The 2024-25 season for the Banner Christian School varsity boys' basketball team was nothing short of unforgettable—filled with intense determination, relentless grit and unforgettable moments. Despite facing one of the toughest schedules in recent years, our Bearcats stood tall, finishing with a .500 record (13-13) while reaching significant milestones that will long be remembered.
Banner Christian is a proud member of the Virginia Colonial Conference (VCC), and this year, the team seized the regular season title, a testament to their talent and tenacity within a fiercely competitive conference. One of the most thrilling moments of the campaign came during the VCC tournament semifinals, where the boys posted an incredible overtime win, outlasting The Blessed Sacrament Huguenot School, 61-57. In the championship game, they fought valiantly but fell just short, 55-50 to Brunswick Academy.
Their journey did not end there.
The team’s outstanding performance throughout the season earned them a spot as the No. 4 ranked team in the Virginia Independent Schools' Athletic Association Division IV state poll, allowing them to compete in the prestigious VISAA Division IV state tournament.
The squad continued to impress, securing an impressive 63-45 triumph over Westover Christian Academy in the quarterfinals. Thereafter, in the semifinals they faced Stuart Hall School, the No. 1 ranked team in VISAA Division IV. It was a game to remember, as the boys gave it their all, pushing their opponent to the limit before bowing out, 67-51. Though they didn’t emerge victorious, our Bearcats' fighting spirit and "never quit" attitude shone brightly, leaving a lasting mark on the state tournament.
But the success of the 2024-25 season wasn’t just about wins and losses—it was about the exceptional players who stood out on the court. Three key players—senior Joshua Hanna as well as juniors Xavian Bagley and Izaiah Robinson—garnered first-team all-conference honors. Additionally, junior Braedyn Carter’s consistent play and leadership earned him second-team all-conference accolades. These student athletes were instrumental in the program's achievements with their strong performances driving both offensive and defensive plays. Their leadership and skill were pivotal in the team’s championship aspirations and deep run in the state tournament.
The team's resilience wasn’t just about individual performances. Instead, their collective determination was the squad's hallmark. Even when the odds were stacked against them, the boys maintained their composure and pushed forward with unwavering resolve. All told, this season highlighted the team's depth of talent and illustrated that they have the heart and drive to compete at the highest level.
As the season wraps up, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our three seniors—Hanna, Blake Yancey and Shemar Wright. Their leadership, commitment and dedication have left a lasting impact on the program. We’ll be praying for them as they finish their senior year and step into the next chapter of their lives. As for the returning players, the work begins now to prepare for the
2025-26 season—another chance to chase more championships.
The 2024-25 campaign was one for the history books, and we can’t wait to see where this team's collective drive will take them next.
