Varsity Boys Basketball
Schedule
Roster
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Cooper Berkoff (captain)2025
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Bennett Cannon (captain)2024
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Griffin Chesson (captain)2025Raleigh, NC
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George Coleman (captain)2027
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Preston Copeland (captain)2025
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Hutch Marshall (captain)2025
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Grey McMahon (captain)2025Raleigh, NC
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John Misenheimer (captain)2026
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Kazim Oladipo (captain)2025
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Akila Proctor (captain)2025
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Jamir Smoakes (captain)2026
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Jake Stickney (captain)2025
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John Thagard (captain)2025Raleigh, NC
Coaches
Team Stories
The Athletic Department held it's Annual Winter Sports Ceremony on Wednesday, February 21, 2024. Many athletes were honored by their respective teams for their dedication and hard work. There were only a few that received All-Conference Honors in their sport. All-Conference nominees were selected and voted on by other coaches in conference who felt they were an assest to their teams success. The following athletes received the All-Conference nod:
Swimming: Senior Fabián Fallas Retana, Junior Alex Luebke, Sophomore Spencer Murray, and 7th grader Grant Murray
Varsity Girls Basketball: Senior Maya Foster, Senior Rebekah Leshnock, Junior Eliza Everett, Sophomore Kate Benson, Sophomore Jordyn Driggers, and Honorable Mention Nominee Senior Izzy Driggers
Varsity Boys Basketball: Junior Preston Copeland was named to the All-Conference Team, and Junior Cooper Berkoff was named All-Conference Honorable Mention.
Please join the Athletic Department & the Warrior Club in congratulating these athletes for their efforts during the Winter Sports Season!
Our Varsity Boys Basketball Team hosted the Lions of Trinity Academy on Friday Jan. 12th. The Warriors were trying to add to their conference wins and matched up well with the Lions. The Warriors started the game off a bit sluggish and went down by 7 points early. The Warriors were able to right the ship and by executing on offense and picking up their level of defense to tie the score. The Warriors went into the locker room up by 1 point at the half way mark. The Warriors came out playing together in the 3rd quarter. The Warriors would lose focus and miss rotations on defense which allowed the Lions to get back into the game. The contest was back and forth all night and was decided by 5 points. The leaders for the Warriors were Junior Preston Copeland who had 16 points and 8 rebounds for the Warriors. Freshman George Coleman chipped in with 11 points and 4 rebounds.
Our Varsity Boys Basketball Team compete in the Highschool OT Invitational Tournament on Saturday, January 13th against Greenfield School. The Warriors would enter the contest banged up and short one of their key players. With a game time decision, Freshman George Coleman was not available for this match up. The Warriors focus remained the same and they were destined to compete even though their bench was short. The Warriors started the game off flat and as a result had a couple of early turnovers. The Warriors would gain composure and settle into the game. The Warriors battled and tried to keep up their energy but had difficulty doing so with a short bench. The depth of the Knights proved to be too much for the Warriors.
Our Varsity Boys Basketball team competed in the High School OT tournament on Saturday, January 6th. The Warriors drew a tough matchup in the Cannon School out of Concord, NC. The Warriors had just come off of a double overtime victory the night before and had to face off against the at noon. The Cannon School has become a dynasty of well coached players that make a deep run into the State Tournament each year. The Warriors started the game off slow and could not seem to get their footing early on. The Cougars went on a run early and never looked back. The Warriors tried to muster some energy and fight back but the attack of the Cougars proved to be too much. Juniors Cooper Berkoff and Kazim Oladipo were the only Warriors in double figures with 11 points and 12 points respectively.
