Shipley’s Khai Champion reaches 1,000 point milestone

Bryn Mawr – When Shipley senior guard Khai Champion took the home court against Academy of Palumbo Dec. 23, he needed only 11 points to reach the 1,000 career point milestone.

The 6-foot-1 guard started the game like a house afire, scoring the Gators’ first 11 points – not by design – in a 63-53 victory.

Champion reached the 1,000-point milestone when he took a pass from sophomore Khalil Farmer and hit an open trey from the left corner.

“When I took the shot, I knew it was in,” said Champion. “I felt a huge sense of relief and a burden lifted off my shoulders. But, when the energy died down, I realized it was just another goal I could cross off my list.”

As a freshman starter, Champion converted 53 treys, and last winter featured more of an all-around game, averaging nearly 14 ppg for the 21-6 Gators as well as 3.5 rpg, 3 apg and 2 spg. He received second team All-Main Line boys’ basketball honors as a junior.

“Khai has matured wonderfully during his time here at Shipley,” said Shipley boys’ basketball head coach Phil D’Ambrosio. “He’s embraced different roles throughout his four years as a starter. As he got older, he learned to take on more of a scoring role from all three levels.”

Champion said, “I worked really hard this off-season – I was lifting and getting shots up every day. I’ve gotten a lot stronger this off-season, which has made it easier for me to draw fouls and finish through contact.”

D’Ambrosio said, “Coming into this season, we discussed how Khai’s scoring would be something we rely on, but that he had to find ways to make plays for his teammates, which he’s been doing a much better job of lately.”

Champion’s favorite basketball player is Stephen Curry.

“I love how free he plays,” said Champion. “He always looks so relaxed, confident, and comfortable on the court and these are all of the characteristics I strive to have.”

Champion plans to play basketball for a college program, and while he’s not sure what he wants to major in, has indicated an interest in psychology.

“Khai’s a great person with a high level work ethic and I know his best days still lie ahead,” said D’Ambrosio. “We’re very pleased with his progression and knew it was only a matter of time before he joined the 1,000 point club.”