Sports Recaps

Viking Team Spotlight

ELEVATE FPD basketball raises the bar with best season since joining the GHSA

FPD Basketball Head Coach Gavin Chapman knew this season had great potential to be one that fans would remember. The Vikings had strong senior leaders in Andrew Correa, Jordan Jones, and Walker Andress and had spent years improving their game and learning to work together.

Their hard work was rewarded!

The Vikings reached the Elite 8 in the playoffs for the first time since joining the GHSA in 2010 with a season record of 22–2. Likewise, they won every game against other area private schools and had back-to-back seasons with 20-plus wins. Senior Jordan Jones set two school records – most number of points in a single game (60) and most number of three-pointers in a single game (13). He was named Player of the Year in the Region.

Junior Jay King was voted second best player in Region. Three players – Jordan Jones, Jay King, and Jaylun Goodrum were named First-Team All-Region Team, while Jakhari Williams, was named Second Team.

This year’s team was led by four experienced and enthusiastic coaches. Chapman. “But it’s important and can make a huge difference in the team’s performance. This year we had the perfect set of backgrounds and skills to lead the team.”

At the helm of the coaching staff is Coach Gavin Chapman, who joined FPD in 2018 after coaching at the college level at Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon, Georgia. His consistency with the team has developed a program with a strong foundation for continued growth.

Coach Melvin Jones has been assisting Coach Chapman for several years. He brings a background of coaching in public schools and in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU).

FPD Basketball Coaches: Coach Domenic Williams, Coach Gavin Chapman, and Coach Damien Wilkins (not pictured: Coach Melvin Jones)

Even more, he unconditionally believes in the ability of the student-athletes.

“Melvin always has an attitude of winning,” says Coach Chapman. “Several years ago, when we first started working together, he always believed the kids had it in them to go all the way. He is confident they can win, no matter what. That builds their confidence in their God-given talents.”

“I look for that it in a kid,” comments Coach Jones, “You can’t teach that it.”

The it that Coach Jones speaks of is the drive to try harder and do more. Coach Jones has a knack for spotting that drive and pushing student-athletes to reach their potential.

Coach Chapman and Coach Jones were joined by two new community coaches this year – Coach Damien Wilkins and Coach Domenic Williams.

Coach Williams currently serves as the Head Coach of FPD’s JV team and has twenty years of experience coaching in recreational leagues as well as serving as a pastor. Coach Chapman recalls Coach William’s unwavering ability to be firm with an attitude of grace as he helped train and mentor the athletes.

“He connected with the athletes to the point he could tell how they were faring mentally and emotionally while they were on the court. During breaks, he could address them as needed and help them regain their focus and confidence.”

“I enjoyed watching these athletes grow,” notes Coach Williams. “Sometimes the biggest challenge is yourself. They had to believe in themselves. That was an intentional focus each and every practice.”

The final piece of the coaching puzzle came in the summer of 2020 with the addition of Coach Damien Wilkins. The 10-year veteran of the NBA not only brought indepth knowledge of the skill sets needed, but also the work ethic required to achieve the team’s goals.

“Coming from professional basketball, Damien is an amazing asset to the team,” remarked Coach Chapman. “He immediately gravitated to the players and helped them grow not only as better players, but as young men.”

“There are only 450 people in the NBA,” notes Coach Wilkins. “While that level may not be attainable for a lot of athletes, the goal should always be to work as hard as you can, and to do the best that you can to achieve the goals that you set.”

All of the coaches agree this season was a notable one that will be a challenge to match next year. However, they are eager to see who steps up and “takes their game to the next level,” as Coach Wilkins points out.

“The next season started when this season’s last game ended,” comments Coach Wilkins. “We came out of the gates aggressively this year, and we’re going to have a lot of people watching us next year.”

“Next season is going to continue to be a lot of fun for fans to watch,” concludes Coach Chapman. “The guys achieved some incredible accomplishments this season. Last year was the first time we were in the playoffs since joining the GHSA; this year we made it to the Elite 8. The future of this team is bright.”

FPD Senior Jordan Jones cuts the net at the Region Championship. (Photo Credit: FPD Junior Claire Harrison)