Our Varsity Boys Basketball team suited up for another conference matchup against Wake Christian on Friday, January 5th. The Warriors were still looking for their first win in the conference and knew this would be a tough road game. The Warriors got on the score board first by feeding the ball inside to Junior Preston Copeland. The game had several lead changes with both team going on several scoring runs. With 2 minutes left before the end of regulation the Warriors found themselves down 9 points. The Warriors did not give up and picked up their defensive pressure. The Warriors were scrambling and diving for loose balls which caused the Bulldogs to rush offensively resulting in several turnovers for them. Junior Grey McMahon made big time plays for the Warriors in moments they desperately needed them. The Warriors cut the deficit down to 3 points before the end of regulation. A key steal by Junior Akila Proctor gave the possession back to the Warriors with 17 seconds left on the clock. Freshman George Coleman came in clutch for the Warriors as he had done several times during the contest. Coleman, remaining true to form, knocked down a clutch 3 pointer to tie the game and send it into overtime. In the first overtime, the Warriors picked up some untimely fouls that sent the Bulldogs to the line for freethrows. The Warriors found themselves down again and had to claw their way back into the game. The Warriors kept the defensive pressure on and after being down forced a second overtime on layup from Junior Kazim Oladipo. During the second overtime, starting point guard Cooper Berkoff would foul out but not before he scored on a big drive to the basket, had a few steals, and key assists for the Warriors. The Warriors hung their hat on the strength of their defense and came out victorious on the road. The Warriors had a well balanced scoring attack with 5 players in double figures. Junior Preston Copeland led the scoring for the Warriors with 20 points. Freshman George Coleman added 18 points. Junior Akila Proctor chipped in with 12 points and Juniors Cooper Berkoff and Kazim Oladipo both finished the night with 11 points.
Our Varsity Boys Basketball Team advanced and earned the right to play for the championship in the Hickory Grove Invitational Tournament on Saturday, December 22nd. The Warriors were without some key players but were set and ready for battle. The Warriors seemed a little sluggish and did not display their usual uptempo pace to start the game. The Warriors were in a scoring slump in the first half and found themselves trailing the Crusaders for most of the half. The Warriors were in foul trouble to start the second half and were in an uphill battle. Although the Warriors were able to put together a few runs of their own foul trouble took its tole and the they were not able to overcome the deficit. Although the Warriors did not win the tournament, Juniors Cooper Berkoff and Preston Copeland were named to the All-Tournament team for their efforts over the weekend.
Our Varsity Boys Basketball Team participated in the Hickory Grove Invitational over the Christmas Break. The Warriors played the host team on opening night. The Warriors got off to a slow start and the Lions were able to take advantage by hitting several outside shots. The Warriors began to turn things around and it starts on the defensive side of the ball. The Warriors press proved to cause trouble for the Lions and we began to stretch our lead. The Warriors went in the locker room up by 11 at the half. The Warriors continued to turn up the pressure on defense and add on to their lead. Every player in a Warriors' uniform was able to see minutes and contribute to the victory. The Warriors were led in scoring by Junior Preston Copeland who put up a double double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Juniors Kazim Oladipo and Cooper Berkoff had 12 points/6 reounds and 9 points/8rebounds respectively. Freshman George Coleman added to the balanced scoring for the Warriors with 11 points and hoisted 7 rebounds as well.
Our Varsity Boys Basketball got an invite to participate in the Jimmy V Classic for the first ever appearance by a Warrior team. The Warriors drew the host team Panther Creek as their match-up. The Catamounts are a tough team who always ends up in the State Championship game or the semi-finals of the state tournament. The Warriors were focused and ready to compete on the big stage. The Warriors jumped on the board first with a turn around jumper from the elbow by Junior Cooper Berkoff. The Warriors continued to execute early on by working the ball inside. The Warriors hot start was interrupted by a couple of three pointers from the Catamounts. The Warriors did not lose composure and continued to grind on the offensive side of the ball while scrambling defensively. The Warriors began to wear down and scoring became a little more of a challenge. Although the Warriors did not come out with the victory it was a solid showing for them in the Classic. Junior Preston Copeland led the scoring for the Warriors with 31 points and added 15 rebounds as well. Junior Cooper Berkoff also had a solid showing with 16 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals for the Warriors.
Our Varsity Boys Basketball Team hit the road and headed down to Kinston, NC to take on Arendell Parrott Academy. The Warriors needed to gain a win to try and right the ship after their last contest. The Warriors were tested by the physicality of the Patriots and had to learn how to ban together and weather the storm. The Warriors came out better in the second half and were able to adjust to the way the game was being called. The Warriors were able to get a much needed road win and provide Asst. Coach Tim McMahon with a nice birthday present. Junior Cooper Berkoff led the Warriors scoring charge with 15 points. Berkoff also added 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals to his stat line. Junior Preston Copeland chipped in with 12 points and 3 rebounds.
