GAMES
RANKINGS
Houston Christian's Bennett Peters
READY TO REIGN: Houston Christian hoops dead-set on a repeat
The girls’ team in particular is coming off back-to-back SPC title winning seasons, and they will have their sights set on making it three in a row.
The stars of 2023-24 Houston Christian Girls BasketballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“I think part of the way we’ll approach this year is by not viewing it as a ‘three-peat’,” said head coach Matt Moore. “One of the things that coach Mike Krzyzewski (Duke University) said that always stuck with me – when he was asked how he kept his team focused after winning all those national championships – was ‘I haven’t won it with this group’.”
“So, each team is its own separate entity, with its own identity. This group hasn’t yet accomplished all the things that previous ones have, so I want them to appreciate their own journey and hopefully find their own path to a championship this year.”
Following the departure of Loghan Johnson (Texas Tech) and D’Asia Thomas (Georgia Tech) in the offseason, this year’s Houston Christian group will look different than years past. However, that doesn’t mean they’re lacking in talent.
Moore will turn to Kayla Phillips (Jr. F) to lead the charge on the court, alongside other playmakers such as recent transfer Bri’Anna McClinton (So. PG), MaKyah Foreman (Jr. G), and senior guard Olivia Williams.
“What’s great about her (Phillips) is that she can do a little bit of everything,” he said. “She’s kind of like Loghan (Johnson) was, in a lot of ways. She’s a quiet killer – very coachable but very competitive. So, having her returning and being an established player is really nice to build on.”
Kayla Phillips
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
On the boys’ side, the Mustangs will have the benefit of bringing back a few more starters than their female counterparts.
Last year’s All-SPC selections Montana Wheeler (Jr. G), Carter Seeliger (Sr. F), and Christopher Adlam (Sr. G) are back to headline a stacked Houston Christian roster, with the intention of re-establishing their dominant reputation.
2023-24 Houston Christian Boys BasketballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“We have a great core that's back, but we also have some additions -- guys that have come up through the program -- so it's now their moment to blaze their own trail," said coach Ron Crandall. "The team understands that we have high expectations here, and we want to compete for championships. With that comes a level of pressure, but what we talk to our guys about is embracing that pressure."
"Houston Christian has a distinct culture and value system that transcends basketball, quite frankly. Having them understand what our culture, our team, and our community is about -- it builds for something that is unbreakable."
All signs point towards more history being made on both sides of HCHS basketball. It will only be a matter of a few short months before they have the opportunity to continue the legacy.
Houston Christian's Montana Wheeler
TURNING HEADS: Houston Christian’s Wheeler stacking up offers
Given the tenacity Wheeler has displayed on the court in just two years of high school, the soon-to-be junior has already begun to bring in offers to play college ball -- most recently from Washington and Oral Roberts.
The path he is on isn’t too different from the one his older brother, Sahvir, walked not long ago.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“It’s really awesome to say the least,” said Wheeler. “I watched my brother go through this process and for me to do the same thing is pretty cool.”
“Getting opportunities to play at the next level is always a blessing," he said. "I knew it was just a matter of time because of the work I put in every day towards my game. I am extremely grateful that those coaches believe in my talent. It’s truly amazing.”
Some athletes might get complacent once they get offers. But, don’t expect that to be the case for Wheeler.
“It honestly does change my mindset,” he said. “Now that these offers are starting to roll in, I am going to work harder than ever because I know I’ll have a target on my back.”
That will certainly be the case, especially since he’s a major player on the reigning SPC champs.
2022-23 Houston Christian BasketballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
However, there is still more to be proven according to Houston Christian’s point guard.
“There is always room for growth,” Wheeler said. “No one in high school has reached their full ability, so I definitely believe there is more to prove. My first two years of high school have been a great experience and I’ve found myself having a lot of success. So, for my junior year, I’m expecting my teammates and I to have another incredible year… Houston Christian 2023-24 is going to be special.”
It will be interesting to see what else is in store for Wheeler and the rest of coach Ron Crandall’s group in the upcoming season.