This past Sunday at Brown Gymnasium, South Kent School celebrated a special Senior Day for our Prep and Development Basketball teams, recognizing the 19 graduating players who have been instrumental in our program’s success. Senior Day is an annual tradition at South Kent, where we honor our seniors with their families, coaches, and teammates, celebrating their hard work, dedication, and leadership on and off the court.

The gym was packed with students, families, and staff, all coming together to cheer on our graduating players. The celebration included custom posters, framed photo collages, and a special on-court ceremony, where each senior had the opportunity to present flowers to their parents or guardians as a token of appreciation. The event was decorated with balloon bouquets and a team banner, and attendees enjoyed special cupcakes and cookies to mark the occasion.

Our seniors have shown tremendous growth, leadership, and commitment throughout their time at South Kent. Each of them has contributed something special to our basketball program, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements.  More photos on Alumni Connection and all photos available for families on SmugMug

Prep Basketball Seniors:

🏀 Jaryn Aguiar – A standout guard with an incredible presence on the court, Jaryn was surrounded by 20+ family members sporting custom shirts in his honor. His infectious energy and skill made him a fan favorite.

🏀 Rashawn Tibby – A versatile post player, Rashawn’s ever improving skill set, made him an essential part of the team. His family celebrated his journey with a beautiful collage of memories from his career.

🏀 Adam Chicacchia – A true leader and one of the most improved players this season, Adam’s growth as both an athlete and teammate has been inspiring to watch.

🏀 Badara Diakte – A skilled player with great potential, Badara battled through injury this season and will continue his basketball journey at Iowa next year.

🏀 Dapo Kruyswijk – A solid post player, Dapo brought strength and intensity to the court every game.

🏀 Alexander Bryant – A hardworking, uber athletic student-athlete, Alexander has been a dedicated learner of the game, always looking to improve and push himself.

🏀 Tim Walker – A versatile skilled scoring guard, Tim brought toughness and a competitive spirit that the team sorely needed the season.

🏀 Shawn Spencer – A dedicated team member,and hard nosed defender, Shawn brought effort and energy to every practice and game.

🏀 Nathan Brazil – A tough competitor, who can also have big scoring nights, never backed down from a challenge.

🏀 Diallo Long – A key presence on the team, always pushing himself and his teammates to be better. Brought that Maryland area toughness every team needs.

🏀 Kaizen Settles – A determined player who worked tirelessly to develop his game.

🏀 Jonas deKrassel – A sharpshooter who consistently drained three-pointers all season. His impact as a long-range threat was undeniable.

🏀 Tres Luzey – A strong, determined guard who always gave maximum effort, even in limited playing time.

Development Basketball Seniors:

🏀 Liam Mail – A calm, composed guard who kept the team steady in crucial moments.

🏀 Nathaniel Horovitz – A high-IQ guard who brought strong leadership and decision-making to the court.

🏀 Lucas Land – A lightning-fast guard from Atlanta, Lucas’ speed and agility made him a tough matchup for any defender.

🏀 Johny Mathiang – A dedicated and hardworking team player who contributed in all aspects of the game.

🏀 Maddox Hughey – A solid post player who battled in the paint and showed great development.

🏀 Isaiah Young – A committed athlete who consistently brought energy and focus to practices and games.

At South Kent, our basketball program is about more than just wins and losses—it is about growth, teamwork, and preparing our athletes for success beyond the court. This year’s seniors have paved the way for future players, and we could not be prouder of their accomplishments.

To our graduating seniors, thank you for your dedication, leadership, and passion for the game. We wish you all the best in your next chapter—whether it be at the collegiate level or beyond. You will always be part of the South Kent brotherhood.

The post South Kent Basketball 2025 Senior Day appeared first on South Kent School.

Reflecting on his new role, Carter expressed the excitement and responsibility he feels as he succeeds Coach Chillious. “This is a thrilling challenge in my career and a significant responsibility,” Carter said. “Coach Chills has set a high standard in player development and has shaped South Kent basketball into a national contender. I’m honored to continue that legacy, especially with such a talented group of players this season.”

Carter brings not only a wealth of experience but also a natural ability to lead. A former two-time captain at Rutgers University, he competed in Division I basketball and demonstrated his leadership on the court during the 1989 and 1991 seasons. Since joining South Kent in the fall of 2023, Carter has quickly become an advocate for student-athletes, earning him the role of Dean of Students alongside his coaching duties.

