There are so many variables that impact winning at the high school level. The combination of coaching, talent, and kids buying into the bigger picture typically pays dividends in the long run. Most teams don’t have players leaving in the middle of the season, which is a massive part of what makes Coach Myrick and Burlington Christian’s success so impressive. They lost their two leading scorers (47% of their total scoring) within weeks of the season opener. Rather than sitting around and licking their wounds, the Royals locked in. Despite playing brutally challenging competition to start the year (Calvary Day, Combine Academy, Forsyth Country Day, Greenfield, Caldwell, Word of God, High Point Christian, The Burlington School, and Davidson Day all before Christmas), they currently sit at 10-8. Furthermore, they should have a lot of optimism for their next month of games.
So, how have they done it? How has this group managed to not only stay afloat? They’ve secured multiple wins against noteworthy opponents (Queen’s Grant and Trinity Academy) over the last week and seemingly figured things out going into this final stretch of the season. Additionally, the structure, balance, and understanding (and acceptance) of roles have been the root causes of success. While Charles Pur and Karon Watlington have done a lot of the heavy lifting, this is a legitimate group effort. Pur possesses such an impressive amount of skill with incredible fluidity, a high motor, and a unique sense of creativity for a player of his size. Watlington is a well-rounded guard who continues to make strides as a creator and scorer who consistently dictates the action with the ball in his hands. Meanwhile, Larry Blount, Khalil Dorsey, and Manny Vanhook are a tough, unselfish trio of guards who provide meaningful minutes for this group. Each guy has shown the ability to finish, pass, defend, and knock down an open shot. Rounding out their core, JD Mace stands out as a difference-maker through his size, energy, and physicality around the basket on both ends of the floor.
It’s quite poetic, in a way. Last season, the Royals weren’t widely viewed as contenders going into postseason play (despite a 22-7 record and several noteworthy wins) …until they were. They beat a title favorite and solidified their legitimacy before eventually losing to the champions. Now, something similar has occurred. Talent departed and folks naturally assumed it would be to the Royals’ demise. Instead, this team outperformed all expectations and will likely enter the playoffs playing their best basketball of the season.