KING OF THE COURT, MIGUEL CARDONA

Ardrey Kell High School senior Miguel Cardona is at home on the basketball court.  Whether he is leading the Knights to another win from his point guard position or being crowned Ardrey Kell Homecoming King at halftime of a basketball game, this dynamic student-athlete loves to spend time on the basketball court.

The son of Sherri Cardona has been the key to the Knights playing together as a team this season.   His assist to turnover ratio of 117/61 has set the tone for Coach Mike Craft’s squad.  Miguel leaves the scoring to the offensive trio of Justin Cheek, Cameron McQueen and Alex Watkins.  He takes pride in finding those scorers in an open position to score more points for the Knights.

Miguel left Providence Day two years ago to attend Ardrey Kell and the transition has been very smooth.

“I wanted to come to a bigger school and see how I could grow as a student and as an athlete,” said Miguel. “The move has been really good for me, I have learned so much about basketball from Coach Craft, and he has really taught me how to play the game.  He teaches us to be confident in our decisions and not to worry about mistakes.   I have learned the whole team will feed off my emotions as point guard, so I have to stay focused.”

Miguel recently played his best game of the season when he dropped 14 points and 7 assists in the scorebook versus Butler High School.  Now with the regular season in the books, he has turned his attention to the conference and state playoffs.
“I really want our team to advance in the state playoffs this year.  The key is to play your best basketball at the end of the season.  East Meck did that last year and went all the way to the championship.  We have the talent to do the same thing.”
Once the season ends, Miguel will begin to focus on his future.  For now the offers to play college haven’t arrived, but Coach Craft has promised to help open as many doors as possible.  The hard working coach has become a huge fan of everything Miguel stands for.

“Miguel Cardona is the epitome of the term "student-athlete."  He is well-respected by his teachers, teammates, and his peers.  Ardrey Kell would not be 16-7 overall and 9-4 in the conference without his leadership, toughness, and strong play from the point guard position.  Miguel has 117 assists to only 61 turnovers---an amazing assist to turnover ratio considering he handles the ball 90% of the time.  He has been the catalyst for the Knights this year.  We look for the tri-captain to lead us deep into the playoffs.”

Coach Craft is correct in using the term student-athlete as Miguel carries a grade point average near 4.0 and is a member of the National Honor Society.

“From the time I was little my Mom made me focus on school.  She taught me that if I didn’t focus on school, then I couldn’t play sports.”

The basketball offers may not have arrived yet, but Miguel has a long list of options for continuing his education in college.  He has already been admitted to North Carolina State, UNC-Greensboro, Old Dominion and Hampton University.

Last week, Miguel received another accolade as he was crowned Ardrey Kell Homecoming King, a title voted on by his fellow classmates.  This signifies how well respected he has become in two short years at Ardrey Kell.

The quarterback on the court knows his high school career is nearly over, but for now he has promised to give his all every second he is on the floor.  The future does look bright for Miguel Cardona, but he would like to put it on hold for a few more weeks and lead the Knights to a few more wins.

The South Charlotte Sports Report sends out our best wishes to the King of the Court, Miguel Cardona.  His dedication to academics and playing team basketball will help him to be a success in life.  Good Luck Miguel!