Martin Luther King Jr. High School in Atlanta announced the appointment of veteran coach Willie Reese as its new varsity boys basketball head coach, a move that signals the program’s intent to reclaim its former prominence.
Reese arrives after a distinguished tenure at Jones County High School, where he guided the team to a 19‑10 record and a second‑round appearance in the GHSA Class 5A playoffs during the 2023‑24 season. His earlier stint at Landmark Christian School from 1994 to 1999 produced an 87‑35 record and a .713 winning percentage, including a dramatic turnaround from a 3‑18 start to a 24‑3 finish in his first year.
A Proven Track Record
Beyond those recent successes, Reese’s coaching journey spans multiple Georgia programs, including Sandy Creek, Meadowcreek, Griffin and Lovejoy high schools. He also played for Georgia Tech from 1985 to 1989, later returning to the university as an assistant coach and director of operations, where he contributed to the development of players such as Luke Schenscher.
The Lions’ backcourt will be anchored by returning guards Calvin Everhart III and Chisimdi Agbasi, who are expected to provide the scoring and playmaking that Reese’s system demands. Their growth under his guidance could be pivotal in the team’s quest for a winning record, something the program has not achieved since the 2022‑23 season.
School administrators expressed confidence in Reese’s ability to blend his playing pedigree with his coaching acumen. “Willie brings a deep understanding of the game and a relentless work ethic that we believe will translate into on‑court success,” said Athletic Director Maria Hernandez.
Fans and alumni are already looking ahead to the upcoming season, hopeful that the new leadership will usher in a competitive schedule and a chance at playoff contention. The hiring marks a strategic shift for the program, aligning its ambitions with Reese’s history of turning underperforming teams into contenders.