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By Miles Dawkins
Contributing Writer

The Franklin-based Rock Church School varsity boys basketball team’s start to the 2024-25 season is consistent with the significant success it experienced last season.

The Rock Lions are coming off a strong 2023-24 campaign during which they compiled a record of 24-6. Rock’s season consisted of a 1A Mid Atlantic Christian Athletic Association championship run, finishing first at the ACE Regionals and then finally placing fifth at the ACE Nationals. 

This year they look to do even better, and so far, things are looking promising as they won their first three games in a row. 

They return their top four scorers and have a strong bench. 

Head Coach Danny Dillon is excited about the season once again.

“God has blessed us with a strong nucleus of players coming up through Rock,” Dillon said. “We also have gained a few players from other states, which is all God. 

“It will be the first time in a long time that we have five players that can all score,” he continued. “For years I had to rely on DJ (Dillon) and maybe one or two players with him. This year’s starting five are studs, with Miles (Dawkins), Christian (Johnson), Rylan (Holloman), Jaedon (Small) and Benny (Dillon); we are going to be a tough out. It doesn’t hurt that these boys play all the time and they love the game; they love God even more!” 

In their season opener, the Rock Lions faced the Suffolk Christian Academy Knights and dominated from the start. 

Leading 17-1 just two-and-a-half minutes in, the Lions went on to win 59-25. 

Dawkins led all scorers with 16 points, including a perfect three-for-three from beyond the arc, along with seven assists. 

The following week, the Lions took on the Victory Christian School Eagles. After a close contest against the Eagles in the 1A MACAA quarterfinals last year, Rock aimed to make a statement this year, and it did, cruising to a 70-30 victory. 

Highlights from the game included a two-handed slam from Holloman, a sophomore, and a jaw-dropping transition dunk by sophomore Benny Dillon over a defender that electrified the crowd. 

Dawkins once again led the way with 15 points and six assists, closely followed by Small, a sophomore, who contributed 14 points and seven rebounds. 

Next, Rock faced Yeshivas Aish Kodesh (YAK) Talmudical Academy from Norfolk. YAK came out with some intense physicality, making it difficult for Rock to pull away down the stretch. 

Just when the Lions thought they had control, YAK hit three consecutive three-pointers to trim the lead to single digits. 

However, Rock responded and held on for a 61-46 victory. 

Benny Dillon had a standout performance with 23 points, while Johnson recorded a double-double with 10 points and 15 rebounds. 

With the win, Rock’s record improved to 3-0. 

Coach Dillon said, “It’s a great start, and there’s no doubt we are going to make a strong run at MACAA and the ACE Nationals. But our greatest feat will be showing the love of Jesus on the court; it’s one of the main reasons we play.” 

As they approach a tough stretch of games before the Christmas break, the Lions are focused on extending their winning streak and, most of all, giving God the glory.