Coach JD Johnson has Cape Fear Christian Trending in the right direction

Coach JD Johnson is no stranger to rebuilding basketball programs. Coach Johnson resurrected the basketball program at Statesville Christian from 2016-18. He complied an impressive 48-17 record during that time frame and decided to take the coaching job at Cape Fear Christian in Erwin, North Carolina.

Last year, Cape Fear went 11-20. As of today (12-17-18) Cape Fear Christian is off to an excellent start with a 11-3 record. Two of the three loses were by one point apiece before losing by 15 to NCISAA 1A powerhouse Greenfield on the road. We got a good chance to watch Cape Fear Christian at the Hoops and Dreams against Heritage Christian (WV). One thing we have observed over the years covering Statesville Christian and now Cape Fear is simple. Coach Johnson teams execute on both ends of the court, are patient and fundamentally sound. Now, let’s take a closer look at the two impact players for Cape Fear Christian this season.

 

6’2 2019 EJ Bethea'

At the Hoops and Dreams Thanksgiving event, EJ Bethea put on a shooting exhibition. He had a game high 30 points including seven 3-pointers. Sporting a lone offer from Lees McRae, Bethea has been on a man on a mission. The lengthy and athletic combo guard has been instrumental in the quick turn around this season. Bethea is averaging 20.4 PPG and 5.5 RPG for the season. He is shooting 53% from the floor, 41% from the 3-point line and 80% from the free throw line. Coach Johnson stated, “It was easy to name EJ as co-captain this yea in his first year with me. He is a tireless worker who is totally committed to his teammates and winning. EJ plays an unselfish brand of basketball while still putting up 20- plus points efficiently. This young man is also a tremendous student in the class. He sports an 3.7 GPA and is adored by his teachers and administration.”

 

 

6’3 2019 Riley Adams'

In our opinion, Riley Adams is the glue guy for coach JD Johnson. The fundamentally sound, high IQ floor general simply knows how to run a team efficiently and effectively. He will provide leadership on the court and his solid all around play is just what is needed. Adams is currently averaging 10.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG and 3.0. Coach Johnson stated, “I knew Riley was my captain the day I first met him. I’ve coached a lot of talented guards and this young man would make ANY program at any level better. Riley is the heart and soul of our team. He is a very good scoring point guard who shoots the 3-ball at a high level and can get where he wants on the floor.”

If you haven’t read what the New NCAA rules mean for private school teams, please read here:

https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/2018/12/13/the-new-ncaa-ruling-what-does-it-mean/