Best of Wilmington Christian Academy: Boys and Girls athletes No. 10, 9, 8 and 7

In an effort to determine the best 10 male and female athletes at each Wilmington school (Ashley, Cape Fear Academy, Coastal Christian, Hoggard, Laney, New Hanover and Wilmington Christian Academy), I selected a panel of qualified individuals to vote. The participants included: former and current coaches, administrators and ADs, media members and even fans. Each individual voted anonymously with their No. 1 athlete receiving 10 points, No. 2 athlete receiving 9 points and so on. 

The next school to have their 10 top athletes revealed is Wilmington Christian Academy. A total of 10 people voted and the results will be released throughout the week.

Monday, July 27: Boys and Girls 10, 9, 8 and 7 as well as honorable mention (anyone else who received votes)

Tuesday: July 28: Girls 6, 5 and 4

Wednesday, July 29: Boys 6, 5 and 4

Thursday, July 30: Girls 3, 2 and 1

Friday, July 31: Boys 3, 2 and 1

Boys Honorable Mention

• Charles Barkman (11 points)
• Bryce Bordeaux (9 points)
• Johnny Long (8 points)
• Will Helms (6 points)
• Hunter Coats (2 points)
• Zane Bloom, Jordan Davis, Mack McCain, Brian McCluskey, Shaun McMahon and Austin Tart (1 point)

Girls Honorable Mention

• Hope Babcock (13 points)
• Raven Jordan (11 points)
• Erin Barcal (10 points)
• Caroline Fountain (6 points)
• Leigh Roberts (4 points)
• Heather Autry (3 points)
• Lydia Bradshaw, Molly Maguth and Kayla Ball (1 point)

Boys No. 10 (tie)

Jake Connor (25 points and 1 first-place vote)

Class of 2013

Connor competed in soccer, basketball and baseball and was selected to the All-Region team in all three sports at some point during his career. As a senior basketball player, Connor averaged 11.8 points and 4.3 assists while playing defense on the opposing team’s best player. He earned NCCSA 2A All-State honors as a senior baseball player.

“Jake always played with a clear head and a calm demeanor that belied his intense determination and skill. He was a valued contributor on each team he played on in all three sports.” – Anonymous voter

Boys No. 10

Joey Funderburg (25 points)

Class of 2016

Funderburg was a standout golfer who helped the Patriots claim four straight NCCSA state titles from 2013-16. He was named All-State all four years and earned medalist honors as a sophomore with a 71 and as a senior with a 70. Funderburg finished second in the state in 2015 and was third in 2013. 

“Joey excelled in the mental game of golf. His competitiveness, focus and work ethic are second to none and are the reason he’s one of the best athletes we’ve had at WCA in the past 20 years.” – Anonymous voter

Girls No. 10

Caroline Leggett (19 points)

Class of 2019

A three-sport standout, Leggett contributed on the volleyball and basketball courts as well as the soccer field. On the soccer field, she scored 13 goals and added five assists in her final season. She really shined on the basketball court, finishing her career with 1,068 points, 474 rebounds, 293 steals, 271 assists and 161 blocks in five seasons. She was a NCCSA 2A All-State performer as a junior after averaging 15.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.2 steals and 1.7 assists. As a senior, Leggett averaged 11.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 3.4 steals and 2.2 blocks.

“You were not in the gym often that you didn’t see Caroline there working on her skills. She loved to compete, and she made every team she played on better!” – Anonymous voter

Boys No. 9

Nate Tew (27 points)

Class of 2010

Tew was a high-scoring guard during his career as a member of the WCA basketball team. As a senior, he averaged 22 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals. He went on to continue his career at Emmanuel College, where he helped the Lions reach the NAIA National Championship game in 2014.

“Nate was a focused and skilled competitor. He was always willing to put in the work to get better. Definitely “the first one to get to the gym, last one to leave and come back twice before the next practice” kind of dedication.” – Anonymous voter

Girls No. 9

Cassie Taylor (20 points)

Class of 2019

Taylor was a terrific hitter for the Patriots during her outstanding volleyball career. She helped the program claim five straight NCCSA 2A state titles from 2014-18. She was an All-State selection as a senior after registering 218 kills, 89 digs and 72 aces in 48 sets played. In a five-set victory over Sheets Memorial in the state championship match,  Taylor put down 40 kills to go along with 13 digs. Taylor is continuing her career at Cape Fear Community College, where she had 90 kills, 73 digs and 22 aces in 41 sets.

“Cassie was one of my favorite players to watch at WCA.  Early on she became extremely reliable and quickly became a go-to player when the team needed a big kill.  And wow, could she hit!” – Anonymous voter

Boys No. 8

Taylor Cook (28 points)

Class of 2011

Cook was a three-time NCCSA 2A All-State performer in soccer who finished his illustrious career with 100 goals. He was the first soccer player in school history to have his jersey retired. Cook played collegiately at Navy for one season. He played in five contests and dished out the game-winning assist against St. Francis.

“Taylor is one of the most explosive soccer players to have played at WCA. He grew tremendously in every area of his game.” – Anonymous voter

Girls No. 8

Georgia Davis (36 points and 1 first-place vote)

Class of 2018

Davis was instrumental in guiding the Patriots to NCCSA 2A volleyball state titles in 2015, 2016 and 2017. During her three years, WCA went 83-13 overall and undefeated in conference play. She was an All-State selection as a senior after putting down 320 kills. In the straight set victory over Vandalia Christian in the state championship match, Davis finished with 12 blocks, 12 digs, 9 kills and 2 aces. She is continuing her career at King University, where she has registered 180 kills and 69 blocks in 37 matches.

“Georgia’s will to win and her desire to succeed is unprecedented.” – Anonymous voter

Boys No. 7

Austin Inman (36 points)

Class of 2014

Inman competed in basketball and golf for two seasons after transferring in from Liberty Christian Academy in Lynchburg, Va. He earned NCCSA All-State honors in both sports and led the state in rebounding as a senior. On the golf course, Inman was the state champion in 2013 after firing a 68 to win by eight strokes. The Patriots claimed the team title by 57 strokes. As a senior, Inman finished tied for third at the state championship with a 75 and WCA once again cruised to a team victory. He had a stroke average of 72.2 in his final season with the Patriots. Inman began his college career at Liberty before transferring to UNCW. 

“Austin was a great asset to the WCA sports family. Not only with his ability to crush a golf ball straight, but also with his ability to be a positive influence to his teammates. He worked hard during the season and even harder in the offseason.” – Anonymous voter

Girls No. 7

Ellie Kohl (45 points and 1 first-place vote)

Class of 2018

Kohl was a terrific volleyball player who also competed in soccer during her early years at WCA. She was a member of five consecutive NCCSA 2A state champion volleyball teams from 2013-17. Kohl was an All-State selection as a senior after setting a school record for aces in a season with 79. In the championship match win over Vandalia Christian, she had a double-double of 14 kills, 11 digs, 5 blocks and 4 aces.

“Ellie’s court sense was striking. She was an athlete who could think outside the box to get the job done on the court. She could push through any obstacle to succeed.” – Anonymous voter