A program that really is starting to make waves around the western part of the state, Covenant Day looks to be heading in the right direction. Coach Marty Parrish has done a tremendous job and is coming off a 17-win season but this may be the most talented team he has had. A blend of star power, skill, size, and ability, the Lions seem to be a program that many will want to get out and watch this year, as they are loaded this year.
We recently took in an open gym at Covenant Day, and these are the players that you will want to know this season.
2023 Aden Holloway: Holloway wasn’t available at the open gym but we got plenty of views over the summer with his game. He certainly has proven himself and is a skilled guard that just has a tremendous understanding of how to attack and score with the ball in his hands. There is no doubt he will be one of the go-to leaders once again, as he can create for himself, scoring on all levels. But he will have plenty of talent around him to help take some of the pressure off as well.
2022 Ifeanyi Ufochukwu: He is a 6’10 big that has really changed it all around. Coach Parrish has done a tremendous job working with him and getting his body ready, as you will see something totally different from his game last year. He is a two-way player, using his length to disrupt shots around the rim and mid-range, blocking shots, and rebounding. But he also moves so much better on the court, continuing to run the floor, get his hands ready, and making himself big to finish at the rim. Ufochukwu could be a HUGE stock riser after this season.
2025 Chris Rivens: Well, put this guy on your watch list for 2025. Rivens could be the next guard for the program down the road, as he showed a tremendous understanding and feel for the game early, to go along with his solid frame as well. Rivens plays with a smooth feel and gets downhill really well, but he is also continuing to learn and push himself even more, competing with players much older than him.
2023 Marcus Brown: Brown comes from Northside Christian, and he brings another scoring option to the table. He has a long frame and excels when he attacks the paint, getting downhill and finishing at the rim while also providing another defensive presence on the court. He continues to work on expanding his range more, which will only make him tougher to guard.
2024 Michael Marcus Jr.: A freshman to watch and one that the staff is excited about. Marcus already sits at 6’8 and is incredibly strong, but still has a way to go with his game. But he showcased his ability to step out with the mid-range shot and be a presence down low. Marcus could still grow even more, which makes him even more exciting to watch. Though he still needs work, Marcus is one that could really be a name to jump on quickly.
2023 Jahmir Brown: Brown can be an absolute pest on the court and is a difference-maker for this team this year. He loves to defend and gets into opponents, creating turnovers into points, but also does a good job of pushing the ball, providing Covenant another ball-handling guard, and taking pressure off others with his ability to find teammates and score.
2021 John Ward: He should be back soon after battling an injury, but he provides nice size, plays with a great IQ on the court, and ability to knock down shots from the floor.
Covenant Day will also have 2024 DJ Boyce, another young prospect that could see time early, 2022 Daniel Nelson, who is a 6’5 prospect that also plays football and has a similar game to Marcus Brown, and 2022 Christian Green, who should also provide depth at the guard position.