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| Norcross Trio (from left to right) Andre Chatfield, Terrance O' Donahue, Brandon Goodwin |
Norcross HS has collected a lot of hardware over the past several years,
as much as any program across the state and had several alumni selected in the
NBA draft. Head Coach Jesse McMillan enters his fifth year as head coach, and
twelfth overall at the Gwinnett County school. He has a talented group that is
one of the early pre-season favorites in the new 6A classification.
Norcross is depending on some guys who are still on the football field in
Myles Autry, Lorenzo Carter, and Chris Herndon. But right now they
will turn to Southern Miss commit Brandon Goodwin, 6’7 forward Terrance
O’Donahue (College of Charleston commit) who came from McCallie School in
Chattanooga, TN and Parkview HS transfer Andre Chatfield. Once all hands
are on deck, look for Norcross to be a very deep and dangerous team that will
be a tough out in February.
McMillan,
or known to his players and those around the program as ‘Coach Mac,’ talking
about his team, “I think I am really pleased with how the pre-season and first
couple of weeks of practice have gone. The returners understand that last year
wasn’t acceptable. Since practice has started, the guys are focused and we
(coaching staff) are spending very little time motivating and repeating things.
There is more focus and maturity.” Coach Mac likes his club’s mentality and
leadership, “I feel good about the experience that young guys got last year and
understanding what it takes to be successful. It’s good from top to
bottom. Our two seniors, [Brandon and
Terrance have done well also]. Brandon is a lead by example guy with his effort
and energy every day. And with Terrance being out (minor injury) right now, we
have been pleased with his involvement in practice on the baseline, almost like
an extra coach.” O’Donahue is more of a skilled, versatile forward who can step
out away form the basket and will be a huge asset to this year’s team.
Norcross welcomes two other newcomers in the
backcourt with 6'4 wing Andre Chatfield and 5'10 junior guard Khalen Pinkett.
Chatfield averaged 16.3ppg for Parkview HS as a sophomore last year. McMillan
is excited about what he has seen so far from Chatfield, "Andre has done
great. He shoots the ball well, and is extremely good in transition. We are
pushing him right now to be the type of on-ball lockdown defender that we feel
he can be." The coach was quick to mention Pinkett as well,
"Khalen-You don't won't to forget about him. He is an excellent on-ball
defender. He plays hard and is smart. Another piece to the puzzle. He
really impressed us with his play in the scrimmage (Hillgrove HS) the other
night."
Norcross is a proud program that was bothered by
it's failure to play for the region championship last year for the first time
in ten years. Speaking about the high expectations that come with playing
for a program like Norcross, McMillan says "There is no way to get around
it. There are constant reminders. Our biggest goal is to play and win our
region championship. The state championship goal is always a goal here. The
players understand the commitment and effort it takes."
If you get out to see Norcross early in the season, you're likely to see a
team carried by its backcourt. That could and should significantly shift to a
more balanced attack once the football guys return and O'Donahue gets healthy.
Norcross will open their season in Jacksonville, FL with two games this weekend
(Nov.16-17)
Norcross will take on 4-time defending State Champ Miller Grove on
Dec.15 in the GACS Showcase sponsored by Blue Collar Basketball.
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