Coming off of a historic run the the Class A state championship game last year, change is the key phrase for the Greater Beckley Christian boys basketball team this year.
“We had a lot of turnover which is typical each year. We lost some seniors and some guys transferred out,” head coach Justin Arvon said. “We lost a lot of scoring and a lot minutes played last year. We ended up losing seven off last year’s team.”
Senior John Rose was a key member of the team last season and he will carry the torch for the Crusaders this year.
“John has turned into an outstanding leader this year and has had to be that for us,” Arvon said. “He has taken that role seriously, which is good to see, and he has improved on the court.”
While he was standout player last year, Rose is geared for an even bigger senior campaign which could see him eclipse the 1,000 point plateau.
“He is in the gym every single day after school, lifting and getting shots up outside of our practices. He has been doing that throughout the summer on his own as well,” Arvon said. “He is willing to put in the work and has turned into an outstanding player. John will have a lot on his shoulders this year in a lot of different ways.”
After Rose, there is limited varsity experience, but that does not mean the Crusaders lack talent.
Controlling the paint this year will be Aaron Hall who brings a 6-foot-5 presence with him.
“Aaron played a lot of JV minutes and can play above the rim. He needs to get a little stronger, but he will have a big role this year,” Arvon said. “He can turn games around by staying in the game and staying out of foul trouble.”
A trio of sophomores, Kash Hendrix, Averyk Woodson and Hunter Laxton played limited varsity minutes last year. They will change this year.
“Kash had to come in and play big minutes in the second half of the Mount View sectional game last year because of foul trouble,” Arvon said. “They have played some big minutes and they have been working hard as well.”
Reece Patterson and Eli Grubb are a pair of baseball players that will add senior leadership to the basketball team this year.
“Reece is a first team all-state catcher. They are both great athletes that are unselfish and have been a great addition,” Arvon said. “We are excited to have them for sure.”
According to the head coach, there will also be three freshman that he feels can help his team this year.
Colton Harper, Kaden Bolen and Preston West will all see minutes this year. The main issue for the young trio will be their ability to adjust to the high school game.
“The ceiling for this team will be determined by execution and effort. This group is really coachable,” Arvon said. “If they are willing to do the little things, we can have success this year. There is not a game on our schedule that we can’t win.”
The postseason will be different for Greater Beckley this year as it serves a one-year ban from the WVSSAC for various infractions that have occurred over the past few seasons.
“We will sit this season out and get back at it next year,” Arvon said. “We enjoy playing in the WVSSAC and look forward to getting back into the postseason next year.”
Greater Beckley will compete in the WV Christian Athletic Tournament played Feb., 16-18.
