Grace Christian captures its 20th win

ROB WITHAM Special Correspondent

Did you know there’s a high school basketball team in Hanover County with 20 wins on the season?

Meet the Grace Christian School Kings, the varsity boys team that has burst onto the scene in Division III of the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA). On Feb. 9, they celebrated Senior Night and captured win No. 20, defeating Spirit Homeschool, 67-53.

chael Patrick and Chris Leath, who led the way.

Patrick, who will play collegiately at Hampden-Sydney College, led the Kings with 28 points.

“So grateful, glory to God in all ways in what He’s done with me and with this school,” Patrick said after the game surrounded by teammates. “It’s surreal to be part of such a community here.” half, as Jordan Ignace took the ball off a steal for a layup to extend the lead to eight at 40-32 midway through the third. Before the period ended, Leath unleashed an and-one, and suddenly it was a 13-point lead. hawks, keeping the lead at double digits.

Grace Christian school senior Michael Patrick (5) drives for two of his game-high 28 points as Chris Leath (3) trails during the Kings’ 6753 win over spirit Homeschool on Feb. 9 on their senior night. Leath finished with 15 points.

Former Lee-Davis head coach and player Chad Bishop took on the job for the Kings, and the fruition from the hard work needed to signal the arrival of the team competitively is arriving. And, fittingly, it was two seniors, Mi-

Patrick has been the undisputed offensive leader for Grace, but everyone struggled early as Spirit took a 12-9 lead to the second period. Then, Patrick and Mason Wynne hit consecutive triples, giving the Kings a small lead that they nursed to the half, only up 29-27 at intermission.

Slowly, but surely, the Kings began to pull away in the second

Though Leath is completing his only season at Grace, it is readily apparent the impact it has had on him. Patrick persuaded his longtime friend to join him at the school.

“It’s an honor, honestly, to start this trend,” Leath said of the 20win mark. “This isn’t just a ‘first thing,’ it’s going to keep coming, more players will be coming. The sky is the limit for this program.”

Patrick finished his night with two big triples to quell any last minute threat from the War-

The Kings look at the VISAA Division III standings finding themselves in seventh place as the playoffs approach. The Carmel School of nearby Carmel Church is in second, while Life Christian Academy of Chesterfield is in third. By finishing in the top eight, Grace Christian would host a first round Division III game on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at Mechanicsville High School.

“I haven’t taken it in 100%, it’s like a blur,” Leath said when asked about it being Senior Night. “It’s great to be able to do what I love with great people at a great school.”

A school whose trajectory is indeed on the upswing.