The Greater Beckley Christian boys basketball team has had state tournament quality teams the last few seasons, only to be frustrated in the postseason.
Narrow losses and a Covid shutdown has put the Crusaders’ Charleston dreams on hold.
Head coach Justin Arvon is hoping that frustration comes to an end this season.
“I am excited about this group. I feel like our success will come down execution and work ethic. If we will run our stuff effectively and be unselfish by driving the gaps and making the extra pass, then I feel like we will be really successful.”
Although Greater Beckley suffered some key losses due to graduation, this year’s team looks to be even deeper.
“We should be really athletic and have better depth. It may not be a big advantage over other teams, but we have it this year. Foul trouble kinda did us in last year,” Arvon said. “We may have some execution issues early, just learning our sets. I feel like by the end of the year, we will have 10 or 11 guys that I will feel perfectly comfortable throwing in the game.”
Leading the charge for the Crusaders is one of the premier guards in West Virginia, senior Kaden Smallwood.
“He has turned into a really good leader for us. Kaden is unselfish and a really good scorer,” Arvon said. “He is getting college looks already, but I think at the end of the year, a lot of college eyes will be on him.”
Junior John Rose is also back alongside Smallwood after a strong season shooting the basketball last year.
“You will see a completely different player this year. He was skilled last year, but he is a lot stronger this year,” Arvon said. “He is quicker and has always been a great shooter, but he will be doing a lot more off the dribble this year.”
Rounding out the returning players will be senior Braylon Arvon, the coach’s son, and junior Michael Judy.
“Braylon is a good defensive player that is very aggressive,” Arvon said. “Michael is bigger and stronger and has been shooting the ball really well.”
Leading the group of newcomers is Seann David Kadjo a 6-foot-5 wing player that can play both inside and out.
“Seann will will play the four or the five for us this year. He can shoot the ball, rebound and finish around the rim,” Arvon said. “We also have Sherlock Padmore in the post. He is about 6-foot-7 and is a good rebounder and a strong force inside.”
Add in Latarj Chase, Miko Robinson and Azel Carmichael and Greater Beckley has plenty of options for both a starting five and solid options off the bench.
“They will help us out a lot this year and may work their way into the starting lineup. They are all really hard workers that gives us a lot of options,” Arvon said. “We didn’t have that last year. We likely won’t have a certain (starting) five, maybe a certain two or three. Anyone can outwork anybody for the open spots.”
The Greater Beckley coach also likes the chemistry his team already has prior to the start of the season.
“These kids like each other and they all get along. They are friends and they hang out together,” Arvon said. “I don’t think we will have chemistry issues because I think they will be happy for each other. You don’t see that much anymore.”
On paper, the Crusaders look to be one of the favorites in Class A, Region 3. However, with teams like James Monroe, Greenbrier West, Mount View and Webster County all vying for two state tournament berths, the postseason will again be a challenge.
“We will see. They know it is up to the players on the floor. I am going to leave it to them. You can only teach so much,” Arvon said. “Players have to execute and be willing to work, but I think they are willing. They have been working really hard in the off season and in practice. If that is any indication of how it is going to be when they hit the floor, I am excited.”
