The loss of 10 seniors from a squad that finished as state runner-up would mean a rebuilding project the following year. However, Matt McGowan feels like his Heritage Christian Academy team has enough talent to get back to the title game in 2019-20. They will likely have to take a different path though.
HCA used an up-tempo game to finish with a 21-10 record and a region title last year in advancing to the school’s first appearance in the KCAA state title game in six years.
McGowan, in his third season as Warrior coach, says this year’s young team will rely more on defense and tempo in an effort to grind out wins early in the season. Like last year, he has some size inside. However, that size does not carry with it the same experience.
6-4 sophomore Derek Wadlington and fellow sophomores Weston Powell and Triston Folz give the Warriors some size inside. They were instrumental in the success of the HCA junior varsity team last year.
Senior guard Elijah Britton saw the most varsity time last year and will be looked to as a main leader for the Warriors this season. Sophomore Trenton Hayes will also see considerable time in the Warrior backcourt as the Warriors will still feature quickness and the ability to play pressure defense. It’s that defense that will aid the Warriors early in the season as they try and find their footing.
With only three upperclassmen on the roster, the Warriors may take a few lumps early in the season but should be ready to defend their region title come February.
Heritage Christian will open their season Friday night at the KCAA Tip-Off Classic Tournament at Somerset Christian Academy. The Warriors are the No. 2 seed in the tourney and will play No. 7 seed Assumption at 8pm. HCA beat Assumption 52-47 last year in their lone meeting.
The Warriors finished runner-up in the event last year and last won the Tip-Off Classic in 2012.
