As winter approaches, so does yet another promising season for the North Atlanta men’s basketball program. Friday, November 10, at 7:30, is when the Warriors begin their 2023-2024 campaign against Druid Hills. Months of long nights and early mornings in the gym for the Warriors have all been in anticipation for this Friday, preparing to show the city what they’re made of against a skilled Red Devils team that went 16-13 last season. No doubt after having this one circled on the calendar for months, North Atlanta hoops is ready to go out there and give it all they’ve got.
After a mediocre season for 2022-23 going just 6-19, the program expects to have a much better year overall. Despite the loss of key seniors such as Izaiah Louro and Joshua Goode, it seems the Warriors have reloaded and developed into a more well-rounded squad. This can be attributed to a combination of returning upperclassmen, a junior class ready to step up, and promising new transfers. Players like returning senior Josh Griffith, juniors Brooks Allen and Will Overby, and the high-flying Tyler Thompson all fit the aforementioned mold as they all look to make a serious impact. “The chemistry and overall skill level of the team overall is a lot better this year and we plan to capitalize on that,” said senior guard Will Burke.
“The magic you’re missing is in the work you’re avoiding,” the famous mantra rings true throughout history, yet the Warriors plan on staying as far away from it as possible. Early in the morning every week, you can find the North Atlanta men’s basketball team hard at work, grinding to ensure their success. Consistently waking up and going to these early morning practices requires a level of focus only athletes can understand and for a squad looking to have a bounce-back year, the focus is exactly what they need. “The level of commitment and effort we’re getting this year isn’t specific to just our morning practices,” said junior big-man Brooks Allen. “Every day we show up regardless of time and fight to be 1% better than yesterday.”
A team can have as many talented players as they need, but without stable leadership, it all means nothing. Luckily for the Warriors, senior Josh Griffith is a leader any team in Georgia would be lucky to have. First one in, last one out, Griffith can often be seen late at night and early in the morning practicing his jumper while most other students and even players are still at home or even sleeping. With a respectable 6’1 frame for a guard and the ability to spark shots from anywhere on the court, Griffith is sure to make a statement commanding the pack for North Atlanta this year. “He puts in more time on the court than anyone else I know,” said junior forward Will Overby. “All year round you can find him shooting around in the gym practicing moves almost every day.”
More so than in previous years, there is a real buzz behind the start of the season for the hoops scene at North Atlanta with real expectations. Whether those expectations will be met is still up in the air, however, the hardwood Warriors are determined to make something special of their 23-24 campaign. With returning leaders, and developed newcomers, it certainly wouldn’t be difficult to see a winning record for the basketball program this year. Come November 10th, the start of something promising could hit Druid Hills in the teeth, but there’s only one way to find out.
