Phenom’s High School Jamboree (Session 1)
What We’re Looking For – Part 4
Christ School’s Return to Prominence
Without a question, over the previous 12 years Christ School (out of Arden, NC) has been one of the most storied programs in North Carolina. In that time frame, they carry a 340-84 record with 4 state titles. The amount of players they have put into college basketball has been staggering, including all three Plumlee brothers who are on full NBA contracts.
Of the last 12 years, it was the first 6 (2006-2012) where Christ School was really rolling. Their record of 200-20 (90%) led to 5 consecutive state titles in those 6 years. In that 6 year time frame they had over 17 players graduate to play Division 1 basketball for programs including Duke, South Carolina, Alabama and more.
Top 50 junior Justice Ajogbor
While the past 6 years the program has been good, it would have been hard to sustain the success the previous 6 years saw. They still amassed a 140-64 (69%) record and put out numerous players to college. The likes of Jon Elmore (Marshall), DJ Harvey (Notre Dame), Jalen Lecque (NC State), John Fulkerson (Tennessee), and others all spent time at Christ School in the last 6 years. That is success that any school would love to have, but in that same time NCISAA 3A has risen to become on of the most difficult conferences in the entire region, if not country.
Last year, Christ School made another splash. They brought in Jalen Lecque who rose from unranked to 5-star status during his time in Arden, NC. Not only did he rise into becoming a consensus Top 25 prospect, but he was also one of the most heavily videoed and viewed prospects in the country. Every game played, Lecque had a host of camera following. This type of national publicity coupled with the playoff run Christ School had, a run to the state Final 4 to cap off a 23-13 record for a year where they started off 5-5 through their first 10 games.
This season the team returns a load of talent, and incredible size. They are led by 6’11” 2019 Brandon Stone, who is committed to LaSalle. Stone is very long, very skilled and a very fluid athlete. Their most noticeable player may be 6’10” junior Justice Ajogbor. Ranked among the nation’s Top 50 in his class, Ajogbor is a national recruit who carries offers from the likes of Maryland, Vanderbilt, Pittsburgh, UConn and others.
Lasalle Commit Brandon Stone
True to Christ School form, the talent does not end there. 6’4” junior Norance Berry could be one of the states breakout players this season. He already carries offers from the likes of Auburn and Tennessee. The guard has great length and quickness with upside as a playmaker and perimeter defender. Also 6’10” sophomore Gabe Wiznitzer had a great summer, a summer that saw him pick up offers from St John’s and Iona. Wiznitzer is a skilled big with strong/soft hands, deep pick/pop range and footwork.
A six year period of winning 90% of their games and 5 consecutive state titles is incredible success. Christ School seems to be back on solid ground. Head Coach Jeff Depelteau has this team continuing on solid ground. As you can see it is a roster filled with talent as they begin this season just outside of National Top 50 ranking. Eyes should be firmly planted on Arden, NC because if they start the year off strong, a national ranking could be in tow.
Their season will start November 3 at Phenom’s High School Jamboree. They will then play in Carmel Christian’s Tip Off Classic on November 9-10, Phenom’s National High School Showcase on November 16-17 and Battle at the Rock on November 30-December 1.
Click Here for This Saturday’s Phenom’s High School Jamboree Schedule. It is Open to the Public.