Following a run to the Sweet Sixteen during the 2024-25 season, the girls basketball team is setting its sights even higher with hopes of making it to the State Championship this year. Last season, the finished 24-6 and second in Region 4-AAAA at 11-3.
During the 2023-24 season, the team fell just short of winning state, losing 58-44 to rival Maynard Jackson in the final. With the success from the two previous playoff runs, senior co-captain Hailey Wortmann said she is confident the team can also go far this year.
“We look really strong and have a well balanced team,” Wortmann said. “I think we can succeed this year if we really put in the effort.”
This season, the team is under new leadership with head coach Shawnta Pope. Pope previously coached at Spalding for three years. She said she has begun to implement her coaching style, which concentrates on mental toughness.
“I’m focused on developing the whole team, not just the skills, but mindset, leadership and accountability,” Pope said. “I believe in fast-paced, disciplined basketball, where everyone contributes and plays with the purpose.”
Former head coach, Martravious Little, coached at Midtown for three years. Following the departure of Little, Wortmann said the transition to a new coach has been difficult, but the team’s focus on improving and preparing for the season has helped with the coaching change.
“Learning how to adjust to a new coach after being with the former coach for so long has not been easy, but we are very passionate about basketball,” Wortmann said. “This passion keeps us motivated, and we are all open-minded.”
Despite the challenges to this transition, Pope believes the team has started to successfully adapt to her way of coaching.
“The players have adjusted well to my coaching style and expectations,” Pope said. “From the beginning, I made it clear that accountability, effort and communication are non-negotiable, and they have stepped up to that standard. They’re learning to embrace structure when it comes into the program, and intensity while also trusting the process and believing in their own growth.”
The Knights faced off against North Atlanta on Nov. 7 for their first game, winning 52-30, led by senior Devin Bockman with 27 points and Wortmann with 11 points.
“I’m really proud of the team’s performance, especially considering it was our first real game together,” Pope said. “I was impressed with how they communicated on defense and supported each other on the court. Overall, it was a strong start and a great foundation to build on.”
Pope said the game was a great way to start the season strong. She said it shows what the team is doing well and what needs improvement.
“The outcome is a huge boost for the team’s confidence as we kick off the season,” Pope said. “Getting through our first real game and competing the way we did shows the girls that they can trust themselves and each other on the court. It also gives us a clear picture of what we’re doing well and what areas we need to focus on moving forward. Overall, this game sets a positive tone and motivates the team to keep improving and building momentum as the season progresses.”
Bockman agreed and said the win sets the tone for the rest of the season.
“The win for us was good,” Bockman said. “Starting off the season with a win is nice and it encourages us to continue working hard throughout the rest of the season.”
Pope said the team’s skills come from the hard work they put into practices and games.
“What stood out to me immediately was their passion and their potential,” Pope said. “I noticed a group of girls who were eager to learn and they were competitive in spirit and committed to pushing themselves and one another. Their energy during practice and their willingness to step outside of their comfort zone told me that this team has the foundation to achieve something special.”
