Phenom Feast of Champions
Team Preview: Village Christian (Fayetteville, NC
Over the past few years Village Christian Academy has earned the moniker of best basketball program in North Carolina many have still not heard of. It is surprising for sure, the program has graduates currently playing minutes at the likes of Washington State, Air Force, two VMI and a number of players throughout the D2, D3 and Juco climates.
However, what may be even more impressive than the players they have playing in college is that Village Christian is currently the two time defending NCISAA 2A State Champion. Head Coach Kurtis Darden runs a one man show at Village Christian and two things are for sure about Darden, he will always have talent and he will always grow and develop that talent.
Darden has led Village Christian to a 54-11 record over the last two seasons including going 7-1 with two state championships in the past three years of playoffs. Already starting this season off 4-0, Darden has turned Village Christian into a basketball power in North Carolina and like most of his teams they are very long and very athletic.
Don't take your eyes off of this team, something may happen that has you jumping out of your seat.
Now let's take a look at the players.
6'3' 2018 Junub Chuol
Chuol played last season at Blair Academy in New Jersey, the same high school Luol Deng played at. Chuol is a human high light reel, displaying blazing speed to go along with incredible explosion on both ends of the floor. Chuol is a must see type player, he does some incredible things with the ball having some compare him to Myk Kobongo and others to Dennis Schroeder. He averaged just under 10 points per game on the EYBL this summer, shooting 55% from the floor. Throughout the process Chuol picked up offers from the likes of UMass, Wyoming, VCU, St Louis and others. Expect high majors to be falling all over themselves for this one.
6'2' 2019 Travion McCray
While Chuol and Gatkhuath may be, all things considered, the most talented players on the roster, it is McCray who is the most productive. Through the team's first four games, it is McCray that has gone over 20 in each game, and leads the team in points and assists. He is a sturdy guard who is just as comfortable on the ball as he is playing off it. He scores well and is a tough defender. Already carrying offers from Stetson, Longwood and South Carolina State. As he is seen, expect these offers to continue flowing in.
6'7' 2019 Khuath Gatkhuath
Watching Gatkhuath you can't help but see the huge potential he possesses. A 6'7' wing from Omaha, Nebraska, Gatkhuath has all the tools and skills you want. Last season, in Nebraska, he shot 44% from beyond the arc, while averaging 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. He is skilled with the ball in his hands, able to get to the basket off the bounce and has range well beyond the arc. Gatkhuath is very long and a good athlete, he plays with a swagger as he rebounds and pushes the break. He carries an offer from Campbell, but still unknown as a player there is a lot to like as the mid and high majors will come in to watch.
6'11' 2019 Fiifi Quansah
A year ago, when Quansah first got here, he was tall and not very coordinated. In only a year's time, he has worked himself into becoming a Division 1 prospect. He spent the summer working out with David West, which was sure to help. If he continues on this steep incline between now and this time next year, watch out. He is a 10+ rebound and 5+ block guy right now. He finishes around the rim and runs the floor well. Without question, you cannot teach his blend of size, length and athleticism. Watch here.
Other Notable Players
6' 2019 Ahmod Baker
6'3' 2022 Jalen Higgins