NORCROSS BASKETBALL

MEET THE COACHES

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Jesse McMillan
Boys Basketball • Head Coach

“Find a way”

Coach Jesse McMillan has spent his entire 25-year teaching and coaching career at Norcross High School, beginning in 2001 as an English teacher and assistant coach. He led the ninth grade and junior varsity programs before being named head coach in 2009.

A former player at Mercer University, McMillan has guided Norcross to consistent success including multiple state championships and deep postseason runs. He has developed over 100 student-athletes who went on to compete in collegiate athletics.

CREDENTIALS

  • B.A., English — Mercer University, Macon, GA (2000)
  • M.Ed., Health and Wellness Education — American College of Education (2018)
  • Certifications: Secondary English · Physical Education
  • Played: Football, Track, Basketball — Chapman High School, SC
  • Played: Men’s Basketball — Mercer University
  • President, Georgia Basketball Coaches Association
  • Chair, Atlanta Tip-Off Club High School Boys Committee

BY THE NUMBERS

  • Career Record: 423–131
  • State Championships: 2011, 2013, 2022
  • State Runner-Up: 2017, 2018
  • Final Four: 2014, 2019, 2023
  • Region Coach of the Year: 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2022
  • State Coach of the Year: 2011, 2013, 2022
  • Nike World Games — USA East Head Coach (2011)
  • Jordan Brand All-American Game — East Team Assistant Coach (2022)
  • NFHS Excellence & Integrity Award: 2021, 2023
  • College Athletes Developed: 100+

COACHING PHILOSOPHY

Coach McMillan’s coaching philosophy evolves each season based on player personnel and experience. Core emphases are communication, competition, and mental toughness. He has found that the strongest teams are ones that care for one another on and off the court, and he continually works to create shared experiences that build those connections.

Ashley Clanton
Girls Basketball • Head Coach

“You don’t find toughness. You build it.”

Coach Ashley Clanton has 22 years of coaching experience and a decorated playing career that included stops at Penn State, DePaul, and professional play overseas in Ireland. She began her coaching career in 2004 and held head coaching positions in Illinois and Ireland before arriving at Norcross in 2019.

Since joining Norcross, Clanton has guided the Lady Blue Devils to over 400 career wins, the 2022 Georgia State Championship, and the 2023 State Runner-Up finish. Prior to Norcross, her Mother McAuley program reached the Illinois State Runner-Up in 2019.

CREDENTIALS

  • B.S., Physical Education — DePaul University
  • Played Basketball: Waubonsie Valley High School, Aurora, IL
  • Played Basketball: Penn State University (1999–2021)
  • Played Basketball: DePaul University (2021–2024)
  • Played Professionally: Ireland (2024–2025)
  • 2004–2005: Head Sophomore Boys Coach — St. Mary’s Boys School, Drogheda, Ireland
  • 2005–2007: Assistant Coach — Loyola University Chicago
  • 2007–2012: Head Girls Coach — Danville High School, Danville, IL
  • 2012–2019: Head Girls Coach — Mother McAuley High School, Chicago, IL

BY THE NUMBERS

  • Career Wins: 400+
  • Georgia State Championship: 2022 (Norcross HS)
  • Georgia State Runner-Up: 2023 (Norcross HS)
  • Illinois State Runner-Up: 2019 (Mother McAuley HS)
  • Years Coaching: 22
  • At Norcross Since: 2019

COACHING PHILOSOPHY

Coach Canton keeps things simple and focuses on what matters most — paying attention to detail and doing things the right way, consistently. Her program is built on accountability, respect, and unselfishness, because she believes strong character builds strong teams. She wants every athlete who leaves her program to be tougher, more disciplined, and better equipped to handle adversity on and off the court.

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