On his leadership style, Carter emphasizes the importance of trust and respect between coach and players. “While I’m grateful to be recognized as a leader, it’s vital that my team trusts me. I’m intentional with my words and avoid harsh criticism, even in moments when a player misses an easy shot. Instead, I aim to build them up, offering encouragement that fuels their resilience,” he explained. “I also share lessons from my own mistakes in high school and college to help them learn without repeating the same errors. My goal is to prepare and motivate them to give their best effort every time they’re on the court.”

With 24 years of coaching experience at various colleges and universities, including over 15 years at the NCAA Division I level, Carter brings a diverse and seasoned perspective to South Kent. Head of School Brian Sullivan expressed his confidence in Carter’s leadership, noting, “Craig’s extensive background in coaching both men’s and women’s teams across different levels uniquely positions him to connect with and inspire our players. His leadership will undoubtedly enhance our basketball program and benefit the entire South Kent community.”

The South Kent basketball season opens tonight at 6:30 p.m. in Brown Gym, where the Cardinals will face off against Redemption Christian Academy. With Coach Carter’s leadership and the team’s shared camaraderie, South Kent basketball is set to shine brightly on the court once again.
Find the 2024-25 Season Schedule here. #GoCardinals

The post Cardinals and Coach Carter Tip Off Season appeared first on South Kent School.

The post Meet Coach Carter, New Director of Basketball appeared first on South Kent School.

“Playing in front of our fans and clinching our spot in the Olympics is something I can’t even describe. [It’s] most definitely the best feeling I’ve had while playing basketball. I’m super humbled to have had that experience, and I’ll remember that day for eternity,” says Ortiz.

During the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, Chris Ortiz scored 7.3 points and tallied over 5 rebounds per game, shooting an efficient 50% from the field. His physicality proved to stifle Bahrain and Mexico, scoring 11 points in both games. In a back-and-forth contest against Italy, Ortiz took on a defensive role, snatching 8 rebounds and plenty of hustle.

For high school, Ortiz attended Christ the King School in the Bronx and then spent a year at South Kent playing under Coach Kelvin Jefferson. Ortiz is thankful for the time he spent on the Hillside, allowing him to grow into the player he knew he could be.

“I can honestly say South Kent not only saved my basketball career but rebirthed it. Coach Jefferson was an amazing coach whose lessons I still carry to this day, and Mr. Bonis helped me gain a perspective on mental toughness,” says Ortiz.

In a recent power rankings list supplied by CBS Sports HQ, Puerto Rico sits at #9 in the world thanks to their impeccable defensive display in the qualifying tournament. Chris Ortiz has an experienced supporting cast that pesters their opponents on every possession, including New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado and former South Kent point guard Tremont Waters. Look for the Puerto Ricans to play spirited basketball and force their opponents to work hard for every basket, the exact formula that has enabled them to defeat quality competition this calendar year. Despite playing in a talented pool, Ortiz accepts the challenge and sees this as a golden opportunity for his team.

“The main thing for our team to succeed in our pool is to play together and limit the amount of mistakes we make. The more intentional we are about being focused and playing for one another, the better chance we’ll have to beat anyone we face.”

It was 20 years ago in Athens, Greece when Puerto Rico had their last run in the Olympics and shocked the world when they defeated the United States and squashed their 16-year unbeaten streak. On August 3, Ortiz and company will have a chance to repeat history, squaring up against a stacked American roster in their second Group C pool play game. Puerto Rico will play two additional fixtures against Nikola Jokic and Serbia and South Sudan, who are making their first ever Olympic games appearance. Pool play will commence on July 28 with the championship game set for Sunday, August 11. Tune in and watch the former cardinal’s Olympic run!

Sun., July 28 – Puerto Rico vs. Sudan, 4am/ct, CNBC and Peacock
Wed., July 31 – Puerto Rico vs. Serbia, 10am/ct, Peacock
Sat., Aug. 3 – Puerto Rico vs. USA, 10:15am/ct, NBC and Peacock

The post Chris Ortiz and Team Puerto Rico Are Olympic Bound appeared first on South Kent School.

At South Kent School, our long standing traditions are crucial to maintaining a strong culture and enduring the school’s 100-year history. At the same time, as the world and educational landscape changes, new traditions must evolve. In 2022, in the wake of COVID, Fifth Form student Griffin Davis started a new tradition that further improved an already tight-knit community: the South Kent School Intramural Basketball League (SKSIBL). While COVID still plagued schools nationwide, Davis found a way to unite the student body and keep his fellow classmates active amidst the isolation and protocols. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by SKS Intramural Basketball League (@sksibl)

“I wanted to bring the school together because of COVID and being separated into cohorts by sports teams for a year and a half. What better way to do that than getting a bunch of guys on the court together?” Davis exclaimed.

