CFNN Reporter Faith Harden-Drake

“Aiming for greatness” Is the best way to describe the projections for the upcoming basketball season starting on November 22, 2021. The Colts kick the season off at home against EE. Smith. The players are preparing to compete for their first win of the season. 

When we talked to Head Coach Alphonza Kee about the expectations of this season, he said “Our conference is highly competitive. We have some experience with the returners. We are trying to compete with the top 3 in the league. This year, being a more traditional year than last year being struck with COVID, we are doing our best to be competitive.”

Some of these returners include Justin Burden, who seems to have already set the bar high for the team. He wants to win the state championship. We asked him who to look out for on the team. “Really everybody, we are all good.” His teammate Xavier Johnson agreed “Watch out for Cape Fear High School, the whole team”.

Under the guidance of Coach Kee, Cape Fear basketball has seen great success in past seasons. Now Kee himself has even higher expectations for the team and the season. He feels like the boys have enough talent not just to make the playoffs as in previous seasons, but to make a deep run. 

“Each season, including this one we expect to finish in the top 3rd of the league and play in the postseason,” said Coach Kee. “Accomplishing both of these goals will put us in position to compete for a conference championship and a deep playoff run. As always, we want this team to excel in the classroom, and in their personal lives as a result of being a part of this 2021-22 Cape Fear Basketball Team.”

The demeanor is confident for this year’s team. The team has a wealth of experience and talent, which has led the players on the team to set high expectations for themselves. With an experienced group like this, it’s evident that “just a trip to the playoffs” is not enough. 

One could say the Colts have high, high hopes for a living and they’re shooting for the stars so they can make a killing

”It’s really uplifting. It’s a really nice team to be on. We have a great mood!” Said Johnson. Masaun Moore-Bryant repeated the same sentiment, saying “we have a great mood. We’re coming together really well, especially with bringing in some of the new players on the team and creating a bond with them.”

Everyone one the team is in high spirits with new and returning players practicing together. “We work together extremely well, and we always have good communication and team chemistry,” said Johnson. All players seem to have their eyes set on the big things, competing for a conference title and, hopefully, for the state championship.