CHARLOTTE - Some teams are an enigma. It could take a coaching staff an entire season to figure what makes their players tick.
Fortunately, Christ School varsity basketball is not one of those teams.
“These guys do a really good job of showing up at jump ball,” Greenies coach Josh Coley said.
“They’re a self-motivated group. Everyone has a chip on their shoulder. They’re winners, we don’t have to give any motivational speeches, they are ready to go. We’ve found a group of guys who love to compete, no matter who is front of them. They’ve worked so hard in practice that I think they’re tired of beating up on each other. Their eyes light up when they see someone else and it’s time to compete.”
As of Saturday, Christ School has started with a 5-0 record for the first time since the 2012-23 season – beating Charlotte Latin, 61-41, in the Phenom Hoops George Lynch Invitational.
Keenan Wilkins ’24 was named the game’s Most Valuable Player and had a stat line of 13 points, seven assists, and four rebounds. Jamari Briggs ’24 scored a team-high 15 points to go along with two assists and a pair of rebounds, and Anthony Robinson ’23 contributed 10 points and four rebounds. Emanuel Richards ’23 had 10 points (all in the first half), five rebounds, and two assists. Bryson Cokley ’24 was solid with nine points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Lleyton Thomas-Johnson ’24 and Bruce White ’24 scored two points each.
As has been typical this season, the Greenies started fast. They led 35-16 at halftime and never let the Hawks (1-1) back into a game played at Charlotte Country Day. Christ School won’t play again until Nov. 30 when the undefeated team travels to High Point Wesleyan.
“We told the guys that we as coaches have been intentionally tough on them so far, mentally and physically. Just holding them accountable,” Coach Coley said.
“To make it through this early stretch at 5-0 is huge. I’m so proud of the way they just keep coming back every day ready to work. That’s what we tell them. No matter how bad your day was, come back ready to work tomorrow and start stacking days. It’s happening. They’re locked-in and it speaks volumes to who they are.”