PCA Now Enjoying Bounty

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Progressive Christian welcoming talented players.

November 29, 2009 - Recently Progressive Christian Academy faced financial calamity, with the possibility of imminent closure facing students and faculty alike. Apprehension ran high at the Camp Springs, MD private school, one that boasts pre-high school kids through those in a post graduate year.

Well, as reported by i95Ballerz.com, the threat of elimination has been stayed, obviously good news to the boy's and prep basketball teams. Recent roster additions continue the happy sounds in the ears in and around PCA's high school squad.

Jordan Goodman (left), a high major recruiting target, guards Ibrahima Djinde during practice.

Almost two weeks ago, the school enrolled Ibrahima Djinde, a 6'9", 210 pound junior from the Republic of Mali. Possessing a wingspan of over seven feet, Djinde, dubbed "Best Kept Secret" by PCA's Director of Basketball Operations, Renard Phillips, is not only athletic, but has a solid understanding of the game, one likely produced by reportedly playing for Mali's junior national team.

Moses Ayegba, standing 6'10", 235 pounds, is a senior who was scheduled to soon follow Djinde. Phillips labeled him "super athletic", and will team at times with another Nigerian, Steven Osu; an eight grader whose around 6'9" and 225 pounds, Osu has been enrolled for several months at PCA, and has focused on his physical conditioning, which will pair well with a solid feel for the game.

Another African big man, Larry Kassomba, is expected soon. Standing 6'10" and weighing a purported 210 pounds, Kassomba calls the Central African Republic home, and will be a sophomore at PCA.

Phillips enjoys working with Continental African kids, as "they are more serious" and bring a sincerity that's welcome in his eyes. On coaching them, he noted "I love it, as long as everything is legit with the paperwork".

Renard Phillips takes a hands on approach during practice.

Their presence also "helps guards in our area" according to Phillips, since big, athletic players are hard to find, and playing with them early on reinforces skills necessary in college: Once a PCA guard graduates, the thought is he'll be further prepared for the college game, where big men are played with and faced routinely.

That attraction has already paid dividends, with Daryl Trayham transferring back to the DC area. A lightening quick, tough playing 5'8" pass first point guard, Daryl should integrate seamlessly with PCA's roster on the court.

Phillips' theory will immediately be tested: Those scouts already recruiting Daryl, a known entity to schools, will not only get to see Trayham operate with college size forwards/centers, but also get to observe them work with a true pass first guard. It's a symbiotic relationship, one mutually benficial to all.

After some dicey moments, blessings seem to be provided PCA in bunches now.

Update:

It was discoverd December 1st Trayham will not be attending PCA after all. Where he will spend his senior year in high school is unknown at this time.