After losing six seniors from a team that made it to the District 1AA finals in the 2021-22 season, many onlookers believed that this year’s version of the Knights would struggle. A season preview written in the Delco Times emphasized this point, noting: “it could be a rebuilding season for Delco Christian, after the graduation of 1,000-point scorer Josh Parks. He was one of six seniors that accounted for just shy of 74 percent of the Knights’ scoring last year, on the way to the District 1 Class 2A final.” The season opener in the DC Tip-Off Tournament did not do much to assuage concerns, as the Knights fell to Atlantic Christian 49-47 in the waning seconds of the game. A day later, the Knights showed heart and resiliency that would come to define this year’s team by overcoming a 17-point third-quarter deficit to defeat TCA 62-61.
Those first two games kicked off a month of discovery for the young Knights team, who were still working to gel and define their play style. Losing point guard Khamai Orange ‘25 to injury for the first seven games of the season posed challenges for the team, but the group responded with grit and determination and rallied to get several early wins. The Knights went into the Christmas Break with victories over Phil-Mont and Interboro, sporting a 4-3 overall record and building confidence that lasted throughout the remainder of the season.
Notable highlights from the season included an explosive, 50-point first-half in an away contest against Faith Christian and an epic District 1AA playoff victory against Church Farm where Orange hit a game-winning fast-break layup as time expired to put the Knights into district finals.
Although young, this year’s team was uniquely skilled offensively. Three players averaged double-digits in scoring per game with a fourth less than a half point away. Khamai Orange led the team in scoring, assists, and rebounds. Caleb Jameson ‘25 had a tremendous offensive year, ranking seventh in Pennsylvania and second in District 1 with 83 made threes; Beau Lyren ‘25 ranked 20th in PA and 6th in District 1 with 68 made threes; Josiah Gaines ‘24 was the most efficient scorer on the team, shooting 53.3% from the field.
“If the fellas put in the work in the weight room and continue skill development this offseason, the sky's the limit for what we can achieve as a team,” observed Coach Reggie Parks. “With only one senior graduating from the team, we expect to return the majority of our guys next year, and with the experience gained this season, this team should be something really special when we get back at it for 2023-24.”
Congratulations to our players who were recognized for their excellent season by BAL:
- Khamai Orange (All BAL - First Team)
- Caleb Jameson (All BAL - Second Team)
- Beau Lyren (All BAL - Second Team)
- Josiah Gaines (All BAL - Honorable Mention)