The students seized this opportunity and contributed to the SKSIBL’s rapid growth and excitement generated around campus and as you can tell from Instagram it is still going strong!

“Students were still obliged to wear masks, and it was difficult to find time to separate ourselves from the daily schedule. So this idea came at a great time,” said Fifth Form Student and SKSIBL’s current Commissioner Austin Michaud. It was another way to stay physically active while meeting students you do not know, and that’s why we knew this would be the start of something long standing.”

To this day, Griffin Davis remains in touch with the kids organizing the league and the players; he is proud of the progress it’s made since he graduated.

“I remember right before the start of the SKSIBL, I didn’t even know half the names that were signed up. Quickly, it morphed into something bigger than I would’ve ever imagined. It’s a nice feeling to see new guys at the school enjoying it even after my time on the Hillside.”

Now in its third season, the SKSIBL has evolved into a 9-team league, with each team coached by Prep or Development Basketball players. Games are held every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the spring trimester, and the best 8 records compete in the playoffs in early May. This season, Commissioner Austin Michaud introduced a new element to the league – a mock draft. This process involved drafting players to the teams until there were 10-12 students per team, adding a fresh twist to the league. 

“It’s been a lot of fun taking an innovative approach to this league, listening to the students, and executing tasks how I see fit. Learning how to incorporate some of their ideas while setting appropriate boundaries improves my leadership skills, which I’m very thankful for,” says Michaud. 

To learn more about the league and its mission, visit the IBL Instagram Page and the website created by Austin Michaud.

The post SKSIBL A New Tradition That Lasted appeared first on South Kent School.

Dorell Wright was a generational talent at the high school ranks, as he started his basketball journey in Los Angeles at Washington Preparatory School. Dorell then transferred to Leuzinger High School in Lawndale, CA, where his game began to take off and turn heads nationwide. This allowed him to play for a fifth year at South Kent, where he dropped over 29 points per game under coach Raphael Chillious. 

While Dorell Wright initially declared for DePaul for college, he ultimately decided to go into the NBA Draft out of high school, as he was drafted 19th overall to the Miami Heat. He played for the Heat until 2010 and won an NBA Championship alongside Dwayne Wade and Shaquille O’Neal. His NBA career continued through 2016 as he had stints with the Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers, and Philadelphia 76ers before returning to the Heat. Following his second time in Miami, Wright played overseas until 2020.

Along with his incredible basketball talents, Dorell Wright has done a lot of philanthropic work. After his playing career, Wright founded the Wright Legacy Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to cultivating young scholars into productive and active participants in society. The Wright Legacy Foundation, also co-run by his brother Deion Wright and his wife Mia Wright, gives money to schools in need for advanced classroom training and educational advancement, providing more opportunities for athletes to take the collegiate step. Furthermore, Dorell Wright is still an active member of the South Kent School community, as he is a member of the Board of Trustees.

The post Dorell Wright ’04 appeared first on South Kent School.

Even with a few months before tip-off to the 2024-25 season, the grind continues for South Kent Prep Basketball. Kelvin Odih and Badara Diakite, two players on the Prep Basketball team, were invited to play at the 22nd Pangos All-American Camp at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, NV. 

From June 2-4, South Kent standouts Odih and Diakite were invited to showcase their basketball prowess with the rest of the nation’s top 120 high school recruits. The Pangos All-American Camp serves as a premium training camp and stage for stars like Odih and Diakite to showcase their skills and talent in front of national scouts, media and video outlets to help make their dreams a reality. Student-athletes compete in games, receive individual instruction and workouts, participate in roundtable discussions with scouts and former players, and, for those who are selected, play in “Cream of the Crop” All-Star games.

178 NBA draft picks have made their mark at the Pangos All-American Camp, including current NBA stars such as Anthony Edwards, Paolo Banchero, and more. Pangos Mission is to bring together high school players from across the country to develop on and off the court with the help of top-notch coaches and facilities. These student-athletes are given the opportunity to play in front of national media & scouts to increase exposure for college scholarships, national rankings, and NBA professional opportunities, regardless of grade or shoe circuit.

Badara Diakite averaged over 10 points and nearly 5 rebounds per game for the Cardinals last winter. Despite being sidelined early on, the Mali native was pivotal down the stretch. His long wingspan and versatile skill set have helped him be a top-scoring threat from various spots on the court. He is also one of the best two-way forwards in the entire country, suffocating players on the defensive end with his athleticism and relentless work ethic.

