The following was submitted by the Orcas Christian School.

This season the Orcas Christian School Saints have not only been battling other teams but other challenges as well.

The first challenge came when Corey Aragon was lost for a month with a broken finger. During that time Cameron Aragon, his older brother, stepped up and led the team.

“It was great once Corey came back and we were whole again,” said Coach Ryan Davis. “Having those two play together is awesome.”

A couple games later Cameron was lost for the season and transitioned into a coaching role. It was then Corey’s turn to lead the team, and he did not shy away from that responsibility.

A couple of games later Cameron was lost for the season and transitioned into a coaching role. It was then Corey’s turn to lead the team, and he did not shy away from that responsibility.

Corey started out each game strong but would often face double and triple teams on his way to the hoop. It would take him a couple possessions to figure it all out, and then he really excelled at choosing his spots to shoot from and how to get there. “Corey got better and better with each game. He quickly learned how to take on the double teams and how to use a variety of moves to get past them. With each game his confidence and ability grew, it was fun to watch” said Davis.

“Corey got better and better with each game,” said Davis. “He quickly learned how to take on the double teams and how to use a variety of moves to get past them. With each game his confidence and ability grew. It was fun to watch.”

In his coaching role, Cameron sees the game from a player’s perspective and offers great insight to the other coaches.

“He is a special player – not because of how he played but because of how he can relay information to the guys,” said Davis.

Corey’s big game came in the second round of playoff games against Providence Classical Christian School. PCCS was a school that the Saints beat handily both times during the regular season – but with two Aragons. This was the first game with only one Aragon playing. PCCS came out strong and shot better than they ever had before.

“It was probably the best Providence has played all season; they were ready for the challenge,” said Davis.

The Saints also started quickly with two low post baskets by Ryan Flint. Partway through the first quarter, Coach Aragon saw something in Providence’s man to man defense. He drew up a play, called a timeout and put the play in. Corey took the play and ran with it for 3.5 quarters. He added a different variation to it each time, sometimes hitting jumpers, sometimes taking it to the hoop. Corey ended up with a stat line of 47 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists.

“Corey is a special player, not just because of his skill set but because of the young man he is becoming,” said Davis. “He leads his team with confidence, not arrogance. He listens and applies the knowledge we give him. He cares about his teammates and will always put them above himself. Corey is the kind of guy that makes other people want to play the game, he is the kind of player that is hard to find.”