Heritage Christian Academy slipped from reaching the KCAA State Championship game in 2019 to a 5-26 season last year. The Warriors are looking to return to their 2019 glory as they tip off the 2020-21 boys’ basketball season Friday.
HCA lost two starters from last year’s squad. All-Region guard Elijah Britton graduated and KCAA All-Star Derek Wadlington transferred to Trigg County.
However, the Warriors offer an eclectic mix of size and speed as they look to retain the region title.
A large junior class is headlined by last season’s MVP Weston Powell, who scored 10 points and grabbed nine rebounds in HCA’s state tournament loss to eventual state runner-up Trinity Christian.
Triston Folz, who was HCA’s most improved player last year, joins Powell on the front line along with sophomore Trevor Gibson.
Trenton Hayes and transfer Matt Wills give the Warriors speed in the backcourt and the ability to get the ball to the rack.
“Matt is going to do a lot for us at both the one and two guard positions,” said Coach Matt McGowan.
Sophomore Carlos Robles joined the team midway through last season and still led the Warriors in steals and field goal percentage.
McGowan says freshman J.J. Thompson and eighth-grader Jason Leek will also see plenty of court time and that the team’s lone senior – David Crunk – will play an integral part in the Warrior offense.
HCA will have more depth this year which allows them to press more on defense and play a more up-tempo style. The Warriors should also be strong on the glass although they have more depth at the guard position than the front line.
The Warriors have also increased their chances of making a deep postseason run by subtraction. Somerset Christian and North Hardin Christian, who were two of the top three teams in the KCAA last year, have made the move to the KHSAA this season.
Of course, the biggest opponent every team will face this year is COVID-19, and the realization of just how many games will be played this season.
The Warriors open their season Friday at Majesty Christian in Owensboro – the first of ten straight road games to start the season.
