MaxPreps 2015-16 High School Basketball Early Contenders, presented by Dick's Sporting Goods and Under Armour: Word of God Christian Academy

Video: Early Contenders - Word of God Christian Academy



Head coach: Brian Clifton (first year)

2014-15 record: 29-3

State association: Independent

Enrollment: 175 (K-12)




Rawle Alkins (6-4, Sr., G) … No. 15 overall prospect in 2016 class by 247Sports

Jaylen Fornes (6-3, Sr., G) … UNC-Wilmington commitment

Blake Harris (6-3, Jr., G) … Offers from several ACC schools

Jalen Harris (6-1, Sr., G) … Buffalo commitment

Brandon Huffman (6-9, Sr., F) … Transfer from Alaska

Dequan Lockamy (6-8, Jr., F) … Transfer from Garner Magnet




Nov. 27 – vs. Providence Day (Charlotte, N.C.) at Charlotte Hoops Challenge

Dec. 10 – vs. Neumann-Goretti (Philadelphia) at Buckeye Elite Shootout

Dec. 12 – vs. Huntington St. Joseph Prep (Huntington, W.Va.) at Big E Classic

Jan. 23 – vs. Quality Education Academy (Winston-Salem, N.C.)

Feb. 13 – vs. Quality Education Academy

Feb. 16 – vs. Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.)




* Word of God may be best known as the high school home of John Wall. Clifton was Wall's club circuit coach and spent last season at Mount Zion Christian Academy (Durham, N.C.).

* Alkins surprised many by relocating to Word of God over the summer. It wasn't your average transfer situation as the reigning New York City POY wasn't likely to be cleared at Christ the King (Middle Village, N.Y.) this season due to time he spent playing varsity basketball as an eighth-grader. Alkins averaged over 20 points per game in 2014-15 and earned a spot on the MaxPreps Junior All-American Team. He scored 25 in his Word of God debut Nov. 10, an 81-61 win over Positive Day (Burlington).

* Huffman is another Holy Ram settling into a new situation this year after making the jump from Anchorage West in Alaska. The senior forward was an all-state pick — helping West go 21-3 and capture the 4A state title.

View gallery of preseason Early Contenders photo shoot with Word of God