ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – The Apprentice School men's basketball team opened its 2026-27 campaign Wednesday night at Elizabeth City State University, falling 83-51 to the Vikings. The Builders showed real signs of what's ahead, including a spark on defense, a standout performance from Donovan Means and contributions from across the roster.
Means set the tone for the Builders with a team-high 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting from the field, including two three-pointers. He added five rebounds and three steals in 26 minutes.
Apprentice's defense created problems all night, finishing with 12 steals and three blocked shots. Ahmiir Colpetro made the most of his nine minutes with three steals, while also going a perfect 1-for-1 from the floor and 2-for-2 at the line for four points. Elijah Ellison anchored the paint with two blocks, along with two rebounds and a steal.
Jahlil Hope gave the Builders a lift with seven points, knocking down a three-pointer and going 4-for-6 at the free-throw line. Isaiah Baxter provided a spark off the bench with six points in just 11 minutes, and Kadon Fossett added a three-pointer in his seven minutes of action.
The Builders also found their rhythm as the night went on, scoring 29 points in the second half after 22 in the first. They were effective at the free-throw line, converting 15 of 21 attempts (71.4%).
The Builders return to action Saturday, Nov. 7, and Sunday, Nov. 8, at the Penn State Beaver Tip-Off Tournament. Apprentice faces Penn State York on Saturday at 5 p.m. and the host Lions on Sunday at 1 p.m.
