Festival Preview: High Powered American Christian Is Loaded

Ron Bailey, Publisher

December 2, 2007 – American Christian (PA) has been a prep school of note for four years now, a period of time that corresponds with the enrollment of super guard, Tyreke Evans. Always capable of keeping the school competitive against whomever it faced (last season, American Christian went 25-10), the now 6’5”, 205 pound senior is unquestionably one of the best players in America, consequently receiving recruiting interest from a boat load of colleges in conferences ranging from the Big East to Southeast Conference. Just ask his coach, Tony Bergeron.

“Last night, Tyreke had 52 points, 11 rebounds eight steals and six assists” recently relayed American Christian’s second year bench leader. “I always tell people, he’s a pro playing against prep school kids”.

Tyreke Evans, a true standout.

That assessment is correct, as Evans can get his shot off in seemingly any situation, despite what defenses have concocted to stop him. Increased facility playing off the ball and defending have only made him more unstoppable.

Benefiting both the team and Evans, American Christian has big time help for him in the backcourt. First, there is Jeremiah Kelly, a 6’1” senior lead guard from Chicago, who Bergeron noted “can do it all”, and will return to the Windy City for college, as he has signed with DePaul.

One must add junior standouts Lamont Jones and Oscar Griffin to the mix as well. Jones has decided Louisville will be his future college home, a good decision for the 6’0” point guard. Griffin stands 6’4” and plays shooting guard, where according to Bergeron he has attracted “a lot of Big East and ACC” attention.

While the team’s talent is beyond question – American Christian regularly scores above 100 points - Bergeron also lauded his team’s system, one that in his opinion makes everything possible. “Our defensive pressure makes everything go” he said. “We generate most of our scoring off defense”.

This, Evans’ last high school campaign is one in which Bergeron shared “We have a couple of goals”, including finishing “in the final eight of prep schools”. Doing so will enable attainment of the second goal, to secure “the prep school championship”.

Currently ranked third in the prep school ranks behind Hargrave and Patterson, the National High School Hoops Festival may allow American Christian to at least become the second slotted team, as there it plays Patterson on December 9th. Regardless of the outcome, which should be produced by an outstanding, fast paced game, Bergeron is already impressed with the Festival.

“I’ll tell you what, I really judge an event on the lead up” shared American Christian’s coach on Festival’s administration, “how organized they are before the game, the accommodations and response. Keith (Stevens) and his partner, Kenny Johnson have been great. This is a tournament we look forward to playing in, again and again”.

While that may be the case, this year, Festival patrons and organizers are thrilled to have them now, and their possible epic battle with Patterson slated.