#MarchToMacon: Cobb County's Region 4-AAAAAA is must see hoops
As the march to Macon proceeds forward, we'll take a look at what we believe is the best region tournament in each of Georgia's six classifications.
The 4-AAAAAA region is top-heavy in Cobb County as the four top teams - Hillgrove, Pebblebrook, McEachern and Marietta - have been in the Top 10 poll by the AJC at one point this season. All but McEachern have been in the Power Poll at one point this season, too.
Parity is alive and well in the region.
Pebblebrook has lost to Hillgrove and McEachern. Hillgrove has lost to Marietta and Pebblebrook. McEachern has lost to Hillgrove and Pebblebrook. Marietta has lost to McEachern, Hillgrove and Pebblebrook.
Campbell has beat McEachern and Pebblebrook, both on the road, to close out the regular season. Kennesaw Mountain and Harrison has beaten Hillgrove, too.
Translation? There is no predicting the outcome of this region bracket.
What to watch:
- Can Hillgrove do it again and make back to Macon for the AAAAAA state title? The Hawks were one of the hottest teams in the state until the final week of the regular season. The team dropped the final two games of the year. The upside? Coach Ed Morris has a roster full of experienced seniors, including AAAAAA Player of the Year candidate Kyle Castlin.
- Watch Pebblebrook closely. An aggressive non-region schedule has the Falcons ready for the post-season. A starting lineup of talented juniors, led by stellar PG Ty Hudson, can beat anyone in the region. This group is hungry after an early exit from last year's bracket.
- Marietta started strong but injuries slowed the team down in the 2014 slate. The talent is there. Can the Blue Devils right the ship this week?
- McEachern is balanced and led by seniors Logan McIntosh and Freddy Brown, who combine for 30 points a game.
- Can the upsets continue? The region always produces drama. The storyline could continue this week in Cobb County.
The region tournament will be played at McEachern High School.
Monday
#6 Kennesaw Mountain or North Cobb vs. #9 South Cobb, 5:30 p.m.
#7 Kennesaw Mountain or North Cobb vs. #8 Harrison, 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday
#1 Pebblebrook – bye
#4 Marietta vs. #5 Campbell, 5 p.m.
#3 McEachern vs. 6/9 winner, 6:30 p.m.
#2 Hillgrove vs. 7/8 winner, 8 p.m.
Friday
Semifinal, 5:30 p.m. (seeds 2-3-6-7-8-9)
Semifinal, 8:30 p.m. (seeds 1-4-5)
Saturday
Third-place playoff, 4:30 p.m.
Championship, 7:30 p.m.