On a team made up of All-NEPSAC talent, Kelvin Odih cannot be missed and is one of the youngest rostered players. Odih had a breakout season for South Kent, scoring on average 13.5 points per game and collecting an impressive 7 rebounds per game as a guard, 3 of which were on the offensive end. Odih has a motor unlike any player in his class, out-hustling and outworking everyone he plays against, making him a coach’s dream. Not only that, he is a merciless guard when finishing around the rim, and his jump shot continues to develop at an elite rate. 

This year’s camp included two days of coaches evaluating players through 4 rounds of 5-on-5 games and individual workouts, helping them add more tools to their already potent arsenal. Odih and Diakite were paired on the same team during the 5-on-5 games, winning the camp championship. Another highlight from this year was a visit from ESPN analyst and former college coach Fran Fraschilla, as he spent time instructing the players on Day 2 during the skills workouts. For the scout and former pro Q/A session and roundtable discussions, prospects were able to build relationships with the basketball savants they have looked up to throughout their young careers. 

On Day 3 of the camp, two “Cream of the Crop” All-Star games  (Top 30 and Top 60) were hosted by Bishop Gorman. The “Cream of the Crop” games were open to the public, giving fans a chance to observe the next wave of superstars on the NBA circuit. Diakite’s performance at the camp earned him a spot on the “Cream of the Crop”​ Top 30 roster. He was a steady contributor to the Top 30 Red team, leading them to a 114-106 win over the Top 30 Blue Team. 

Odih also turned heads throughout his time in Las Vegas, solidifying himself in the Top 60 game. Odih’s athleticism, grit, and high IQ was on full display as he won the prestigious Top 60 game MVP Award. Odih’s performance in Las Vegas has raised his stock even more, which will surely excite the coaches of his next two official visits: Houston and SMU.

With a strong recruiting class coming into South Kent this fall, look for Diakite and Odih to lead the charge to the Cardinals’ second NEPSAC Tournament title in three years. Their untapped potential and hunger to improve will make them one of the best tandems in New England this winter. To follow the journeys of South Kent Basketball players like Diakite and Odih, visit the Prep Basketball page on the South Kent School website.

The post Two Cardinals Take Flight at Pangos Camp appeared first on South Kent School.

Elmarko Jackson, South Kent’s first-ever McDonald’s All-American, continues to impress the basketball world at every stage of his career, showcasing his athleticism at the guard position and becoming a reliable leader at such a young age. Already an impact player at Kansas, Jackson’s success on the court is another example of South Kent preparing elite players to handle the demands of the collegiate and professional levels. His ability to excel at South Kent and in his early tenure at Kansas makes him poised for a bright future, continuing to act as an ambassador for prospective South Kent Cardinals.

Get to Know Elmarko

A Marlton, NJ native, Elmarko Jackson did not always set his sights on basketball. Despite playing basketball since he was in fifth grade, Jackson originally played for fun, as his first love was lacrosse. In a family who loves sports, Jackson was inspired by his uncle Marlin Jackson, former Michigan football player and NFL draftee. It was not until COVID that he decided to shift his focus to basketball, training everyday on the court and working out to improve his physical strength. While he took initiative to improve his individual game, Jackson attributes his growth in basketball to his time with the We R1 program, an elite AAU program in the Under Armour Circuit. The 6’3” guard spent extra hours in the gym and received advanced guidance from influential basketball figures during pro runs, becoming an imposing presence on the court. As a result, Jackson took his game to new heights and dominated on both ends of the floor, averaging 17.9 points per game, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.4 assists as a junior for the Academy of the New Church in Pennsylvania.

Elmarko Jackson’s breakout season led to him transferring to the Hillside for his senior season, getting top-tier instruction from a revered coaching staff led by Raphael Chillious. Jackson believed it was the best decision for him to continue the momentum gained from his efforts at We R1, and he took full advantage of the opportunity. In a significantly more competitive league, Elmarko Jackson asserted his dominance from the onset, averaging 19 points and 6 assists per game. As a Cardinal, Jackson consistently showcased his scoring and defensive prowess while tallying multiple blocks and steals each game, disrupting opponents’ offensive strategies. His exceptional court vision and passing ability were evident in his high assist numbers, often setting up his teammates for easy baskets. Consequently, he helped the Cardinals to a 32-7 record, finishing first in the NEPSAC AAA regular season and cutting down the nets at the 2022-23 NEPSAC AAA Tournament Championship. Elmarko Jackson further cemented his legacy in the red and black by evolving into a consensus four-star prospect and a McDonald’s All-American, garnering a lot of attention from Power 5 schools. After careful consideration of all his offers, Elmarko Jackson firmly believed that Kansas was the place for him and he acredits his time at South Kent as pivotal for the rigor of the BIG-12, as playing against D1 competition every game became the stepping stone for his next destination.

