Team Preview: Calvary Christian Academy

<p>Throughout this month, I will be highlighting selected teams across South Florida. This article takes me to Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian Academy. The Eagles went 17-7 last season and won the Class 3A state championship over <strong>Bishop McLaughlin</strong> in overtime. Calvary is led by head coach <strong>Cilk</strong> <strong>McSweeney</strong>. <strong>Westminster Christian</strong> was the only South Florida team to beat the Eagles last season. The rest of their losses were to <strong>Montverde</strong> <strong>Academy</strong> (2x), <strong>La Lumiere</strong>, <strong>Sunrise Christian Academy</strong>, <strong>Milton (Georgia)</strong> and <strong>IMG Academy. </strong>Those are some of the best teams in the country.</p> <p>Can the Eagles go undefeated against South Florida competition? Can they get to <strong>GEICO Nationals</strong>? Those are some of the questions I have.</p> <p>In my opinion, I don’t think the Eagles can be beat in the region<em> if </em>they play their "A" game.</p> <p>That is an <em>if</em>....</p> <p>I say this jokingly, but the <strong>Chicago Bulls</strong> went 72-10 in 1995-1996. The best teams lose from time to time. South Florida is also not <strong>Montana</strong>. The area has enough talent to trip up Calvary Christian Academy on an off night.</p> <p>Oh yeah, opponents probably <em>want</em> to beat the Eagles more than anyone else on their schedule. I betcha <strong>Westminster Academy</strong> does! The Eagles should and will prepare for their opponents best shot.</p> <p>And let’s be honest....who wouldn’t want to beat six D-1 recruits? If I’m a player, I probably have it <em>circled </em>theoretically on my calendar. Also, coaches might say its just another game, but it’s <em>kinda</em> not. Beating Calvary Christian Academy would give an opposing team a lot of confidence.</p> <p>Why? Well...</p> <p>2022 forward [player_tooltip player_id="814895" first="Gregg" last="Glenn"] is committed to <strong>Michigan</strong>. The 6-foot-7 forward is dynamic in transition and a improved shooter from his junior season.</p> <p>2022 forward [player_tooltip player_id="712107" first="Taylor" last="Hendricks"] and 2022 guard [player_tooltip player_id="1065427" first="Tyler" last="Hendricks"] are committed to <strong>UCF</strong>. [player_tooltip player_id="712107" first="Taylor" last="Hendricks"] might be the best two-way player in South Florida and [player_tooltip player_id="1065427" first="Tyler" last="Hendricks"] has range out to the 3-point line.</p> <p>2023 [player_tooltip player_id="709215" first="Marvel" last="Allen"] is a 6-foot-4 guard with offers from <strong>Illinois</strong>, <strong>LSU</strong>, <strong>Stanford</strong>, <strong>USF</strong>, <strong>Virginia Tech</strong>, <strong>Ohio State</strong>, <strong>Miami</strong> and <strong>Oklahoma State</strong>. Allen is explosive and a three-level scorer. He could be the best junior in the entire country.</p> <p>2023 [player_tooltip player_id="709228" first="Carl" last="Cherenfant"] is a 6-foot-5 guard with offers from LSU, <strong>Western</strong> <strong>Kentucky</strong>, Oklahoma State, <strong>Florida</strong>, Miami and <strong>Georgia</strong>. He's often at his best when getting downhill and attacking the basket. Cherenfant can then use his length and athleticism to finish with either hand. His stock has risen significantly since the state tournament. </p> <p>2022 [player_tooltip player_id="829386" first="Brenen" last="Lorient"] is a 6-foot-8 forward with offers from <strong>Murray State</strong>, <strong>Florida Gulf Coast</strong>, <strong>Illinois-Chicago</strong> and <strong>Florida Atlantic</strong>. Lorient has a long wingspan and can finish with either hand in the post.</p> <p>The Eagles also have a top 30 player in <strong>RJ Livingston</strong>. The 6-foot-1 guard is the son of former NBA player, <strong>Randy Livingston</strong>.</p> <p>You don’t need to be <strong>Paul</strong><strong> Biancardi </strong>to know that this team is good. I think it’s safe to assume the Eagles are once again a favorite in Class 3A and will defend their title <span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">in </span><strong style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Lakeland</strong><span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">. The "sky" for this team might be GEICO Nationals. I think that is the goal and Calvary Christian Academy can achieve it. I think the players believe it and Cilk McSweeney will have this team focused from November to April.</span></p> <p>For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information...please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>