You’ve probably seen the highlights. Maybe it was a thunderous dunk from a kid who looks like he’s already in the league, or perhaps a defensive lockdown that felt more like a chess match than a high school game. If you follow Arkansas high school hoops, you know Little Rock Christian basketball isn't just another private school program. It’s a literal factory for talent and intensity.
Honestly, it's easy to look at the nice campus and the private school tag and assume they just "have it easy." But spend ten minutes in the Warrior Gym during a conference game, and you'll realize the culture is built on something much grittier.
The JJ Andrews Era and the Power Shift
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: JJ Andrews. If you haven't heard the name yet, you aren't paying attention. He’s the superstar who recently made waves by committing to the Arkansas Razorbacks. It’s a huge deal. Usually, the blue-chip recruits from the Little Rock area head out to prep schools or national powerhouses for their final years. Andrews staying home to play for the Hogs after leading the Warriors is a massive statement for the program’s legitimacy.
But it isn't just the JJ show. The 2024-25 season saw the Warriors post a 24-8 record, fighting through a brutal 5A Central conference. They finished second in the conference behind a very tough Maumelle squad, proving they can go toe-to-toe with the best public schools in the state.
It’s Not Just About the Boys
The girls' program, the Lady Warriors, has been quietly—or not so quietly—building a powerhouse of its own. Led by Head Coach Ronald Rogers, this team plays a brand of basketball that is basically a masterclass in fundamentals. They’ve got a deep roster with names like Whitley Rogers and Faith Hamilton that teams across the 5A are genuinely afraid to see on the schedule.
- Whitley Rogers (Sr.): A 5'11" guard who can basically do everything on the floor.
- Faith Hamilton (Jr.): A lightning-fast guard who sets the tone defensively.
- Olivia Hatcher (Jr.): A 6'0" presence that makes the paint a no-fly zone.
They aren't just winning games; they’re developing players who understand the "how" and "why" of the game. It’s a different vibe than the boys' side—more about the extra pass and the perfect rotation—but the end result is the same: Ws.
Coaching Changes and the New Guard
Transition is always tricky. When Tyler Wayman took over the head coaching duties for the boys, some people wondered if the momentum from the Kyle Pennington era would stall.
It didn't.
Wayman has kept the engine running at a high RPM. The 2025-26 squad started out 10-5 with a 2-0 conference record, and they’re currently ranked as one of the top teams in the state. The coaching staff, which includes guys like Colby Sims, has leaned into a high-tempo style that thrives on athleticism.
They play fast. They press. They make you uncomfortable. It’s a "pick your poison" scenario for opposing coaches. Do you try to slow them down and risk getting picked apart in the half-court, or do you try to run with them and get exhausted by the fourth quarter? Most teams choose wrong.
The Legacy of the Warrior Gym
There is something specific about the atmosphere at Little Rock Christian. Some gyms feel like a library; others feel like a warehouse. Warrior Gym feels like a pressure cooker.
The student section, the "Blue Crew," is notorious for being loud, creative, and sometimes a little bit annoying to the visiting team. That home-court advantage is real. In 2023, the Warriors took home the 4A State Championship before moving up to 5A. That transition to a higher classification is usually where schools hit a wall, but LRCA just kept climbing.
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Why the 5A Central is a Nightmare
If you’re looking for easy wins, don’t play in the 5A Central. You’ve got Maumelle, Sylvan Hills, and Vilonia—all schools that produce college-level talent. Every Tuesday and Friday night is a dogfight.
What makes Little Rock Christian basketball different? It’s the depth. On any given night, it might be Andrews dropping 30, but it could also be a breakout performance from the supporting cast. They don't rely on one person to save them. They trust the system.
Notable Alumni and the Path Forward
While the school is famous for football names like Damarea Crockett or Walker White, the basketball alumni list is catching up fast. We’re seeing more kids move into the D1 and D2 ranks every year.
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JJ Andrews joining the Razorbacks is the "prestige" move that elevates the entire school's profile. It tells Every 8th-grade basketball phenom in Central Arkansas that they don’t have to leave the state to get noticed by the big programs. You can wear the Warrior jersey and still get to Bud Walton Arena.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Players
If you're following the team or looking to get involved, here is how you stay ahead of the curve:
- Check the Rankings: MaxPreps and SBLive are the best spots for real-time updates. The Warriors are currently hovering in the Top 10 statewide, but that moves every week based on conference play.
- Watch the Junior High: The pipeline is real. The 9th-grade team (led by kids like Camden Bearden and Langston Blocker) is already showing the same DNA as the varsity squad.
- Attend the Big Matchups: If Maumelle or Bryant is on the schedule, buy your tickets early. Those games sell out, and the intensity is as close to a college atmosphere as you’ll find in Arkansas.
- Support the Lady Warriors: Don't sleep on the girls' games. Their tactical execution is often more impressive than the high-flying dunks of the boys' side.
Little Rock Christian basketball has moved past being a "good private school team." They are a state powerhouse, period. Whether they are winning championships in 4A or hunting for them in 5A, the standard remains the same: excellence, intensity, and a lot of loud nights in the gym. Keep an eye on the standings, because this season is shaping up to be another historic run.
Go to the next home game. Watch how they move without the ball. See the way the bench stays engaged. That’s where the real story of the Warriors is told.