Inside The Huddle: Sensational basketball is here
{Contributed Photos}
There is a team in Davidson County that is unmatched by almost anyone in the U.S.A. According to the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association), that team is ranked #2 in the nation, at the time of this writing. That team, of course, is the DDCC Storm.
This is not your average ball team. They are playing high-level basketball right here in our backyard. Untold numbers of Davidson County residents are unaware of the quality of basketball that is being played here. Sensational basketball is the word.
The Storm has compiled an extraordinary record. For example, they have won the regular season championship 14 out of 16 seasons. During that time they have accumulated an overall record of 442-82.
And think about this: they have won 7 regional titles, 8 district titles, played in several final fours, and been in 2 National Championship games. Wow! What a record!
Here is just a few more statistics for you to ponder: DDCC is 245-19 overall at home (Brinkley Gym) in 16 years. They have had 9 all-American selections during that time. They have been ranked in the top 10 nationally for 16 out of 17 years. That is phenomenal! What other team can boast of such a record?
But who is the catalyst behind it all? Who has his foot on the gas pedal, accelerating the Storm year after year? His name is Coach Matt Ridge.
Coach Ridge began his career while still in college. His junior and senior year he was a student-assistant
coach on the UNC JV team. Head Coach at that time was Phil Ford and Dave Hanners.
After college he was a head coach at High Point Central and then East Davidson High. In June of 2007 Ridge was hired to begin a basketball program at DDCC. He had six weeks to recruit and prepare for the inaugural season. Now, he has been the head basketball for the Storm for 16 years. 3 years ago, he alsobecame the athletic director, leading an outstanding sports program.
When asked about the Storm's scorers for this season, Ridge replied, “Our 2023-24 team is very balanced.Some of our leading scorers are Nygie Stroman, JaKob Moore, DJ Suggs and Kobe Parker. Coach Ridge also added, “The Storm is 11-1 for the season, (at the time of this writing) and is expected to again compete for a regional, district and national championship. However, to accomplish those goals we must continue to get better daily individually and collectively.” He said, “My hope is that our DDCC basketball team will maximize our potential by 'focusing on the root, so we will be able to enjoy the fruit' in mid march at the National Tournament.”
Talk about sensational basketball, what other team has accomplished so much? Basketball is not just a physical game, it is also a mental battle. The power of motivation, inspiration, and the right mindset can make a profound difference. It has been said that, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence winchampionships." Obviously, Coach Ridge and the Storm have found the right mix to produce championship results. Go Storm!
