Basketball is looking to make the Final Four. Swimming strives for a state championship. Squash excitement builds for the upcoming high school winter sports season. Teams are training hard, preparing for a thrilling period of competition. Athletes this season in squash, swimming, basketball, and cheer are aiming to accomplish their goals, build on their strengths, and overcome adversity.
“I think the team will be pretty solid this year. It is one of those years where we have a lot of incoming freshmen, and it will be imperative to develop a strong base for the team for many years to come,” said squash team captain junior Landon Cummings.
This season, depth will be essential as the squash team looks to build on its legacy. With only two high school squash teams in Georgia, and only three in the southeast, competition with Lovett and McCallie will be fierce.
Cummings believes that their “biggest competition will be Lovett this year. We are Georgia’s only two high school teams so it will be a fun battle this year.”
Excitement is palpable as the team anticipates both local and national competitions. “I’m excited about our match against Lovett,” Cummings said. “I am also looking forward to competing in the national competition.” With strong players and an emphasis on teamwork, this season’s matches are set to be intense.
“Our team’s strength this season will be in our depth. We have a lot of excellent players at a relatively similar skill level,” said Cummings, highlighting the team’s balanced lineup. This will give the squash team hope as they try to conquer the local and national stage.
The swim team is setting its sights on a state championship after placing fourth in last year’s 4-5A division. This year, with a focus on the 4A category, expectations are high. “This season we are hoping to win a state championship,” said team captain junior Max Rodbell. Their biggest rivals include Cambridge, Marist, and Northview.
“We are excited about our Cambridge and Marist meet,” Rodbell said. “Cambridge is in our region so we will race them twice before state, and Marist is a long-time swimming rival of Westminster. We lost to them by one point last year, so we are hoping to win this season.”
The team’s strength lies in their relay teams, particularly the 4×100 freestyle. “Our biggest strength is probably our 4×100 freestyle relay. We placed third at state last year and are hoping to win the event this year,” said Rodbell, emphasizing their strong lineup. Top times in various events give hope for a victory at the state level.
The basketball team is gearing up for another promising season, aiming to improve on last year’s performance when they reached the Elite 8.
“This year, I’m hoping our team can make it to the state tournament again and push even further than before,” said team captain junior Zade Elshihabi.
Kell High School stands out as their main competition, ranking among the top three in Georgia and within the top 25 nationally.
Elshihabi sees “Kell High School as our biggest competition… I can’t wait to play them and see how we compete.” The team’s backcourt strength is expected to play a pivotal role. “I think our team’s biggest strength is our backcourt. We can handle the ball well under pressure and get a bucket when we need to.”
With a strong history at their home court, anticipation is high for their upcoming match against Lovett.
“We beat them last year at their place and now we get to play them on our home court with a packed audience. It will be exciting,” said Elshihabi.
This year, the cheerleading team is set to bring dynamic energy to the sidelines and competitions.
“I am super excited for this season and all the great things in store for this team!” said senior leader Kate Barton. “This year is special because the varsity squad has girls from all four grades. The crowds can expect fun routines with different themes and music!”
The team anticipates tough competition, with the most excitement centered on their biggest rivalry.
“The competition I’m most excited for will always be Lovett,” Barton said. “It’s the best rivalry in Atlanta, and the energy is always there for basketball games!” Senior leadership and passion will be key strengths. “Our cheer team has a lot of seniors who are returning cheerleaders, and we will definitely lead the team in the right direction. We love cheering on the Cats and really care about our routines and the games,” said Barton. Fans can expect an electrifying season filled with memorable performances and team spirit.
With new talent, determined leadership, and fierce rivalries, this winter sports season promises to be unforgettable. Teams are ready to compete, pushing their limits and aiming for new heights. From the squash court to the swimming pool and the basketball court, these athletes are set to make their mark and leave lasting memories.
Edited by Neil Govin
