The Lexington Christian Academy Lions have once again made history, claiming
back-to-back Eastern Independent League (EIL) Championships and
New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) titles in Boys Basketball. Under the leadership of longtime head coach
Rob Scaro, the Lions demonstrated resilience, discipline, and unity in a season defined by adversity and triumph.
Key to Success: Resilience, Discipline, and Togetherness
Coach Scaro credits the Lions’ extraordinary season to three pillars: resilience, discipline, and a commitment to togetherness. “Nothing illustrated our resilience more than overcoming the season-ending injury to Nik Boateng, one of our best players, just nine games into the year,” Scaro reflected. Despite the devastating blow, the team refused to fold, instead sharpening their identity around toughness, defense, and unselfish play.
Almost the entire core of this championship squad was "homegrown," built over years of hard work and dedication. With the exception of newcomer Carles Fernandez, the key contributors had all spent the last three seasons building their craft and waiting for their moment to shine.
Turning Setbacks into Opportunity
The loss of Boateng could have derailed the Lions’ dreams. Instead, it became a rallying cry. "Rather than use it as an excuse, we embraced it as an opportunity to show everyone who we really were," said Scaro. This mindset carried the team through tough stretches, keeping them motivated through a demanding schedule.
Prayer and gratitude remained constants for the Lions, anchoring them in perspective. "We prayed before and after games, were thankful for the opportunity to compete, and sought to glorify God by giving our best every time we stepped on the floor," Scaro emphasized.
A Defining Moment
One moment stood above the rest: the team meeting before their first "Battle" game after Boateng's injury. In that meeting, Scaro challenged his players to choose: fall apart or rise above. "They chose opportunity," he said. "That made all the difference for the rest of the season."
Player Development: Heart of the Championship Run
The Lions’ success was fueled by remarkable individual growth across the roster:
●
Jakari Clark emerged as both a star and a leader. Already the focal point of every opponent’s defensive plan, Clark elevated his leadership, setting the tone for the team’s toughness and competitive spirit.
●
Randy Guzman had a breakout campaign, cementing his impact with a phenomenal semi-final performance that carried LCA to the NEPSAC Championship Game.
●
Serge Esperance led with heart and hustle, embracing his captaincy through defense, selflessness, and relentless effort.
●
Geo Meikle stepped up in his senior year, filling key roles with humility and consistency, embodying the team-first mentality that defined the Lions.
●
Carles Fernandez, adjusting to a new country and a new team, blended seamlessly into LCA’s style with his toughness, basketball IQ, and versatile skill set.
●
Zenzo Matoga became a crucial energizer off the bench, developing into a trusted lockdown defender and a momentum-shifter when it mattered most.
A Season to Remember
The 2024–2025 season will be remembered not just for the trophies but for the spirit that carried the Lions to the top. Through adversity, they grew stronger. Through challenges, they became closer. And through their faith, discipline, and resilience, they etched their names into LCA history as
back-to-back champions.