Elmarko Jackson’s Legacy as a Cardinal

As a Cardinal, it is clear to see the impact that Elmarko had on the basketball court, aweing fans with his skill and leadership. However, much of his success is due to his steadfast devotion to the entire South Kent community. Peers and faculty members constantly allude to his humble nature and the way he applied himself in the classroom, seeking to strive for personal excellence but prioritizing collective accolades. Raphael Chillious praises Jackson for the way he represented the Hillside, describing him as the most “all about the team McDonald’s All-American I’ve ever seen.” He displayed that team mentality wherever he was, never putting himself on a higher pedestal than his peers. Elmarko reflects on the lessons learned on the Hillside as vital to his current success, excited to see how he continues to apply them while being with the Jayhawks.

“South Kent helped prepare me to make a proper schedule to ensure I am prepared for my daily activities. With the many games we played in a short period of time, my time management improved and helped me understand what college was going to be like. “

Elmarko is also thankful for the times spent with his peers on the daily, whether it was informally in the dining hall having great conversations or immersing himself in the community on service trips with Father Klots.

“The brotherhood is so strong [at South Kent], and being able to make connections with people from around the world made this journey special.”

As a member of the Cardinal family, Elmarko took full advantage of what South Kent has to offer, identifying areas to grow individually while contributing to all facets of the community.

Jackson as a Jayhawk

Once Elmarko Jackson visited Lawrence, KS, he knew it was the place for him to become the best basketball version of himself. He had many conversations with former Jayhawk players such as current Denver Nugget Christian Braun, gravitating towards the way head coach Bill Self pushes his players every day while instilling confidence. A major principle Jackson emphasizes in his basketball journey involves not being satisfied with past accolades, so Kansas became the perfect place for him to reach the next stage of his career before achieving the ultimate goal of flourishing in the NBA.

Elmarko has integrated into Kansas’s system as an immediate impact, showing an innate ability to play a physical style as a guard while scoring efficiently and electrifying fans with his athleticism. Despite his youth, Jackson has displayed incredible resolve on the defensive end, disrupting opposing teams’ game plans and causing turnovers and fast-break opportunities for Kansas. Recently, Elmarko Jackson’s tenacity on defense was on full display, compiling 6 steals in 2 games against Baylor and Texas Tech. Moreover, his versatility has been on full display, supporting the likes of seven footer Hunter Dickinson and All-American caliber point guard Dajaun Harris. In an ultra-competitive BIG-12, Jackson has helped the #9 Jayhawks boast a 21-8 record, racking up quality wins against #1 UConn, #2 Houston, #5 Tennessee, then #9 Oklahoma, and #11 Baylor. Because of their many ranked wins and overall challenging schedule, ESPN Bracketologist Joe Lunardi has Kansas projected as a 3 seed in the West Region of the NCAA Tournament. As we approach March Madness, Elmarko Jackson is poised for a greater role on the Jayhawks, a team who is primed for another National Championship run.

Elmarko Jackson’s greatness personifies the nurturing environment that South Kent provides for the student athlete. While every student gets the opportunity to raise their game, they more importantly learn the necessity of developing a proper routine centered around academic and athletic excellence. The tight-knit community at South Kent teaches student-athletes to work in union with their classmates to achieve desired goals.

As a young man who aspires to help future players thrive the way he has, Elmarko Jackson embodies the essence of South Kent’s Directness of Purpose, staying hungry to achieve his personal goals while creating a greater platform that educates future generations of basketball players. Elmarko Jackson’s legacy at South Kent places him on the Mount Rushmore of South Kent Basketball and Cardinal Athletics, and we look forward to all of his accomplishments in life beyond the Hillside.

The post The Rise of Elmarko Jackson ’23: All-American Man appeared first on South Kent School.

