Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Miles Dawkins
Contributing Writer

The Franklin-based Rock Church School varsity boys basketball team entered the Christmas break with a 6-1 record, riding a three-game win streak as the Lions looked to carry their momentum into the start of conference play.

After their only loss to a strong Brunswick Academy team, the Rock Lions turned things around with a series of hard-fought victories. Their first test came against the Suffolk Christian Academy Knights, who gave Rock trouble in this matchup by sinking nine three-pointers. 

Without one of their top players, sophomore Benny Dillon, the Lions needed someone to step up. Senior Miles Dawkins answered the call, scoring a game-high 30 points. Sophomore Rylan Holloman also contributed 12 points. 

Key RCS performances included a perfect 4-for-4 free throw outing from senior Christian Johnson, who added 10 rebounds, and there were two stand-out plays by Dawkins in the third quarter — a behind-the-back pass to Holloman in transition, followed by a near-half-court three-pointer to end the quarter. Rock secured the win, 55-49.

Next up was TEACH Homeschool from Virginia Beach, and the Lions continued their strong play, winning 68-46. Four Lions reached double digits in scoring: sophomore Jaedon Small and Dillon each had 11 points, Holloman finished with 17, and Dawkins added 19. The highlight of the game came from Dillon, who threw down a dunk in transition — part of his consistent dunking presence this season. The game demonstrated that when Rock is clicking on offense and staying active on defense, it is a formidable opponent.

The Rock Lions’ final challenge before the break came against the Gateway Christian Academy Crusaders. The Crusaders came out hot, hitting three early three-pointers and leading at the end of the first quarter. Though Rock was rattled briefly, the Lions responded with a strong second quarter to go up 26-18 at halftime. Focused on eliminating first-half mistakes, the Lions came out dominant in the second half, outscoring Gateway 45-20 to win 71-38 and improve to 6-1 midway through the season. The win left them with a renewed sense of confidence and determination as they headed into the break, ready for the challenges of the Mid-Atlantic Christian Athletic Association North Conference play in January. 

The Rock Lions junior varsity team has also gotten off to a great start with a perfect record of 5-0. They are led by phenom sixth grader Dallas Dillon, who is averaging 17 points a game. 

Throughout their success, the Lions remain grounded in their faith, as they continue to honor God through their play. 

Coach Danny Dillon said of the Lions’ wins, “We have a great group of young men, on both teams, that work well together and play unselfishly. January and February are going to be fun! Thanks to the community for continued support for our guys. We do love all that God does in and through our community!”