The 2023-2024 Carmel Christian basketball team had a very exciting season that was full of ups and downs. The team started the season with a loss on the opening night of the CCS Tip-Off Tournament. The next day, they rebounded with an impressive win against Gaston Day Christian. After that opening tournament, the team lost four out of their next five, falling to 2-5 on the season.

 The team had to regroup and figure some tactics out before their next game. The Cougars responded to that losing streak with a three-game winning streak against Victory Christian, Calvary Day and Cary Academy. 

 Then, there was an anticipated match up between the Cougars and Covenant Day. Carmel fell just short and on top of that had a game the next day against Eli Ellis and Moravian Prep. The team unfortunately lost that game as well.

 The Cougars were able to get two nice wins before a tough stretch. Carmel lost three straight games heading into the Christmas break. After Christmas, things started to click for the team.

 Carmel went on an 11-game win streak. This included some very impressive wins against Cox Mill and Cannon. The team was able to secure a double bye in the playoffs. Their first game was in the state quarterfinals against Providence Day. Carmel fell short in this game which ended their season, but this season was by no means a disappointment. Coach Slay was able to put a team together at the last minute, and the team went from a 7-10 team to finishing as an 18-11 team.

 This team should be getting even better next year. Unfortunately, Senior wing Kam Taylor is graduating; but with the development of the other players on the team, next year’s team should be even better than this year’s squad.

The Blue & Gold had the opportunity to talk with Junior Bryce Slay about the basketball season:

What are your overall thoughts on how the season played out?

Disappointing ending, a great season with a lot of ups and downs.

What did the team learn this season?

To buy into the blueprint that Coach Slay gave us.

What did you learn?

How to bring people together. I learned how to be a leader for the team and strengthened my leadership skills.

If you could change anything about this season what would it be?

Win in the playoffs, we were on a great winning streak but the team peaked too soon.

How will the team grow/improve or regress next season?

We will improve tremendously, because of our depth. We are building a new program.

What are

your favorite memories?

Beating Davidson Day on the road, that changed the landscape of the season.

Was there an off-the-court memory that bonded the team together?

Gigi’s playhouse. During J Term we all went to Gigi’s playhouse and it really bonded the team and we all grew closer together.