Substitutions are a part of the game when it comes to basketball, but substitutions with coaches are less common. The NAHS basketball team now finds itself in that uncommon position. Coach Thomas, along with Coach Arnold, has been relieved of his duties with the team. The team was looking very promising this year and is still looking promising with the new coach.
In order to have a successful season, teams must practice. The basketball team was practicing at a local middle school to prepare for the upcoming season. These practices, however, were illegal to have prior to the official basketball season starting. Not only were there only four of these practices in total, there were also a limited number of players attending. “The entire situation is extremely unfortunate for us,” said senior Will Overby. “Especially since we worked extremely hard all summer proving ourselves to Coach Thomas.”
Players—especially those who have been working with Coach Thomas for the past four months—are deeply saddened by this entire situation. The impact of his departure is felt by everyone on the team. Unfortunately, the entire team will face punishment for the illegal practices. The decision was made by Atlanta Public Schools to remove Coach Thomas as Head Coach. He was neither warned nor suspended, simply removed. GHSA also decided to fine Coach Thomas for the practices. The team continues to look promising with the new head coach, Coach Wells. “Even though the situation has been tough for the team, It gives new opportunities for players who may have been overlooked,” said junior Asher Maclane.
With tryouts now over and teams established, the new team is starting over with a new coach. Coach Wells is a literature teacher at North Atlanta and serves as interim Head Men’s basketball coach this year. Her values are very similar to Coach Thomas’s mainly emphasizing hard work and dedication. By practicing every single day, the team is putting in countless hours to prepare for their first game.
Despite a year filled with ups and downs, the North Atlanta basketball team is ready to kick off the season. Now, it’s time to see how these athletes rise to the challenge and handle everything they’ve been through. Even though Coach Thomas is no longer by the players’ side, all the players have come together in order to make the most out of this eventful season.
