There is less than a .05 percent chance a high school basketball player will someday grace a NBA court. The probability of that same athlete earning a Division I scholarship? Well, it’s about the same.

Yet, there are hundreds of parents, coaches and even, in some cases, institutions out there today that place success on the court over competence in the classroom. The bright lights associated with some of the biggest stages in sports blind many, rearranging priorities in an order that will only hurt the student.

Ask any coach in Beaufort County and they will tell you that if their top performer isn’t meeting academic expectations in the classroom, deactivation is instantaneous. They wouldn’t even blink. Most, if not all, have a proven record of putting academics over athletics.

This fall, a new prep basketball team was organized in Beaufort County — the Deeper Life Warriors. It’s far from warranting the attention and prestige some of the more well-known basketball prep academies have garnered over the years, but it’s a start and certainly a viable alternative.

It’s based off of the same standards the county’s public school coaches hold dear — sportsmanship, respect and academics. However, the Warriors, being independent from the NCHSAA and NCISAA, have the ability to give second chances for those who deserve one, while simultaneously adhering to the NCAA’s standards. Sometimes, on a case-by-case basis, that’s not always possible in public schools.

And second chances don’t come without hard work, according to Atheltic Director and Associate Pastor JR Guilford. Deeper Life will work with a student, one-on-one, supplying tutors or mentors if needed, until he earns the baby blue uniform. It’s a little more personal and flexible than your average public school.

While this team could initially seem like an intrusion to some, it’s simply another alternative here in Beaufort County. The chances at earning a Division I scholarship or someday making it to the NBA are miniscule, so representing your home town’s high school is the most honorable route for most. For others, it may not be. A tougher challenge is desired.

While a lot of traveling and time is required, Deeper Life provides that challenge and provides it for free. Hopefully, the Warriors program will meet its goal of sending 100 percent of its kids to college and, maybe, even one or two on athletic or academic scholarship.