Triad Preview Series: Burlington Christian Academy
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As we enter the Dog Days of summer, high school squads across North Carolina have begun to prepare for the 2023-2024 season. Among them are teams from the Triad, an overlooked, underrated region home to big-time prospects and programs. Welcome to the Triad Preview Series, a five-part, in-depth look at the best basketball the Triad has to offer. Today’s piece will feature Burlington Christian Academy. Let’s look at some key pieces that make this roster stand out.
Ian Bush
Ian Bush
The bread and butter of this Burlington Christian Academy squad is class of 2025 combo guard Ian Bush. This is a kid who flew under the radar his junior year with Burlington Christian Academy, but has shown his game is on an upwards trajectory with his performance this grassroots season. At 6’5″, Bush has the build college programs are looking for. Bush is an athlete in all aspects of the word and knows how to channel these attributes of his game to make big-time plays on both ends of the floor. He attacks the basket with purpose, uses his body to draw contact, and makes big-time finishes at the rim. Bush’s perimeter shooting is still a work in progress but has continued to develop alongside the other pieces of his game. Same deal from behind the arc; he’s improving. Expect Bush to dedicate the rest of this summer to developing confidence and range with his shot. On defense Bush is a warrior and gets after it on every play. What I like most is that he is not afraid to match up and lock down opposing teams’ bigs. Because of a leaner frame, Bush was subjected to a little bully ball under the rim at times last high school season, but expect getting his body right as part of his summer agenda. Keep an eye out for Ian Bush to make a name for himself this summer and cement his status as one of the most intriguing stock risers in the class of 2025.
Brooks Brown
Brooks Brown
With a Burlington Christian Academy Squad that will be forced to navigate the departures of a couple of key pieces, expect class of 2024 forward Brooks Brown to step up and fill that role. At 6’4″, Brown has a strong, physical presence on both ends of the floor. Offensively, Brown is the type of prospect who does not always stand out in the stats sheet. This is the reason he has not gotten the attention he deserves. Seasoned coaches and programs can look beyond the scorebook and see Brown for what he is, a competitor who will do whatever it takes to win. Brown is a prospect who plays good, fundamental basketball. He does the little things right. Whether it’s setting a strong, sturdy ball screen that allows Ian Bush to take it to the rim or coming up with a rebound that gives this team a second chance bucket, you can expect Brown to make an impact one way or another. That doesn’t mean he can’t score the rock. Brown is a strong downhill driver and has proven he can finish tough plays at the rim. His mid-range game is consistent, and I’ve seen significant progress with his three-ball. Brown is a unit on the defensive end of the floor. He’s got the characteristics of a big-time defender; length, size, and that dawg mentality you just can’t teach. Burlington Christian Academy had some significant turnover with this roster following the end of last season. It’s time for some new guys to step up and excel in new roles. Brooks Brown is that guy.
RJ Robinson
RJ Robinson
Burlington Christian Academy has lost some depth at the guard spot but will look to fill those roles with a couple of key pieces this offseason. There are a handful of guys who will have the opportunity to earn meaningful minutes and play a significant role in the success of this ball club. One of them is class of 2026 guard RJ Robinson. RJ Robinson is a true floor general. He brings an infectious energy and sense of tenacity to this team that is valuable beyond words. Robinson is a skilled ball handler, a gifted passer, and plays with a high basketball IQ. Robinson’s court vision sets him apart. He always finds the open man regardless of his position on the court. Despite being a prospect who embodies a pass-first style of play, Robinson is a dynamic scoring threat who can get it done on all three levels. His quick handle and quicker first step give him an edge when driving to the basket, he jumps high and straight up on his mid-range jump shots, and he’s mastered creating space in the open court. Despite a smaller frame, Robinson is a tough competitor on defense. He plays with toughness and grit. Robinson is a prospect who always makes the extra play and puts his team in the best position to win. There is no doubt guard play will be a topic of discussion this offseason for the Royals, but RJ Robinson has the opportunity to put those questions to rest. I expect him to do just that.
Ben Cockman
Ben Cockman
Another intriguing prospect from the class of 2025 is guard Ben Cockman. Looking to follow in the footsteps of his recently graduated older brother, Ben Cockman is expected to play a bigger role in the all-around success of this team. As a rising junior, Cockman brings experience and knows how to play BCA basketball, the type of veteran leadership the Royals need in 2023-2024. Cockman is an exceptional ball handler in the open court and can make things happen for his teammates. He’s got court vision and a high basketball IQ that allows him to see plays develop and capitalize on a collapsed defense. Cockman is patient with the ball and always makes the right play. Despite a very calm, level-headed style of play, Cockman’s got some fire to him. He’s a tough competitor who gives his all on every possession. Cockman is reliable with the ball in his hands and knows how to run this team’s offense. Ben Cockman’s got big shoes to fill, but with an off-season where expectations are higher than ever, I think this guy has it in him to step up and deliver.