Coach hoping influx of soccer players gels together with the rest of the basketball team.
Grayden Little can’t sit still. After being part of the boys’ soccer team’s run to the Division IV state championship, the Worthington Christian senior planned to take a break before starting the basketball season.
That plan lasted only a couple of days.
“I was going to rest a little bit, but I was getting bored the last couple of days,” Little said with a chuckle.
“We have a lot of soccer guys coming into basketball, and those guys are used to winning. We’re going to work our tails off to be able to bring that culture to the basketball team.”
Six of the Warriors’ 13-player roster – seniors Little, Ethan Reale, and Ian St. John, and juniors Oliver Blank, Luke Myers, and Ben Winfree — were also members of the state champion boys soccer team.
Coach James Storey, who had served as the Warriors’ interim coach during the 2022-23 season, hopes that the influx of players who have experienced success will complement the group of players who have been in the gym all fall, preparing for basketball.
“I’m so excited to have the whole team together finally,” Storey said. “The players who didn’t play a fall sport have been working hard, playing tough, and have improved a ton throughout the summer and fall open gyms. I’m glad the team is complete now, and we can start jelling as one.”
Last year marked a season of firsts for the Warriors, but not the good kind of firsts. After losing to eventual district runner-up Fairbanks 59-50 in the first round of the Division V district tournament, Worthington Christian finished 4-19 overall. It marked the first time the Warriors lost in the first round of the district tournament and only the second time the team had a losing season since the 2014-15 season.
Storey said he is looking forward to hitting the reset button.
“The challenges this season are similar to any other season, no matter what has happened in the past,” Storey said. “You want the team to represent Jesus first. That’s what we’re called to do at Worthington Christian.
“After that, you’re trying to build a great team environment. We’re going to focus on the fundamentals, playing smart basketball, and working together as a team. You’re always trying to build off those things.”
The team returns senior forwards Cortland Haynes and St. John, as well as guard Little, who were all on the varsity roster last year. Classmates Owen Apperson and Ethan Reale are looking to step into their roles at the varsity level.
Worthington Christian will benefit from a large junior class. Guards Blank and Winfree, and forward Matthew Kirkley, are back, as is sophomore guard Graham Yeary. Juniors TiJe Adediran, Ethan McAllister, Myers, and Hunter Suerken are all expected to make contributions.
“I have seen a team so far that has a desire to play for one another,” Storey said. “Our players work hard and have a lot more potential than they realize. We are continuing to improve on offense with our spacing and ball movement.”
This season is the second go-round with the Warriors for Storey, who served as an interim coach during the 2022-23 season.
“I told myself if that position ever became available again and it was something I feel I could step into, I’d pray about it and see if the Lord opened that door,” said Storey, the team’s fourth coach in five years. “I’m just so thankful to have the opportunity.”
Worthington Christian graduated four key contributors from last year’s squad — guards Ethan Blank, C.J. Miller, and Logan Woloshan, and forward Gavin Smith. Woloshan, who averaged 19.5 of the team’s 51.4 points per game, earned first-team all-Central Buckeye League and all-district honors, as well as Division V all-state honorable mention. Miller was a second-team all-conference pick.
Little, an honorable mention all-league selection, said the team struggled to gel at the beginning of the season.
“Our culture was a little shaky at the start last year,” Little said. “We grew together as a team and became like brothers. I’m hoping we continue to work on that.”
The Central Buckeye League will challenge Worthington Christian, which finished seventh with a 4-10 record last season.
Columbus Academy, the Division V state runner-up last year, took the league title with a 14-0 record. Ready (12-2) was second, and Franklin Heights and Buckeye Valley tied for third with 9-5 records.
The Silver Knights won a district title and lost to Academy 66-39 in a regional championship. Buckeye Valley (Division IV) and Franklin Heights (Division II) both lost in their district finals in their respective divisions.
To do well in the league, Little believes Worthington Christian must be strong defensively. Last season, the team gave up 61.5 points a game.
“(Playing better defensively) starts with more communication and trusting we’ve got each other’s backs,” Little said.
“We’ve turned a corner defensively regarding our defensive principles and not letting players into the middle of the court,” Storey added.
Storey received a little more time to put his offense and defense in place for his second stint with the Warriors than he did his first time. Two years ago, he was given the interim position less than two weeks before the start of the season, following a late coaching change.
Storey proved adept at coaching on the fly. The Warriors finished with a 21-5 record, captured the Mid-State League title, and advanced to the district finals, where they lost to eventual state semifinalist World Harvest Prep Academy 61-44 in a Division III district final.
“It’s a lot nicer to have a little bit more of an offseason and be able to put some more things in motion,” said Storey, who was voted as Mid-State League coach of the year during his interim season.
Little says Storey has brought a new feel to the preseason.
“We’re going to learn and grow together,” Little said. “The guys are expected to switch things up, try new things, and see what works.”
With a new coach, a wave of championship-caliber athletes, and a renewed emphasis on chemistry, the Warriors believe their story is ready for a rewrite. And if the pieces fall into place, it might be a while before Little gets more time off.