Wheeler Wildcats Set for Loaded 2026-27 Basketball Schedule

MARIETTA, GA — Wheeler High School enters the 2026-27 basketball season with a familiar target on its back. Coming off back-to-back Georgia Class 6A state championships, the Wildcats have released a demanding schedule featuring nationally recognized tournaments, interstate competition, and several marquee matchups against some of the country’s top high school basketball programs.

Wheeler has been one of Georgia’s premier basketball programs for the better part of the last 30 years, and that standard has held under head coach Larry Thompson. The Wildcats captured their 11th state championship in March 2026, defeating Pebblebrook 62-52 to finish the season 27-6. The victory marked Wheeler’s fifth state title in seven years, further strengthening a championship tradition that few programs in Georgia can match.

With another season approaching, Wheeler’s schedule reflects a program determined to compete well beyond state lines.

A National Schedule Built Around Elite Competition

Five major showcase events headline Wheeler’s upcoming season, providing the Wildcats with opportunities to compete on prominent stages throughout the country.

Hawks-Naismith Tip-Off Classic | November 21

One of the early highlights comes November 21 when Wheeler faces McEachern at the Hawks-Naismith Tip-Off Classic. The matchup brings together two of Cobb County’s most recognizable basketball programs, both with established histories of producing Division I and NBA talent.

The meeting provides an early opportunity for Wheeler to measure itself against another Georgia powerhouse before its national tournament schedule intensifies.

Holiday Hoopsgiving | November 28

Wheeler will also participate in Holiday Hoopsgiving on November 28. The annual showcase has become a significant event on Georgia’s high school basketball calendar, bringing together talented programs and prospects in a competitive environment.

For the Wildcats, the event represents another opportunity to compete in front of basketball fans, media, and college evaluators while continuing to establish their identity early in the season.

HoopHall Puerto Rico | December 3-5

Wheeler’s schedule takes an international turn in December with a trip to HoopHall Puerto Rico, an event associated with the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

The Wildcats are scheduled to face Bishop O’Connell of Virginia on December 4, adding another notable interstate matchup to their schedule. The tournament gives Wheeler an opportunity to compete outside its usual environment against programs with different playing styles and personnel.

Les Schwab Invitational | December 26-30

Perhaps the most significant national tournament on Wheeler’s schedule is the Les Schwab Invitational in Portland, Oregon.

Celebrating its 30th edition, the tournament has built a reputation for attracting nationally recognized high school programs and future NBA talent.

The 2026 field includes Wheeler alongside Millennium of Arizona, Notre Dame of California, and Rainier Beach of Washington, in addition to several top Oregon programs.

The five-day event at Portland State University’s Viking Pavilion presents Wheeler with an opportunity to test itself against some of the strongest competition on its schedule while gaining additional national exposure.

Nike Elite Classic | January 23

Wheeler returns to showcase competition on January 23 for the Nike Elite Classic. The Wildcats’ published team schedule lists Pace Academy as their opponent, while the supplied promotional schedule identifies a different matchup.

Regardless of the final opponent, the event adds another showcase date to a season built around competition beyond traditional region play.

A Championship Program With an NBA Legacy

Wheeler’s reputation extends well beyond its success in Georgia high school basketball.

The program has produced several notable professional players, including Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown, Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier, and former NBA forward J.J. Hickson.

Brown helped Wheeler capture a state championship in 2015 before becoming an NBA champion and Finals MVP with Boston. Collier continued the Wildcats’ tradition of elite guard play, developing into one of the nation’s most highly regarded recruits before attending USC and entering the NBA.

Their success represents the standard that Wheeler has established over multiple generations of basketball talent.

The Wildcats’ most recent championship team continued that tradition behind Colben Landrew, who earned Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year honors and signed with UConn. Landrew delivered 29 points and 12 rebounds in Wheeler’s 2026 championship victory over Pebblebrook.

With a history of producing high-level talent and competing for championships, Wheeler continues to attract attention on both the state and national basketball scenes.

Region Competition and the Road to Another State Title

While the national showcases will draw considerable attention, Wheeler’s region schedule remains an important part of its pursuit of another championship.

The Wildcats will face familiar opponents including Walton, North Cobb, Cherokee, Etowah, Marietta, North Paulding, and Paulding County.

Wheeler opens its season at home against Cedar Grove on November 10, followed by Eagles Landing on November 17.

Region competition intensifies in December and January before the Wildcats close the regular season in February and prepare for postseason play.

After winning consecutive state championships, Wheeler enters the season with an opportunity to pursue a third straight title and add to an already historic collection of championship banners.

The Standard Remains the Same

For Wheeler, competing against nationally recognized programs has become part of the preparation for championship basketball.

The upcoming schedule provides a combination of major showcases, challenging travel, high-level opponents, and demanding region competition.

From Georgia to Puerto Rico and Oregon, the Wildcats will have multiple opportunities to demonstrate where they stand among the country’s top high school basketball programs.

With 11 state championships already secured, Wheeler enters the 2026-27 season looking to extend one of Georgia basketball’s most accomplished legacies.