Contrary to what some may think, home schooled-students do not just sit around with their parents and read books and study. Instead, they do this, along with prepare for the same standardized test that other students do, collaborate with other home-schoolers for labs and foreign languages, and even more so, participate in competitive athletics.

One group in particular that has had success over a 15-year history is the Home Schooled Christian Youth Association (HCYA). The HCYA team’s 10-man roster has been out on the scene raking up wins against public and private schools for the 2007-2008 season.

With a 17-2 record, the Warriors are known as one of the most competitive teams in the Greater Houston area. According to coach Tom Sanders, these guys have been playing at this level for many years.

“Some of our guys have probably been on the team for eight years playing together,” Sanders said.

Last weekend, the Warriors went undefeated in the Cy-Fair ISD tournament and defeated Katy Taylor 72-58 in the championship game. But winning titles is nothing new for the Warrior team.

“In Home School Nationals this past year, we took first place,” Sanders said. “We play by age groups. I know some of the guys were on the team that won a 10U national title as well. I guess we have had the guys together for quite a while so there is good chemistry and unity.”

And there are many parts of the team that allow them to have success. For one, they never use the same starting lineup, making it difficult for teams to scout them.

“We change the starting five; it is not static,” Sanders said. “Probably the key to our team is point guard Jesse Sanders. He does a lot of things for us.”

Sanders is the Warriors’ leader and is rated as one of the top players in Greater Houston (No. 13 according to Rcssports.com). To go along with Jesse Sanders is his younger brother, John Caleb, the team's leading scorer.

When it comes to three-point shooting, the Warriors look to Josh Decker who has made a name for himself with his shooting from behind the arc. For games where there is a big-man presence, Andrew Tucker (6-foot-7) and James McDonald (6-3) are called on to hold down the paint.

College recruiters have noticed a few of the players’ talents.

“No one off this team is signed, but Jesse (Sanders) is the one who is the most highly recruited,” sanders said. “Josh Decker, John Caleb, and James McDonald getting a few looks from schools. Potentially, I think we have seven boys who can play college basketball.”

Jesse Sanders already has offers from the University of New Orleans and HBU. Coach Sanders said Decker may have gotten an offer from Bryan College.

According to their online schedule, the Warriors will play at Fort Bend Terry at 7:30 p.m. next Monday.

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