When a newly-formed basketball league, the Blythefield Basketball Association, announced that it would return from its year off due to COVID, Forest Hills Central students jumped on the opportunity.

Many teams from FHC joined the league, but there is only one team that is contrasting from all the others. A group of nine players united and formed God’s Children. Let’s focus on each of the nine players and how his season has gone so far. 

Player personnel: 

• Evan Boucher – SG/SF

Evan brings a lot of energy and effort to the squad while also being a top perimeter shooter on the team. The 6’0″ shooting guard has had a quiet but efficient season, averaging 2.2 points per game and 1.8 rebounds per game.

• Thomas Cobb – PG/SG

Thomas entered the season as one of the best passers on the team, and he has earned that title so far. With excellent court vision and basketball IQ, Cobb has been a tough matchup for teams this year. He currently averages 2.2 PPG and 1 RPG.

• Drew Dickinson – PF/C

Dickinson was a late addition to the squad but has been pivotal for God’s Children. He spaces the floor with his three-point shot and is a lot to handle on the boards. He currently averages 2.4 PPG and 5.8 RPG.

• Carter Kelly –  SF/PG

Carter brings a lot of unique traits to God’s Children, with a skill set similar to NBA MVP Nikola Jokic. Kelly can bring handle the ball, dominate in the post, and shoot the three-ball well. He averages 11.6 PPG, 7 RPG, and 1.2 steals per game. 

• Maxime Larmande – PG/SF

The “best shooter in the program” has continued his title by shooting lights-out in his first five games. Larmande has been a source of offense for God’s Children by averaging 15.2 PPG and 4.4 RPG. 

• Jack McNamara – C/PF

The lengthy big-man has provided a spark on the defensive end for the squad. His ability to contest and block shots has been crucial for the team’s success while also leading the league in rebounds per game. McNamara averages 8.8 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 1.4 SPG, and 1.8 blocks per game.

• Noah Moore – PG/ SG

Noah has stepped up for the team in recent games, taking over some ball-handling responsibilities and also knocking down three’s. He currently has the top 5 most assists in the league as well. His averages are 3.2 PPG,1.8 APG, and 2.8 RPG. 

• Noah Verlin – SG/SF

Verlin has been one of the best team players for God’s Children this season. He is a knockdown shooter that also can defend multiple positions. Noah also is the reigning MVP of the last game. Verlin averages 3.6 PPG on the season.

• Matt Willemin – SF/ SG

Last but not least, Matt Willemin closes out the nine members of God’s Children; he brings elite shooting with his long frame. The week-one MVP has been clutch all year, averaging 5 PPG and 3 RPG

Heading into the BBA season, God’s Children were seen as a mid-tier team in the league that could cause some trouble come playoff time. The boys are in the Western Conference, which would prove to be their benefit later in the season.

God’s Children is currently 5-1 on the season and has one game left.

In week one, the team found itself in a dogfight and snuck out a victory. Team Gray challenged God’s Children in week two, but the boys won by a score of 43-35. They also had intriguing wins against the River Rats and Team Icebox, putting them at 5-0. 

“We started the season out figuring each other out and trying to increase the team’s chemistry,” team captain Noah Moore said. “After a few weeks, we got closer as a team, and that is one of the main reasons we have not lost.”

With great power comes great responsibility; God’s Children is embracing its mojo. In the season’s final regular-season game, God’s Children will take on an in-school rival: the Goldfish. This will be the biggest BBA game of the year and will bring great publicity for the league. 

“I’m ready for the challenge in this next week,” Carter Kelly mentioned. “Many people are still doubting us, but we’re ready to prove everyone wrong.”

After its last regular-season game, God’s Children will lock in for the playoffs. The boys are currently the two seed in the Western Conference. A first-round bye would be the result of the one seed for God’s Children if it can clinch it. 

“Our end goal is to go as far in the playoffs as we can,” team captain Jack McNamara said. “If we continue to stay together, I believe we can stay hot and make a run.”