With the season well over halfway, many teams are putting together impressive resumes and creating storylines to watch. One out in the Charlotte area has been Ardrey Kell, a team that had a few question marks coming into the season but is now riding a 12-game win streak and proving to be a top team in the area.
The Knights started off the season 2-2 but have now won 12 games in a row, and it hasn’t been easy. Many games came down to the final seconds, but head coach Mike Craft has said that this team just continues to find ways to win.
“They are an unselfish group that has had a knack for winning close games,” Coach Craft told Phenom Hoops. “Cuthbertson in overtime, Asheville Christian was a 2-point game, NAFO was a 2-point game, Butler was down by eight points, and Catholic was in double overtime. They have bought into defending every possession.”
Coach Craft has had great enjoyment coaching this team this season, as it boasts a roster that provides depth, leadership, and balance, something he credits significantly to this team’s success. Players like Braden Suggs, Dylan Morrison, Matthew Craft, Donnie Jones, and others have all embraced their roles, and they continue to play unselfish basketball; anyone can step up and lead on any given night.
It is what they strive for…
“That is what we push for in our program… team basketball,” Craft said. “We have a good mix of being able to drive the basketball, being able to shoot the three, and we have seniors that have really stepped up as captains.”
“The enjoyment from this group has been amazing,” he continued. “They just find a way to win. They work hard in practice. They are great kids, and they keep gaining confidence, and we hope to continue to get better down the stretch and in conference play.”
Now sitting at 14–2 on the season and riding an impressive win streak, Ardrey Kell continues to establish itself as one of the most dangerous teams in the Charlotte area. With a balanced scoring attack, strong senior leadership, and a commitment to defending every possession, the Knights have built a formula for sustained success that travels well as the season progresses. If they continue to embrace their team-first mentality and confidence in close-game situations, Ardrey Kell will remain a program no opponent looks forward to facing as the postseason draws closer.