5 best 5A teams in the state and captured their 2nd consecutive state championship. “Go devils”
By Wheelerfan
March 7, 2009 1:40 PM | Link to this
History lessons won’t win you the game tonight, so you can continue to live in previous years all you want… Everything I have listed is relevant to the current season, not years past
By William
March 7, 2009 2:26 PM | Link to this
House of Blue: Here are some 2008/09 REGULAR SEASON facts for you.
NORCROSS was a superficially impressive 24-1 in the regular season and their opponents consisted of (i) their nine Region 7 opponents (ii) 2 instate AAA teams and (iii) 5 out-of-state opponents. These nine Region 7 “powerhouses” were a paltry 34-37(.479) against non-region opponents, N’s AAA opponents were a dismal 24-29 (.471) and the out-of-state opponents, which included only 2 teams ranked in their respective state’s top 10 classes, were 79-51(.607). Norcross played no team in the regular season ranked in either the Writers or Coaches Georgia AAAAA polls. ON THE OTHER HAND: WHEELER was superficially less impressive at 17-7 in the regular season, 11-2 in Region 6, 6-5 agianst out-of-state opponents and did not play non-Region 6 Georgia teams. BUT, Wh’s nine Region 6 opponents were a strong 71-38(.651) in non-region games. Because so many Region 6 teams were ranked in the polls this year, WH was 4-2 against ranked instate opponents. AND Wh’s out-of-state opponents carried a staggering record of 262-57(.821) and included the top nationally ranked teams in the US (Mater Dei) and Canada (Pickering) and 9 other teams ranked in the top 10 of their state classes.
By William
March 7, 2009 2:29 PM | Link to this
House of Blue: Here are a few 2008/09 Reg. Tourn. and playoff facts for you:
If you compare performance trends in Reg. Tourn. and Playoff games 1 and 2 (total of 4 games), Wheeler would be the favorite at a whopping (-10). Norcross has the CH loss and a couple of close games, while Wheeler has 4 double-digit wins.
By Wheelerfan
March 7, 2009 2:31 PM | Link to this
Devil lover- and what’s different about 2007 team from his year? 2 allamericans and 2 other college signees…different year= different team… Regardless should be a good game, drive safe
By William
March 7, 2009 2:38 PM | Link to this
House of Blue: Here’s the bottom line for you.
Norcross brings their best game and Wheeler brings their best game and you’ll be truly BLUE tomorrow because it won’t be pretty.
BUT THIS I WILL GIVE YOU: If either team shows up without its A game, it’ll most likely be Wheeler. Of my 30+ games this year, I’ve seen them 8 times and I’ve seen them stink it up. So, if Wheeler shows up and plays a Peachtree Ridge type of game, they WILL lose.
SO WHEELER, you’ve benn crying for Norcross for almost a year and now you have them. MAN UP or you’ll be sent home again.
By Wheelerfan
March 7, 2009 2:47 PM | Link to this
Great stuff William, I agree completely, we have who we wanted, now it’s time to back iit up
By Devil Lover
March 7, 2009 3:03 PM | Link to this
Hey Wheelerfan and William I agree with you both. Just like the last two times wheeler was suppose to beat norcross but…… they didn’t. That is why we play the games.
By Wheelerfan
March 7, 2009 3:15 PM | Link to this
Last 2 times? Norcross was the better team in 2007, last year norcross had a greatplayer and won the game
By William
March 7, 2009 3:38 PM | Link to this
Heading for Carrollton gentlemen.
May the teams that want it the most prevail tonight. My good wishes extend to Norcross as well.
By Golly
March 7, 2009 4:39 PM | Link to this
ALL ROADS LEAD TO CARROLLTON.. SEE YOU THERE. GO SOUTH GWINNETT….
By NHS FAN
March 7, 2009 4:52 PM | Link to this
I sure hope the game is reffed fairly tonight because it should be a close game. Also, regarding where the games are held. If the site was set at the begiining of the year, why was it not listed on the bracket? I can not believe that it was set months ago.
By WHS > NHS
March 7, 2009 11:13 PM | Link to this
2009: WHEELER 60, NORCROSS 44
Put that in your pipe and smoke it.
By Devil Lover
March 8, 2009 12:27 AM | Link to this
Wheeler was the better team tonight. Go win the championship now. See you next year.
By WildcatMan
March 8, 2009 1:09 AM | Link to this
Hats off to Norcross, Devil Lover. The Wheeler-Norcross battles have been great for GA basketball.
I hope Wheeler doesn’t get BEACHed again. (Looked past Beach a few years ago and got stung)
Great game tonight. I think Wheeler finally has found themselves.
By lady sing the blues
March 10, 2009 10:42 AM | Link to this
Wheeler see you next year.
GO win it!
By Big Man
March 11, 2009 6:02 PM | Link to this
So does that settle the debate?