Our Varsity Boys Basketball Team hosted the Knights of Cary Christian, their second conference opponent, on Tuesday, December 12th. The Warriors had made strides as far as bonding more as a team and were looking forward to the challenge the Knights would bring. The Warriors started the game off hot hitting three 3 pointers to open up the scoring for the Warriors, 2 by Sophomore Jamir Smoakes and 1 by Freshman George Coleman. The Knights would not go away and countered by hitting 2 big shots of their own. After several lead changes in the first half the Warriors found themselves tied going into halftime. The second half mirrored much of the first with the lead going back and forth. The Warriors were ahead by 2 with less than 2 minutes remaining in regulation. A missed defensive assignment let to a Knights basket which forced overtime. The Warriors were not able to get things going in overtime and suffered their second conference loss.
Our Varsity Boys Basketball Team travelled to take on Raleigh Charter School on Friday, December 8th at a neutral location. The Warriors were coming off of a good win at home and wanted to continue progressing. The Warriors were once again without the leadership of Junior Cooper Berkoff due to an unforeseen family emergency. The Warriors also had to face the fact they would also be without Junior Grey McMahon due to an injury sustained at practice. The Warriors started the game off slow and made a lot of unforced errors. The Warriors began to run their press and were able to get some easy baskets that sparked them offensively. The Warriors had balanced scoring from 3 key contributors. Freshman George Coleman led the Warriror with 20 points. George also added 7 rebounds to his total for the night. Junior Kazim Oladipo chipped in with 17 points and 8 rebounds. Junior Preston Copeland rounded out the double digit scorers with 15 points. Preston also led the team in rebounding with 9.
Our Varsity Boys Basketball Team hosted the Falcons of Friendship Christian Academy. The Warriors were ready to compete and improve overall as a team. The Warriors started the game of hot and jumped out to an early lead. The Warriors moved the ball well and was intentional about getting the ball inside which in turn opened up the outside scoring for the Warriors. The Warriors executed better on defense and were able to utilize new defensive schemes. The Warriors had well-balanced scoring in this contest. Junior Cooper Berkoff recorded his first double double of the season as his stat line read 10 points, 10 assists, and 2 steals. Junior Preston Copeland lead the Warriors in scoring with 19 points but he also cleared the glass with 15 rebounds that led to his double double night. Junior Kazim Oladipo chipped in with 12 points and 6 rebounds and Freshman George Coleman added 12 points and 5 assists towards the Warriors' win.
Our Varsity Boys Basketball Team opened up conference play at home versus the Eagles of Grace Christian on Friday, December 1st. The Warrior were ready to play and make a statement within the conference. The Warriors came out the gate bursting with energy and opened up their scoring with a dunk by Junior Preston Copeland that came from an assist by Junior Cooper Berkoff. The lead changed often in the first half and the Warriors went into the locker room down only down by two. The Warriors came out flat in the 3rd quarter and this allowed the Eagles to go on a run. The Warriors battled back but costly turnovers and fouls proved to be to much for them to overcome. "We have to get better at executing and taking care of the ball. The games won't get any easier so we have to take care of business." -Coach Coley Junior Cooper Berkoff stepped up for the Warriors with 15 points, 4 assists, and 2 steals for a solid performance on the night. Junior Preston Copeland put up 14 points and grabbed 6 rebounds and Junior Kazim Oladipo chipped in with 11 points.
Our Varsity Boys Basketball Team traveled across town to take on New Life Camp. The Warriors would be without their starting point guard Cooper Berkoff due to injuries he suffered in a previous contest. The Warriors were looking for other players to step up in the absence of Berkoff and provide some much needed leadership. The Warriors started the game off slow and seemed to be having some trouble against the scrappy defense of the Storm. The Warriors made some costly turnovers early in the game and found themselves down at halftime. The Warriors continued to fight their way back into the contest with timely baskets from Juniors Preston Copeland and Kazim Oladipo. The game would go down to the wire and would be decided by free throws that would put the Storm on top 60-56 at the end of regulation. Junior Preston Copeland posted another double double with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Junior Kazim Oladipo chipped in with 17 points for the Warriors.
Our Varsity Boys Basketball Team hosted the Crusaders of Cardinal Gibbons on Friday, November 17th. The Warriors were excited about this match up and were looking to forward to competing in front of a packed home crowd. The Crusaders struck first with 2 quick baskets off of missed rotations by the Warrior defense that led to their 4-0 lead. The Warriors soon struck back when Junior Cooper Berkoff drove the lane and kicked the ball out to Freshman George Coleman for a 3 pointer. The Warriors would take a huge hit right after that assist. Cooper Berkoff collided with a player on the opposing team and suffered an injury that would remove him from the contest for the rest of the night. The Warriors would struggle without the leadership of Berkoff but would continue to fight. The Warriors clawed their way back into the game but costly errors and missed free throws would haunt the Warriors. The Warriors could not get enough stops to secure a win against the Crusaders. Freshman George Coleman led the Warriors in scoring with 16 points. Junior Kazim Oladipo chipped in with 12 points of his own.
