A new coach wears the familiar blue of North High basketball

New boys basketball coach Ahmil Jihad motivates his players to be their best on and off the court. Photo by Azhae’la Hanson 

By Clarence Ransom, North News Intern 

Ahmil Jihad was already a successful high school basketball coach with nearly 30 years of experience. But his career came full circle, like the shape of a basketball, when he accepted the job at his alma mater, North High School.

In his first season, he is making an impact on his players. 

“It feels great. It's a tremendous feeling, you know, just being able to come back to my alma mater and coach,” he said. “I'm loving every minute of it.” 

Assistant principal Steve White carefully considered selecting a new basketball coach. He said a good candidate had to commit to the love and passion of coaching basketball and kids. White said Jihad checked all the boxes. 

Jihad presented a strong vision to take North to the top and keep it there. 

“Coach Jihad is a North High alum and a veteran coach with decades of success serving kids in MPS (Minneapolis Public Schools) sports,” White said. “We always support people who live and work in our community, alumni or not. But yes, being an alum is an important asset to our kids as it demonstrates the future success they can grow into.” 

Allen Hill, a senior on the team, was part of the selection committee. He said Jihad has great energy for the team and inspires the players to want to succeed. 

“He’s helping us become better young men,” Hill said. 

For Jihad, basketball is second nature; he says he's enjoyed it for most of his life. His coaching style is described as strict and organized. Players and assistant coaches say his impact is unforgettable. 

Players are expected to be student-athletes, with an emphasis on students first. They attend daily study halls. 

“He wants us to be perfect,” Hill said. “I know that sounds like a lot to some high schoolers, but he just wants the best out of us.” 

He is regimented in his coaching style but leads in a way that pays off for everyone. 

Jihan also wants his players to add titles to the Polar trophy case. 

“We need to continue to work hard and be committed 24/7,” Jihad said. “I'm talking about showing up to practice, being a great student-athlete, being receptive, trying to work on our deficiencies as coaches and players, and working collectively to achieve our goals of being city champions… and pushing for a state title.”