The Crusaders of Harrells Christian Academy are having one heck of a start to the season, and they could be on the verge of having their best season in program history. Starting the season with a 16-2 record, the Crusaders have proven themselves in a big way with some impressive wins and they are looking to continue that winning trend to a title.
They have put on an offensive show in some games but also have been battle-tested as well, proving they can win in a variety of ways. And right now, the guard play has been leading the way impressively this season.
2026 Antonio McKoy has been having a year to remember, proving that he is one of the top juniors in the state in averaging nearly 26 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block per game for the Crusaders. He has clearly been the alpha on the team in showing his ability to take over games and be the leader of the offensive attack. Phenom Hoops had an opportunity to watch him down at the Hoops & Dreams Showcase, where we had this to say after an impressive showing.
“Really impressive all-around showing from 6’5 ‘26 Antonio McKoy (Harrells Christian). Highlighted creation skills, scoring polish, and defensive instincts. A quality athlete whose skillset seems to expand with each viewing. Dominating in this contest.” – Jeff Bendel
McKoy has elevated his play but he isn’t the only one getting the job done. 2025 Zicarian McNeil and his brother, 2026 DeShaun McKoy, have been getting it down as offensive weapons, both of which are averaging 14 points per game as well. DeShaun is another explosive and athletic prospect that can score, rebound, and impact the game in a variety of ways while McNeil has been able to create and knock down shots consistently all season long.
2027 Amir Moore, 2026 J’kaeshi Brunson, and others have also been able to contribute as well, as this is a team that has shown that they play well together as a team and can produce on both sides of the ball. Coach Clayton Hall has this team clicking on all the right cylinders right now, and they are proving that this is a team to be reckoned with as they are in a hunt for a state title.
Phenom Hoops spoke with Coach Clayton Hall to ask him a few questions about this special season brewing.
Phenom: What has been the biggest difference this season than others that has led to such a strong start to the season?
Hall: Two reasons… We got our PG back this season. J’Kaeshi Brunson. He tore his ACL in the 2023 football season and he was out for the 2023-2024 basketball season. He’s back and he does an excellent job running our offense. And we are also a much more mature team than we were last year. Our schemes haven’t changed. We are now experienced and we are starting to finish out close games this year. We lost at least 8 games by 6 points or less last year. We are now winning those games this year.
Phenom: Just how special can this team be this year?
Hall: This is a very special group. We have the same goal as every team every year; Win the State Championship. We have great players on our team who like to work hard. However, we have the most underrated, uncovered, unappreciated, best-kept secret player, in the state of NC leading our team; Antonio McKoy. Nobody talks about him. Nobody wants to cover him and that’s okay. He continues to use that as motivation and he is currently playing out of his mind. I will take a motivated Antonio McKoy over anybody in the state. I am really proud of what this team has accomplished and I look forward to the rest of the ride.