SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Finally, a breather.
Twelve different players scored Thursday night and after falling behind 4-0 to start the game, Christ School varsity basketball only allowed 11 more points in a 63-15 road win at Spartanburg Day.
Cousins Keenan Wilkins ’24 and Mikey Wilkins ’25 matched one another with 10 points – a 3-pointer and layup by Keenan early in the first quarter gave the Greenies (6-1) the lead for good.
T.J. Hamilton ’24 came off the bench to score a season-high eight points, with the rest of the offense provided by Cole Boyer ’24 (seven points), Jamari Briggs ’24 (five), Calvin Williams ’24 (five), Jo Ahart ’25 (four), Bruce White ’24 (four), Bryson Cokley ’24 (three), Mason Collins ‘28 (three), Madden Collins ’25 (two), and Lleyton Thomas-Johnson ’24 (two).
Jamari, Jo, Madden, and Mason were playing in their home state Thursday, and it was a relief in general for coach Josh Coley to stretch his bench. The first six games for Christ School had all been relatively tight, with quality of schedule being one of the reasons the Greenies are the state’s top-ranked NCISAA team.
“The guys who played tonight have earned those opportunities, they work hard every day,” Coach Coley said.
“It was a great opportunity for them to play through mistakes, figure it out as they go. I think games like this really do a good job of building morale because you get to see guys happy for each other. (The starters) were excited on the bench tonight and cheering on their teammates.”
The Greenies had to come from behind in the second half to beat Concord Academy, 71-54, last weekend in Charlotte and their next game is Saturday against 3-0 Wilson (S.C.) in the Battle at the Rock showcase in Rock Hill, S.C.
“We found our rhythm a little bit down the stretch in the Concord game and I think that’s a result of playing some tough games early on,” Coach Coley said.
“It looks like it carried over a little bit tonight. The kids are doing what we ask. We’ve turned up the heat a little at practice recently which is what we like. Saturday should be another good test.”