CHARLOTTE - Keenan Wilkins ’24 is getting more comfortable running the point for Christ School.
Whether it was facilitating for teammates or providing the offense himself, the junior's instincts were keen Saturday against Raleigh's Grace Christian. Keenan led three Greenies in double figures with 19 points. Jamari Briggs ’24 was close behind with 17 points, and Anthony Robinson ’23 added 13 points in a 68-55 win, his first game since officially signing with the University of South Florida.
Christ School (2-0) forced the Eagles (1-3) to use a couple early timeouts during a 20-4 run to start the game. From there, it was just a matter of protecting the lead on a neutral floor. Saturday’s varsity basketball game was part of the one-day Charger Showcase at Charlotte Providence Day.
"It felt amazing today. My teammates really allowed me to get them involved along with myself,” Keenan said.
“Our communication and chemistry are going to get better as the season goes on, I'm not worried about that. We just have to keep coming out as a team and playing hard. They're really accepted me like family here, it really is a brotherhood."
Christ School coach Josh Coley saw the progression he hoped to see in the Greenies’ second game of the season.
“That was more or less what we wanted to see tonight,” he said.
“It was a hard matchup for us. They were small, scrappy, and played hard. We talked a little bit about when we get up, we’ve got to keep our foot on the gas. Mentally down the stretch, we’ve got to stay locked-in. We got a little rattled tonight, but that’s growth.”
Additional scorers for the Greenies were Emanuel Richards ’23 (eight), Bryson Cokley ’24 (five), Lleyton Thomas-Johnson ’24 (two), Cole Boyer ’24 (two), and Jo Ahart ’25 (two).
Christ School is back home Tuesday for a JV/Varsity doubleheader with Hickory University Christian that begins at 4:30 p.m. It's still early, but Coach Coley likes the depth of his team and what it could mean for the future.
“The most important thing is we’re able to compete (for playing time) in practice,” Coach Coley said.
“Everything is earned. If you don’t bring it, we have guys who will, and you won’t play the next day. It’s a learning opportunity for them to compete, to learn that you’ve got to come to practice every day with your hard hat, your lunch pail, and be ready to work.”