Our Varsity Boys Basketball Team hosted the Lions of Trinity Academy of Durham + Chapel Hill. The Warriors were looking to build on the things they did well in the previous contest. The Warriors started the game off on a roll and quickly developed a big lead over the Lions. The Warriors were moving the ball and getting inside to Junior Forward Preston Copeland. Although the Warriors seemed to be in control the Lions would not go away and the lead that appeared to be insurmountable had been cut down to single digits. The Warriors regained focus and was able to hold the Lions at bay. Junior Preston Copeland led the way for the Warriors with 25 points and 13 rebounds. Junior Cooper Berkoff chipped in with 8 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists.
Our Varsity Boys Basketball Team suited up for their game against the Falcons of O'Neal School to see who would take 3rd place in the Durham Academy Tip-Off Classic. The Warriors were trying to bounce back from a loss to the host school the previous night. The Warrior got off to a slow start in the first half and had a bit of a scoring drought. After a time-out the Warriors were able to regroup and pick up their energy defensively. On the offensive end it was Junior Cooper Berkoff that sparked the scoring for the Warriors. Berkoff was able to score in multiple ways for the Warriors as well as make key plays. Cooper Berkoff was the leading scorer for the Warriors and ended his night with 29 points. For his efforts, Cooper was named to the All-Tournament team. Junior Kazim Oladipo and Freshman George Coleman chipped in with 14 points.
Our Varsity Boys Basketball Team traveled to Highpoint to take on Wesleyan Christian Academy on Tuesday, November 7th. The Warriors were looking to see if they could put enough together to pull out a victory. The Warriors only had a few days of practice. "We pretty much have a new team with the additions this season. We have not been able to have a practice with all 12 players present and healthy yet so we knew this game would be challenging." - Coach Coley The Warriors played hard and but could not come together enough to get on a roll. The Warriors defense did not apply enough ball pressure to disrupt the game flow of Wesleyan. Newcomer, Junior Preston Copeland led the way for the Warriors with 23 points. Junior Kazim Oladipo, also a new addition to the team, chipped in with 11 points. The Warriors will be in action again on Friday, November 10th when they compete in the Durham Academy Tournament. The Warriors will play the host team at 8:00pm.
Our Varsity Boys Basketball Team traveled to Durham to participate in Durham Academy's Tip Off Classic. The Warriors are still trying to figure out how to play better as a team and get everyone on the same page. The Warriors started the game off very competitive. Although the Warriors have several new players this season, they continue to play hard while trying to create team chemistry. The Warriors had several bright moments in the contest but it was not enough to top the Cavaliers. "We will continue to work at getting better and executing as a team." -Coach Coley
The Varsity Boys Basketball Team hosted the Sabres of South Wake on Tuesday, December 13th. The Warriors started the game off strong and were able to take the lead early. Sophomore Grey McMahon hit a 3 pointer which happened to be the Warriors first basket of the game. Sophomore Cooper Berkoff followed that up with a hard drive to the basket and finish. The Warriors played well on defense in the first quarter and seemed to be clicking on all cylinders. In the second quarter the Sabres made some adjusts and started to claw their way back into the game. The Warriors continued to fight with 2 more 3 pointers by McMahon and several tough drives to the basket by Berkoff which resulted in a basket or a trip to the free throw line. The Sabres were still able to hang around and the Warriors went into the half down by 5. The Sabres continued to their run to open up the second half but a couple of 3 pointers by 8th grader George Coleman and a 3 by Sophomore Cooper Berkoff accompanied by more driving attacks to the basket kept the Warriors close. As the game went on the Warriors defense declined. With the back line of the Warriors defense in foul trouble, the Warriors found themselves short handed when it came to rebounding. "We have to continue to work on defensive positioning as well as boxing out and rebounding. It costs us tremendously tonight." -Coach Coley Sophomore Cooper Berkoff led the scoring for the Warriors and finished the game with 15 points. Eighth grader George Coleman added 11 points to the total and Sophomore Grey McMahon chipped in with 9. The Warriors will be in action again on Friday, December 16th as they host Arendell Parrott.