Phenom Feast of Champions

Team Preview: The Burlington School

 

The Burlington School coached by Ron Johnson will be playing in the 2nd Annual Feast of Champions showcase being held at Fayetteville Academy November 24-25. 'When you hear Ron Johnson's teams, one knows they will be well coached and will always compete for state championships. Winning and coach Ron Johnson goes hand in hand.

That being said, Coach Johnson will be faced with a more challenging season. The Burlington School's boys basketball program will have a much different look. Coach Johnson lost five senior starters from last year's NCISAA Class 1A state championship team. The Spartans will look to rebuild with some reserves from the 2016-17, not to mention players moving up from the jayvee level. To put it simply, Coach Johnson will have his work cut out to replace a senior class that completed a four-year stretch with a record of 119-6, two state titles (2015 and 2017) and three trips to the NCISAA 1A Final Four.

To make matters worst, Coach Johnson learned in October that senior and anticipated starter; Trey Cousins would be lost for the season with a knee injury. One thing is for certain; we have learned over the years that Coach Johnson is a master tactician and developer of talent. He has a way of developing talent and the unique ability to get a group of individuals to play as a team and we expect no difference this season. As this year's team works through inexperience and some early season high-level games, Coach Johnson believes patience will be key for his staff.''I anticipate some bumps throughout the season as our young guys learn the important of consistency of effort and executive.''Now, let's take a look at some of the key personnel for the upcoming season.

6'1 '18 Josiah Jeffers (Longwood University commit)

Josiah Jeffers has been on the Phenon Hoop Report radar for quite some time now. At the NC Top 80, Jeffers showcased an all around skill set and glimpses of being a terrific prospect, which led him to his commitment to Longwood University. Jeffers has a balanced offensive approach to the game. He can really score, but does it all within the team structure. He has excellent court vision and a willing and skillful passer. Coach Johnson stated,''Jeffers is a quick point guard with the ability to score in a variety of way. He is a tremendous on-ball defender and should have a standout senior season.'

'6'5 '18 Makiah Fox

Makiah Fox is another NC Top 80 alum. 'The southpaw has the ability to score from all three levels and has good range extended to the 3-point line. He's a very good in the catch and shoot and has a reputation of being an aggressive rebounder which allows him to play much bigger than his listed height. Coach Johnson stated,''Makiah Fox is a strong, physical post with great shooting range. He is hearing from a number of D2 schools.'

6'6 '21 Ja’Dun Michael,

Ja'Dun Michael has a unique blend of length, athleticism and matching skill set. For his size, he has solid ball handling and passing abilities. He has good court vision and the ability to dribble drive effectively with either hand. Coach Johnson stated, 'Ja'Dun Michael is a very talented young player. He is improving everyday and has already caught the eye of many D1 programs.''