Greater Beckley Christian Boys
Greater Beckley Christian Boys
Crusaders have depth and experience
By Gary Fauber the register-herald
With a couple of tough losses in the postseason — including a two-point region co-final loss — Greater Beckley Christian boys coach Justin Arvon doesn ’ t have to worry about motivation .
“ We have good leadership ,” Arvon said . “ Our captains are taking that role seriously here at the start of the year . When you have to search for leaders , that ’ s a problem , but we don ’ t have to search for that at this point , so that ’ s exciting .”
The Crusaders lost only two seniors from that 13-11 team . Aaron Hall was second on the team in scoring at 10.2 points per game and was the top rebounder at 7.3 .
Landon Rose was the other senior .
There is plenty of experience talent back for this season .
Sophomore guard Keegan Davidson emerged as a freshman last season en route to a second-team all-state selection . He averaged 16.4 points , 3.0 assists and 2.0 steals .
“ He ’ s grown , gained some weight . He ’ s grown into himself a little bit ,” Arvon said . “ He ’ s really skilled guard , one of the more skilled guards in West Virginia . I ’ m glad to have his leadership on the floor .”
Senior Averyk Woodson filled up the stat sheet last season , averaging 9.5 points , 5.3 rebounds , 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals .
“ At 6-2 , 6-3 , he ’ s a real long guard ,” Arvon said . “ He can shoot the ball , gets to the rim , really good defensively . He can guard about anybody with his length .”
6 • WV SOUTH BASKETBALL
Amanda Ritchie / For The Register Herald
Keegan Davidson of Greater Beckley Christian drives the ball up court against Brady Baker of James Monroe .
Kash Hendrix is another returning senior . He was among the top 3-point shooters in the state last season .
“ He can shoot the ball really well ,” Arvon said . “ He ’ s added some muscle and now defends really well also , so that will help immensely .”
A third senior back in the starting lineup is Kellan Heffernan . He averaged 8.3 points , 4.3 rebounds , 3.7 assists and 1.2 steals .
“ He ’ s a six-foot guard who can shoot it and defend as well ,” Arvon said . “ And he ’ s got a really good motor . You never have to ask him to hustle ; he ’ s already doing it .”
Rounding out the starting lineup will be 6-foot-6 senior Drew Fitzwater , a transfer from Woodrow Wilson .
“ He can shoot the ball , handle it , he can finish around the rim ,” Arvon said . “ Really good kid . ( A ) 4.5 GPA as well .”
Arvon believes freshman Javonte Spencer will play a significant role . His dad is former Mountain State University standout James Spencer .
“ He ’ s a freshman for us this year , but he ’ ll probably start a few times ,” Arvon said . “ He will definitely see the floor . He ’ ll be a heck of a player one day . He ’ s a freshman , but he does not play like a freshman . He ’ s not built like a freshman , either .” Isaiah Kincaid ( 8.5 ppg , 5.5 rpg ) is back for his junior year .
“ He plays above the rim ,” Arvon said . “ Good defensively , good rebounder . Has developed a jump shot as well . So excited to see what he can do .”
Also returning is junior Josh Garlow .
“ He can really shoot the ball on the perimeter and he ’ s a good defender ,” Arvon said . “ He ’ s gotten a lot bigger from last year this year .”
Tayshawn Croner is looking to work his way into the rotation .
“ He ’ s a junior , 6-3 , really , really long arms great rebounder , and he ’ s developing a jump shot ,” Arvon said . “ Not quite there yet , but he ’ s going to see the floor a lot and certainly help a ton .
Jesse Milam and E . J . Page are both hard workers who will add further depth to the roster .
The Crusaders dropped their sectional championship to then-two-time defending state champion James Monroe last season , then fell 72-70 to Webster County in a Region 3 co-final . The goal now is to draw from that and move forward .
“ I think that the experience of last year , taking that close loss ( for the chance ) to go to Charleston , I do think it pushed the team during the offseason , during our flex days and player-led workouts ,” Arvon said . “ We had upwards of 13 kids running miles , uphill , downhill stuff . It ’ s exciting what this could turn into this year . I think there ’ s a lot of potential .”
Email : gfauber @ register-herald . com