Best of Wilmington Christian Academy: Boys No. 6, 5 and 4

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)

Boys No. 10 (tie)

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

Class of 2013

Photo courtesy of Wilmington Christian Academy

Click here to read more about Jake

Boys No. 10

Joey Funderburg (25 points)

Class of 2016

Photo courtesy of Wilmington Christian Academy

Click here to read more about Joey

Boys No. 9

Nate Tew (27 points)

Class of 2010

Photo courtesy of Wilmington Christian Academy

Click here to read more about Nate

Boys No. 8

Taylor Cook (28 points)

Class of 2011

Photo courtesy of Wilmington Christian Academy

Click here to read more about Taylor

Boys No. 7

Austin Inman (36 points)

Class of 2014

Photo courtesy of Austin Inman

Click here to read more about Austin

Boys No. 6

Zach Burk (48 points)

Class of 2020

Photo by Tim Hower

Burk was a three-sport standout who competed in soccer, basketball and baseball during his time with the Patriots. On the basketball court, Burk averaged 5.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.3 steals as a senior. He had a terrific baseball career, finishing with a batting average of .404 to go along with 17 extra-base hits, 55 RBI and 60 runs. He hit .386 with 5 doubles, 14 RBI and 19 runs in 2019 to help WCA claim it’s first NCCSA 2A state title since 1985. As a standout goalkeeper on the soccer team, Burk earned All-State honors as a senior after averaging 10.7 saves per game. He helped the program win back-to-back state titles in 2016 and 2017 by finishing with 30 shutouts in 50 matches. He made the game-winning save in penalty kicks in the 2016 state championship victory over Alamance Christian. Burk will continue his soccer and baseball career at Bob Jones University.

“Zach was a joy to watch in every sport and it was obvious by his play how much passion for each sport he had. It was also clear that he was a true leader and his teammates respected and looked up to him. He is very deserving of being on this list.” – Anonymous voter

Boys No. 5

Jonah Attoe (52 points and 1 first-place vote)

Class of 2015

Photo courtesy of Wilmington Christian Academy

Attoe competed in basketball and soccer during his time at WCA. On the soccer field, he scored five goals and added 10 assists in 2013 to help the team claim its first NCCSA 2A state title. A year later, Attoe scored eight goals as the Patriots finished second. He was instrumental in leading the basketball team to the state championship game in 2015. WCA suffered a 78-65 loss to Vandalia Christian, but Attoe led the way with 27 points and six 3-pointers. Attoe continued his career for one season at Lancaster Bible College.

“Jonah was one of the greatest shooters in school history. He didn’t need much room to be able to get a shot off and hit them at a high rate.” – Anonymous voter

Boys No. 4

Chris Karras (58 points)

Class of 2016

Photo courtesy of Jason Frizzelle

Karras was a terrific basketball and soccer player for the Patriots. He helped the basketball team reach the NCCSA 2A state championship game in 2015 by scoring a team-high 16 points in a semifinal victory over Gospel Light Christian. On the soccer field, Karras was a dynamic goal scorer. He finished with 93 goals and added 33 assists over his final three seasons. He scored 32 goals and added 13 assists in 2013 to help WCA claim its first state title. As a senior, Karras finished with 37 goals and seven assists in 21 contests.

“Chris was a relentless competitor blessed with tremendous talent that was evident early on. There are several teams at WCA that can trace their success that season directly back to Chris.” – Anonymous voter