March 11, 2025—Only a few schools in Georgia have accomplished this rare feat. Winning multiple state titles is challenging enough, but winning double-digit championships is extremely difficult. It's so difficult that only a handful of schools in Georgia have done it—literally a handful, five to be exact. Wheeler became the sixth on Saturday in an exciting final 6A matchup at the Macon Coliseum against the Newton Rams.

The Wildcats got off to a quick start, leading by as many as 14 in the second quarter, but Newton refused to go away. A strong response before halftime—including a crazy half-court-plus buzzer-beater—brought the Rams within four points at the intermission, 34-30.

A back-and-forth third period seemed to swing the momentum toward Newton, but Wheeler never lost focus or stopped following head coach Larry Thompson's direction and withstood the final 16 minutes of play to claim their 10th title and Thompson's fourth since coming to the school in 2017.

"Winning the state title this season is basically putting the exclamation point on the season," said Coach Thompson proudly. "We had a ton of success this season because of team buy-in and trust. These guys played for each other most nights and held each other accountable on and off the court."

As always, Coach Thompson is being modest about his team's performance this season. Finishing out 2024-25 with only three losses, and those to nationally ranked programs early in the season, the Wildcats went on a 21-game win streak beginning in late December. Showing just now how much they improved throughout the season, the Wildcats avenged a home loss to Grayson in early December with a Final Four blowout to advance to the championship in Macon, 68-53. The Wildcat defense smothered the talented Grayson offense in the Final Four and took complete control of the game in the second half. It serves as the perfect example of just how far the Wildcats have come.

"The total team effort has been our calling card all season. That's what we teach and demand from the team. They must adopt our 'blue collar' mentality and learn how to outwork other teams, not only in games but also in practice. I think this is the most important element of our program: practicing hard and competing at game speed daily," Coach Thompson revealed about his expectations.

Not only did the Wildcats protect the basket well in their tenth championship run, but they also scored a lot as a team. They didn't rely on one or two offensive superstars; all five starters and several off the bench are capable scorers, and they did so regularly.

"We are much tougher to guard when the ball moves. On most nights, we would have 5 or 6 guys in double digits scoring," Coach Thompson said with a smile.

As proud as he is of his team, Coach Thompson is quick to deflect praise and point it to others. "We couldn't do this without our entire coaching staff. My school administration is always there for us with unwavering support. And I can't thank my family enough for their support and encouragement. But the real MVPs are the players and their families. The hours of work they put in and the time away from home do not go unnoticed. I truly appreciate them all!" Coach Thompson concluded about his double-digit state champs.

Congratulations, Wheeler, on your tenth state championship! We can't wait to see you defend your 6A title next season!