Media release from Rome, GA City Schools:
Cedric King has been named the new head girls’ basketball coach at Rome High School, bringing a proven record of success and nearly two decades of experience leading high-level programs.
King has built one of the most consistent and accomplished resumes in Georgia high school basketball. Over 16 seasons as a varsity head coach, he has compiled a 336-137 record while guiding teams to two state championships, four state runner-up finishes, and eight appearances in
the Final Four. His teams have reached the state playoffs in 12 of those 16 seasons and have recorded 20 or more wins in 11 seasons.
“I’m super excited to be Rome High School’s girls basketball coach. This is a dream come true to be working in a city school like this, where I’m in charge of K through 12. I grew up in Troy (Alabama) and that’s very similar,” Coach King said. “To be living in Atlanta all these years and to be able to take advantage of this opportunity is amazing. I’m excited, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Most recently, King served as the head girls basketball coach at Lovejoy High School from 2015 through 2023, where he posted a 203 and 42 record. He led the Wildcats to Class 6A state titles in 2022 and 2018. During his coaching tenure, Lovejoy made multiple deep postseason runs, including a state runner-up finish in 2023 and 2019 and Final Four appearance in 2021 and 2017. King’s squads at Lovejoy won four region titles as well.
King’s success on the court wasn’t just limited to Lovejoy. He led Sandy Creek High School to a state runner-up finish and a Sweet 16 appearance, guided Carver Atlanta to a state runner-up finish, and also served as head coach at Collins Hill, Langston Hughes, and Pope High Schools.
He is known for creating a strong team culture built around guiding principles such as “We over Me”, “Ubuntu”, “Together We Attack”, and “Driven By Discipline.”
When asked what fans can expect to see from the Lady Wolves when they take the court this coming season, King’s face lights up with a big smile, and his enthusiasm permeates the room.
“Fans are going to see teams that compete with everything they have. The goal is to get in and compete and just bring energy every single time they are on the court. We want to make sure that we are representing ourselves first and then representing our community. We want to make sure that we are being the best that we can be.”
In addition to team success, King has helped develop student-athletes beyond the high school level. More than 26 players under his leadership have gone on to compete at the collegiate level, including multiple players who earned top honors in the Atlanta metro area, such as current guard Bryanna Preston of the Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team and current guard LaNya Foster of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets women’s basketball team.
King has some philosophies and mottos that have served him well at his other stops, and he plans to bring those same things to Rome High School. One of those philosophies is epitomized by a simple saying, “It doesn’t matter. Get better.”
“Our mission will always be to win the last game. Along with that, we will implement our Five C’s. We’ve got to care with love. We’ve got to communicate with love. We’ve got to compete with love. We’ve got to give the girls confidence with love,” Coach King said, “Our last C, and the hardest C, is consistency. The more consistent we are with the young ladies, the clearer the standard becomes. We believe our success will come from the work we put in.”
King’s track record reflects a sustained ability to build winning programs, develop talent, andcompete for championships. He now brings that experience and leadership to Rome High School, as the Lady Wolves look to continue their growth and success. King stated that he would be remiss not to mention his lovely wife of 22 years, Shelbia King, because without her, this
journey would not have been possible.
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