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For the Pioneers, 6-foot-3 is considered big.
That would make 6-foot-6 junior Khiry Gordon, who grew 3 inches over the summer, a giant in comparison.
"I drink lots of milk everyday," Gordon said with a laugh.
Mom Margaret, standing behind her son, said it’s the Girard Academic Music Program school lunches.
The secret ingredient doesn’t really matter as Gordon’s contributions on the basketball court have helped the Pioneers compile a 10-11 record overall and a 5-9 mark in Public League play.
"Defensively, Khiry is a presence and, offensively, he gets us some easy baskets," GAMP coach Art Kratchman said.
This is the same GAMP team that won a total of four games over the last two seasons. This is the same team that was on the losing end of several 20-plus point losses last season. Sure, the Pioneers struggled in the early going this year, starting 0-6 against Public League teams, but they’ve since put together a nice run, winning five of their last eight games since Jan. 5. The only losses came against Prep Charter, Paul Robeson High and Philadelphia Electric. Had junior guard Eric Funaro, whose broken nose caused him to miss the first four games, been in the lineup, some of those early defeats might’ve gone GAMP’s way.
Gordon credits the recent success to teamwork.
"We are playing so well as a team," he said, as his teammates surround him. "When we play as a team, no one can stop us."
That was certainly the case in Monday afternoon’s 72-57 win over World Communications Charter as three players scored 14 points or more. Gordon and freshman guard Laron Byrd racked up 19 points, while Stefan Thompson added 14. The Pioneers had a 26-25 lead at halftime, but pulled away in the second half, outscoring World Communications, 46-32. The starters got a chance to watch the fourth quarter from the bench.
Tuesday, the Pioneers dropped below .500 with a 43-39 loss to Philadelphia Electric, eliminating any chances of making the playoffs.
LAST WEEKEND, THE Pioneers traveled to New Milford for the Carson Long Military Institute Tournament and came home the champs. The team defeated Day Spring Academy, 71-55, in Saturday’s championship game. Gordon won MVP honors after tallying nine points and 12 rebounds in the match-up. Byrd, who led all scorers with 25 points, was named to the all-tournament team.
Friday night, the Pioneers opened the tournament with a 78-41 win over host squad Carson Long Military Academy. Four different players tallied 10 points or more for the Pioneers, with Byrd leading all scorers with 18. GAMP took a convincing 26-9 lead after one quarter and never looked back.
Kratchman said the strong showing has given his team a confidence boost.
"It was a good experience for the kids to win the tournament on the road," he said.
The overnight trip also gave the players a chance to bond and see a different part of Pennsylvania.
"It was a really fun trip," said Gordon, who has scored 10 points or more in eight of his last nine league games. "We got to see a lot of new stuff that we’ve never seen before."
Kratchman said some of the success is a result of unselfish play.
"I’ve been harping on passing the ball," he said. "The ball should cross before it goes up."
That attitude also is present during post-game interviews where Gordon gives individual recognition to each player.
"We always try to have fun," Gordon said. "Anthony [Venafro] and Eric [Funaro] are always passing me the ball. Everyone is doing their part from me to my man Ronnie [Malandro] on the bench."
This team has a shot to accomplish something a GAMP basketball squad hasn’t done in a very long time – finish the regular season with a winning record. The group plays Lamberton Monday; Bodine, Tuesday; and Hope Charter, Thursday.
Gordon is just happy to win, which is a drastic change from the last two seasons.
"Last year, we were on the receiving end of a lot of 20-point losses," Gordon said. "This year, not only are we winning, but we are having a lot of fun doing it."
As long as he keeps drinking his milk and eating those school lunches, Gordon will continue to be a big part of the success story.
Division C Standings for A Teams
Prep Charter 14-0
Freire Charter 8-7
Bodine 8-6
Masterman 8-6
Roberson 6-7
GAMP 5-9
Mastery Charter 2-11
World Communications 2-11
