Phenom Open Gym: Christ School

Phenom Hoops travelled to the footsteps of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in Arden, North Carolina to cover open gym. Head Coach Josh Coley has plenty to be excited about for the upcoming season. Last year, Christ School finished with a 16-11 record, but returns the top three scorers in 6'4 Emanuel Richards (19.3 PPG; 5.2 RPG), 6'5 Bryson Cokley (9.3 PPG; 4.5 RPG), and 6'10 Anthony Robinson (9.2 PPG; 9.3 RPG), plus newcomers in 6'5 Jamari Briggs and 5'11 Keenan Wilkins. The talent is there for a NCISAA 4A title run and Christ School will be in the conversation as one of the premier teams in the state regardless of class or affiliation. Now, let's take a closer look at the impact players for Coach Josh Coley. 

6'4 '23 Emanuel Richards (Longwood)

Emanuel Richards committed to Longwood University and now has the luxury to concentrate on his senior season. Leading the way last season, Richards averaged 19.3 PPG and looks to build upon his impressive junior season resume. While he was not at practice yesterday, we know the value Richards brings to the table. At the June High School Live Period, Phenom's Tyler Lewis wrote, 'Richards is a strong, aggressive guard. He has a great body/frame that loves going downhill. He's a good finisher at the rim and with his size, strength and athleticism can guard multiple positions.' In addition, Richards can step out beyond the 3-point line and knock down perimeter shots, not to mention he's a tough guard to contain in the open court. 

6'10 '23 Anthony Robinson (South Florida)

What's not to like about a strong, long armed 6'10 anchor in the paint. One thing was noticeable was the additional muscle Robinson has added to his frame. Robinson is an active defender and will create havoc defensively in the paint. He has good instincts defensively and does a good job of rebounding with his arms fully extended. At our NC Top 80 last year, Phenom's Jeff Bendel wrote, 'Robinson is a long, fluid, athletic post prospect with excellent physical tools and a ton of long-term upside remaining.' Averaging almost a 'double double' last season (9.2 PPG; 9.3 RPG), Robinson should easily see an increase in production in both categories. Sidenote: Robinson's mother played volleyball at Tennessee while his father played football at Georgia Tech, not to mention his grandfather played basketball collegiately at Cincinnati and also in the NBA. Talk about great bloodlines. 

6'5 '24 Bryson Cokley

While we currently have Cokley ranked No. 13 in our absolutely loaded North Carolina 2024 class. That being said, we expect a breakout year for Cokley. We're talking about a strong, long-armed shooting guard that has excellent elevation on his jump shot and is terrific coming off screens. More importantly, Cokley is playing with more confidence and a sense of urgency. There's no question, Cokley has all the physical tools and skillset to play at the high major level, it's just a matter of putting it all together. Phenom's Jeff Bendel stated, 'Cokley truly possesses the making of a high level prospect. He's smart, well-rounded athlete. Efficient from all levels and capable of creating off the bounce, not to mention a used rebounder and defender.' From our viewing at open gym, we were impressed with his work ethic and attention to detail on the defensive side of the ball. 

6'5 '24 Jamari Briggs

Briggs is a newcomer to Christ School and should fit in nicely with the returning trio of Richards, Robinson and Cokley. Briggs is blessed with outstanding athleticism and is so effective going downhill and getting to the rim. In addition, Briggs has the ability to keep defenses honest by his ability to knock down perimeter shots with consistency. At our SC Top 80 event, we wrote the following. 'Briggs has a nice blend of productivity and long term potential.' In addition, Briggs has the potential to be a lock-down defender with his size, length and athleticism and his game is a perfect complement to an already outstanding lineup. 

5'11 '24 Keenan Wilkins

Another newcomer that can bring firepower from the point guard position. Last season, Wilkins averaged 26.5 PPG for Hendersonville High School. Now, he will be looked upon to bring an additional scoring threat, but more importantly will be looked upon as the team's floor general. With Wilkins at the point guard position, Coach Josh Coley has a legit scoring threat at every position on the court. In addition, Wilkins negate his size with quickness, high basketball IQ and a tremendous feel for the game. 

Observation:

Coach Josh Coley has a unique blend of size, length and athleticism, but more importantly has a starting lineup where each player has a chance to be the team's leading scorer. Christ School will have a very diversified roster that will be difficult to guard. With the top three players (Richards, Robinson and Cokley) along with newcomers (Briggs and Keena) team chemistry will be extremely important. With Richards and Robinson college decisions out of the way, we expect some pressure will be alleviated. As always, Christ School will play a challenging schedule and will put themselves in position to challenge Carmel Christian and Providence Day as the top teams in the NCISAA 4A.