KIA Autosport Athletes of the Week: Kendrick Boys Basketball

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) – As the seasons change in the Chattahoochee Valley, the spotlight shifts to the hardwood, and the Kendrick Boys Basketball team is wasting no time making noise.

The Cherokees have jumped out to an impressive 8–1 start to the season, averaging 70 points per game and establishing themselves early as a team to watch. But the players say the fast start is no accident, it’s the result of work that’s been happening long before the season started.

“The hard work, for sure,” said Noah Harris. “We’ve been putting in the work. A lot of people don’t see Kendrick guys as putting in the work, so we’re showing the city it’s capable. It’s possible.”

That mindset has been years in the making. For many on the roster, this season represents the payoff from a long-term commitment that began as freshmen.

“We’ve been building this team for four years,” said Caleb Giles. “Most people have seen us since our freshman year, and we’ve gotten better every single year. We work on different things in practice, different drills, everything to become a better team.”

Now, Kendrick turns its attention to what lies ahead, the grind of Region 1-2A, widely regarded as one of the toughest in the state. Head coach Andre Dye believes the early success is crucial preparation for the challenges to come.

“It’s extremely important to get some wins under your belt going into region play,” Dye said. “We have a tough region, three potential top ten teams in 2A basketball. You want momentum, and you want strong team chemistry before you hit the difficult stages of the season.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.