With the calendar turning to March, the South Kent School nominated Jackson Southerland as the second ever Cardinal of the Month. Throughout the Development Basketball season, Jackson has been a steady, reliable scorer, lighting it up from deep and exhibiting advanced maturity through quality decision making with the basketball. On Senior Day, Jackson captivated the Nest with an inspiring 25-point performance in a gutsy win against St. Thomas More, a team they lost to in heartbreaking fashion a month prior. Only a sophomore, Jackson has a bright future at South Kent, as he is poised to take his game to the Prep level in the near future.

Along with his athletic excellence, Jackson has displayed incredible resolve and discipline in the classroom. His results have stayed positive throughout the school year because of his attention to detail and growth mindset, always willing to learn and serve as a role model for others. Jackson is also a vibrant personality, as Mr. Farhat describes him as a student who “embodies the essence of the award.” 

Congratulations to Jackson, as we look forward to nominating our next Cardinal of the Month for April and May due to the long March break.

The post February Cardinal of the Month appeared first on South Kent School.

South Kent School’s basketball program stands out as a symbol of athletic prowess and commitment to excellence.  Located in Brown Gym, and coached by basketball icon, Raphael Chillious, South Kent hoops is a leader on the national stage.

South Kent Basketball was founded 1973 It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that South Kent School basketball began to build a solid foundation. Under the guidance of passionate coaches and with the commitment of dedicated players, the team saw success on the court. The early 1980s marked an improved era for the school’s basketball program, as they consistently competed at a high level, earning regional recognition and setting the stage for future success.

During the late 20th century and early 21st century, South Kent School became a basketball powerhouse. The school’s commitment to recruiting top talent, coupled with its emphasis on player development, led to remarkable achievements on both the state and national levels. South Kent’s basketball dynasty was solidified through a series of championships, prestigious tournament appearances, and a reputation for producing exceptional student-athletes. Most can agree that South Kent’s modern basketball history arrived when Raphel Chillious came to coach from West Nottingham Academy in Colora, Maryland. Taking over South Kent basketball in 2003, Chillious found wooden backboards and bent rims, but after meeting with the Head of School, he was confident that this boys’ school was a perfect haven for great hoops.

One of the hallmarks of South Kent School basketball under Coach Chillious has been the impressive list of alumni who have gone on to make a significant impact in the world of basketball. Whether it’s playing in the NBA, professionally overseas, contributing to collegiate success, or excelling in other areas of life, Chillious has ensured that South Kent’s basketball program has been a breeding ground for talent. The school takes pride in its role in shaping the careers of individuals who continue to influence the sport.

Chillious’ first term at South Kent School spanned from 2003-2008, during which time he emerged as the architect of the school’s basketball program and the driving force behind its rise to national prominence. Under his leadership, the early Prep Basketball teams achieved national rankings every year, reaching as high as #4 in the ’03-’04 school year. Boasting a remarkable track record, Chillious recruited and developed high-performance talent, with 10 players making it to the NBA, including South Kent School alumni Jack McClinton ’04, Dorell Wright ’04, Andray Blatche ’05, Isaiah Thomas ’08, and Dion Waiters ’10. Recently, Coach Chillious was an instrumental figure in developing Elmarko Jackson ‘23, South Kent’s first ever McDonald’s All-American.

Beyond South Kent School, Chillious held high-profile collegiate coaching positions, notably at the University of Washington from 2009-2012 and 2013-2017, Villanova, UConn & East Carolina University. During his tenure, Chillious played a pivotal role in the Huskies’ success, contributing to two Pac-10 Tournament Championships, a Pac-12 Regular Season Championship, and notable NCAA tournament runs.

Chillious returned to South Kent School after his collegiate coaching journey, marking a significant chapter in the school’s basketball legacy. His impact and the success stories of players he coached continue to shape the narrative of South Kent Basketball. Notably featured on 60 Minutes in 2005, South Kent and Chillious garnered national attention for their commitment to nurturing basketball talent and creating a lasting legacy on the court.

Despite South Kent’s changes in coaching staff, competitive landscapes, or evolving player dynamics in the 21st century, South Kent’s program sets itself apart with its ability to adapt, learn, and emerge stronger. Each challenge has served as a catalyst for growth, contributing to the resilience that defines the school’s basketball program today, as revealed from their  NEPSAC Championship in the winter of 2023.

As we reflect on the history of South Kent School basketball, it’s evident that the program’s legacy is a tapestry woven with passion, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. Looking ahead, the school continues to build on its rich history, ensuring that future generations of student-athletes will carry the torch and contribute to the ongoing success of South Kent School basketball. The story is far from over, and the court remains a stage where dreams are realized and legacies are forged.

The post The History of South Kent Basketball appeared first on South Kent School.