Phenom High School Jamboree Team Preview
Asheville Christian (Asheville, NC)
Coach Andy Ray
By Rick Lewis
Last season, Asheville Christian finished a “disappointing” 6-18. For Head Coach Andy Ray, he has never been one to back down from a challenging schedule. With him, it’s not so much about wins and losses as it is to provide a platform for his players to play against the best competition. In his opinion, if you play against the best competition and your players get college looks and scholarships, then it is a win win for the players. Once again Asheville Christian will be facing another challenging schedule and one that has been embraced by the team. Asheville Christian is a private school in Swannanoa, North Carolina and the school’s growth and enrollment has been enhanced by the high-profile basketball schedule.
Playing in the tough and competitive NCISAA 2A classification, Asheville Christian is optimistic about the upcoming season. They play national powerhouses in Christ School (twice), Greensboro Day, Spartanburg Day, Carmel Christian, Gaston Day, York Prep, not to mention a trip to Spain the week prior to Christmas. Asheville Christian will open up the 2017-18 season at the Phenom High School Jamboree and like the toughness for the regular season schedule, there are no cream puffs on the agenda, just the way Coach Ray likes it! Now, let’s take a look a look at the impact players for Asheville Christian.
Top Newcomer
6’10 ’19 Elochukwu Eze
What’s not to like in an athletic 6’10 center that loves to dunk everything in sight. Eze will provide Asheville Christian with a rim protector and inside offensive presence. While his offensive repertoire may be somewhat limited, Eze does have a few “go to” power moves in the low post. Eze is an aggressive rebounder and plays with a high motor.
Mr. Smooth
6’3 ’19 Caleb Mills
Caleb Mills is a long, slender, smooth and fluid combo guard that can flat shoot the cover off the ball. Mills has outstanding range on his 3-point shooting and has the ability to score from all three levels. Mills plays with maturity and poise and rarely gets rattled on the court. As a matter of fact, Mills has a great “poker face” and never shows too much emotion on the court. He has a cool and calm approach to the game. Mills currently sports offers from High Point, Western Carolina, Winthrop, and Appalachian State. In addition, Mills is a high academic student athlete and maintains an impressive 3.8 GPA
Growing leaps and bounds
6’0 ’19 Raishaun Brown
Every outing, Raishaun Brown continues to get better and better. Recently at session 2 of the NC Phenom 150 camp, Brown showcased quality leadership skills and abilities as the team’s floor general, not to mention the ability to score. In our opinion, Brown has gained tremendous confidence and is playing at a high level. He has tight ball handling skills, has excellent court vision and is becoming a skillful and masterful passer especially off the dribble. Brown currently has an offer from Western Carolina and getting consistent D2 interest. With his constant every improving game, he should be a high priority for local schools in the Big South and SoCon conference.
Mr. Steady
6’8 ’18 Justin Tene’
Justin Tene’ is completely comfortable with his role and that is being a force on the interior. Unlike many players today, they venue out on the perimeter, but not Tene’. He maintains excellent position in the paint and is always fighting for low post position. We like the fact that he is a willing passer and has the ability to reset for position. While he is not the most vertically enhanced player, Tene’ has excellent hands and is a two-handed rebounder.