Charlotte, NC – Tonight the Harding Rams (2-0) will take the 5 mile trip up I-85 to face the defending 4A Western Regional Champion West Charlotte Lions (2-0). The highly anticipated match-up between the two rivals is slated for a 7:30 pm tip-off. Off to a blazing hot start, which has seen the squad outscore its opponents 142-67, the Rams have worked this summer to prove they belong in Charlotte’s prep basketball conversation. The young team won’t have to wait long as they face its toughest challenge to date, in a game that is sure to be exciting for fans of both sides.
In just his second year in charge, Harding head coach L.J. Johnson believes his program is on the brink of something special. The former Parkwood High School (Monroe,NC) standout spent the off-season focusing on conditioning in an to effort get his team in better shape. “After reviewing the film, we noticed that we were getting tired late in games, which caused us to miss some opportunities,” said Johnson. “This year we treated the off-season like a collegiate program. We really worked hard and were able to shave over 63% body fat as a team. These guys understand that a conference championship hasn’t been won since 2006 and they have a chip on their shoulders.”
Sophomore work-horse Bralen Hamrick knows how important his coach has been to the development of the program. Johnson will look to the 6’3 Hamrick to help control the paint. “Coach Johnson has helped develop my overall game, ” said Hamrick. “He’s built me to become more athletic, enhanced my footwork, passing and shooting abilities.”
With preparation, the team has become more confident in its ability to win games. 6’0 guard Kobe Funderburk attributes the feat to the work that has been put in over the summer. The senior has been a welcome spark on offense for the Rams, providing a much needed threat from behind the arc. “This year we are ready,” said Funderburk. “The preparation we put in is paying off. Not only are we faster and stronger, but our defense is much improved. We are hitting shots more consistently and I am confident in where we are at right now.”
6’4 high-intensity forward Logan Blair agrees that change has come and is focused on the team goals. “We know some teams may look at us as an easy win but I’m not worried about that. I’m eager for us to get back in the playoffs and put Harding on the map again,” said Blair. Nicknamed the ‘energy guy’ by his teammates, Blair has began to make a name for himself defensively on the prep hoop scene. “I love to play defense and rebound,” said the forward, “I enjoy when my teammates get going because of it.”
Following completion of the 2019-2020 academic year, Harding’s current gym will become an auxiliary gym and the team will move into a newly constructed gymnasium. With a much improved roster, the Rams are hoping to close out the facility the right way. “There’s a ton of history in this building,” said Johnson. “These guys want to leave their legacy and this season we have the perfect opportunity to do just that.”
