Three years back, Greater Beckley Christian was playing James Monroe for the Class A boys basketball state championship.
Although the Crusaders came up short that day to the Mavericks, as the 2024-25 season gets ready to tip-off, Great Beckley is once again in the state tournament conversation.
“It is good place to start. We have started seasons on either side of that,” Greater Beckley Christian head coach Justin Arvon said. “You want to start with expectations because that means you have some ability. I think we have a lot of potential.”
The reason for the optimism for the Crusaders comes from a veteran roster and a few new faces that could be the recipe to send Greater Beckley back to the big dance.
Keegan Davidson was a second team all-state selection as a freshman where he averaged 16 points per game. Arvon expects another big year from his star guard.
“Keegan has grown a few inches and has put on maybe 20 pounds or more. He just looks like a high school basketball player now. Last year he started the season a little small, but very skilled. Now he has the body for it,” Arvon said. “Keegan knows the game very well. He has the confidence to back that up now and that can be a deadly combination.”
Davidson will be joined by Averyk Woodson and Kellen Heffernan up top to give the Crusaders a lethal guard trio.
“Averyk will be a senior leader for us, a captain. He averaged almost 10 points per game, five rebounds and he led our team in steals, as well as assists. He can score the ball this year. He will be an outstanding player for us,” Arvon said. “Kellen is a hard worker and will be another leader for us. He never gets tired and is always going 100 percent. He can handle the ball and can shoot it for us.”
Senior Kash Hendrix gives the Crusaders a knock-down shooter from behind the arc, while junior Isaiah Kincaid another scorer and strong rebounder.
“Kash for the most part of the season the last two years has led the state in 3-point percentage. He is a great option to have on the perimeter for our guards that like to penetrate. He has really improved on the defensive end as well,” Arvon said. “Isaiah has grown a little bit and is even more skilled. You never have to question his motor. He can rebound, shoot and play above the rim.”
The group of new faces this year is led by senior Drew Fitzwater who moves over from Woodrow Wilson.
“Drew is a great kid that I didn’t know before this year. He has been a great addition not only to our team, but our school also,” Arvon said. “He is a 4.5 G.P.A. kid that works hard and has a great personality. On the floor he can shoot the ball and finish around the rim, plus he is 6-foot-6. He does much more than sit down on the block.”
Tayshawn Garlow is new student at Greater Beckley that stands 6-foot-3 and can play above the rim.
Joshua Garlow and E.J. Page should see some varsity minutes along with a dynamic freshman, Javontae Spencer and Jesse Milam.
I think we may have about 10-11 guys that might see the floor depending on the game,” Arvon said. “This is likely the deepest team I have had here at GBC.”
Greater Beckley opens the season Dec. 14 at Cross Lanes Christian.
