Christ School Boys Basketball: 2025 Season Recap – A Championship Season Built on Leadership, Chemistry, and Grit
Under the leadership of Athletic Director and Head Coach Josh Coley, the Christ School Greenies boys basketball team closed out the 2025 winter season in the best way possible—as State Champions. It was a year that reflected everything a successful program strives for: discipline, chemistry, leadership, and growth. With standout performances, critical turning points, and a future brimming with potential, the Greenies established themselves as a powerhouse in North Carolina high school basketball.
A Championship Culture
From the first day of preseason workouts, Coach Coley knew this team had something special.
“We had a tremendous season,” he said. “The boys were brought in from the beginning of preseason, and that carried over into the regular season. There was great team chemistry and commitment from the collective group to always do the right thing.”
That commitment led to the ultimate reward: a State Championship title, the crowning highlight of a season defined by cohesion and competitive excellence. It wasn't just the talent that stood out—it was the way this team worked together and held each other accountable.
Leaders on and off the Court
At the heart of this year’s success were two outstanding seniors: Zymicah Wilkins and Madden Collins, both from the Class of 2025.
Wilkins, a 6’8” forward signed to NC State, had a remarkable season and was named Mr. Basketball in the State of North Carolina—a prestigious honor given to the state’s top high school player. His presence in the paint, his leadership on the floor, and his relentless pursuit of excellence made him the cornerstone of the team.
“Zymicah was dominant all season long,” said Coach Coley. “He set the tone physically and mentally for what we wanted to be as a team.”
Meanwhile, Madden Collins, a 6’4” point guard signed to American University, was the team’s floor general and intellectual leader. With sharp decision-making, unselfish play, and a steady hand in pressure situations, Collins epitomized what it means to be a student-athlete.
“Madden is a tremendous student in the classroom, and that translates to him being an efficient and effective player on the floor,” Coach Coley said. “He was our leader.”
Together, Wilkins and Collins provided a powerful one-two punch, combining elite athleticism with mental toughness and emotional maturity.
A Defining Loss—and Turning Point
Despite their success, the Greenies didn’t go undefeated. In fact, it was a late-season road loss to Julius Chambers High School that became a critical moment in their championship journey.
“That loss forced us to look at ourselves in the mirror,” Coach Coley explained. “We had to ask how much we cared and whether we were willing to let something like that happen again.”
Instead of fracturing the team, the loss galvanized them. It became the emotional spark that ignited their final stretch run. The players doubled down on preparation, sharpened their focus, and renewed their commitment to excellence, ultimately pushing them to the top of the state.
Rising Stars and Player Development
While the senior leadership was central to the team’s foundation, the season also revealed the emergence of young talent—none more so than Mason Collins, a 6’7” guard from the Class of 2028.
“Mason really blossomed into a tremendous player for our team,” said Coach Coley. “He embraced his role, and we were able to expand his usage. He delivered big-time in key games and helped us get through long practices.”
Collins’ development is a promising sign for the future, showing that Christ School not only recruits and retains talent but also fosters real growth within its program.
Mental Toughness in the Spotlight
Through tough losses, intense games, and pressure-packed moments, the team’s mental toughness became a defining trait. They were battle-tested in hostile environments and big-game settings—an intentional part of Coach Coley’s scheduling philosophy.
That preparation paid off.
“This eliminated all pressure when the big moments hit,” Coley said. “The boys were experienced and prepared.”
Rather than riding emotional highs and lows, the Greenies developed the composure to stay grounded—a key difference in championship-caliber teams.
Senior Legacy and Program Standards
Beyond their play on the court, the senior class left a legacy of professionalism and work ethic that will elevate the program for years to come.
“They brought a level of professionalism and workmanship that will do exceptionally well for our program,” Coach Coley said. “They were everyday guys and demanded the same level of excellence from each member of the team.”
Their leadership helped instill a culture that younger players will now inherit—and be expected to uphold.
Looking to the Future
The departure of a few key seniors marks a transition, but far from a rebuild. In fact, Coach Coley is excited about what’s ahead. With a strong core returning—including developing talents like Mason Collins—the expectations remain high.
“We have a strong core of guys returning,” he said. “They know the expectations and have embraced the task of carrying the program forward.”
But the program’s focus extends beyond just the varsity level. Looking ahead, Coach Coley is also turning his attention to strengthening the lower-level developmental program. The goal? Build a pipeline that fuels long-term success.
“It’s our aim to have the very best basketball program in our area from a full-service perspective—8th Grade to Varsity.”
Offseason Goals and Continuing the Standard
As the Greenies head into the offseason, the message is clear: stay hungry, stay humble, and keep building. With a State Championship under their belts and a program identity firmly in place, the work now shifts to preparation, development, and ensuring that every level of the program is aligned for sustained excellence.
Fans, families, and scouts can follow the team’s stats and progress on MaxPreps, where season data is kept up-to-date.
A Season to Remember—and a Program on the Rise
The 2025 Christ School boys basketball season was not just about wins and championships—it was about creating a standard. With strong leadership, rising talent, and an unwavering commitment to the team-first mentality, Coach Josh Coley’s squad didn’t just reach their goal—they redefined what’s possible when preparation meets purpose.
As the Greenies set their sights on the next chapter, the rest of North Carolina—and perhaps beyond—will be watching. This team has proven it can win titles. Now, they’re building a legacy.
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