The backcourt trio of 2023 Julien King, 2024 Quasim Oden and 2023 Myles Pettis continue to make an impression this June. All three are players who can play at the next level and should be receiving college level interest. These guard will be paramount in leading the way for Grace Christian this upcoming season.
Coach DeShannon Morris is entering his 8th season at Grace Christian. During his tenure, they have won four EPIC Conference Championships, he is a two-time coach of the year, and more importantly has helped several players reach their goal of playing at the collegiate level. What has always impressed me with Coach Morris is how much he genuinely cares for all his players. He has his Triple C philosophy emphasizing Community, Christ, and Competing. All of this goes well with his 3T motto of Toughness, Togetherness and Teamwork.
6’3 2023 Julien King
King’s ability to put the ball in the basket was once again on display this past weekend. Through six games, King averaged 17 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals per game while shooting 45% from the field, 40% from three and 87.5% from the foul line. King was the leading scorer on last year’s team averaging 14.7 points and 4.7 rebounds while also leading the team shooting 46% from the field and 38% from behind the arc. King has showcased his scoring versatility with his ability to shoot the three with consistency and utilize his athleticism to attack the rim. In addition to being the primary scorer for this team, King is locked in on both ends of the floor. He uses his athleticism to pressure the ball and create turnovers in the passing lanes. King also gets it done off the floor, sporting an impressive 3.9 GPA.
6’2 2024 Quasim Oden
As a rising junior, Quasim Oden already holds an offer from NC A&T. His talent was on display this past weekend at the NCISAA live period team camp. He averaged 12 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1.5 steals per game while shooting 88.5% from the foul line through six games this weekend. Oden is a shifty guard with a solid frame who excels creating off the bounce and making plays for others. Countless times he got into the paint and made the right play, whether it was kicking out to shooters, dropping it off to teammates for layups, or finishing strong at the rim. More importantly, what really caught my attention was his effort on the defensive end. He pressures opposing ball handlers and there were multiple times when he got switched onto the opposing center, he fought around to front the post and even forced multiple steals on the post entry pass. This is evidence of a tough, gritty player who competes on both ends of the floor.
6’0 2023 Myles Pettis
Pettis is another veteran guard who contributes in several ways to the success of this team. He is a solid guard who can facilitate as well as make open shots. Coach Morris preaches defense, and Pettis brings this to the game. Last season, Pettis led the team in steals which comes as no surprise. He sets the tone on the defensive end picking up opposing ball handlers and making it difficult for them to initiate their offense. Through six games at the first NCISAA live period team camp, Pettis averaged 10 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists per game while shooting 42.3% from the field and 43.4% from behind the arc. Pettis also excels in the classroom with a 3.6 GPA. Entering his senior season, expect Pettis to have an expanded role and really make his presence felt.