There are not many differences when comparing high school basketball games around the country. Screaming fans, cheerleaders, coaches, and players can be found in any gymnasium on game night. Very few things change from game to game, city to city, school to school.

There are always angry fans, people screaming out obscenities to other players, parents ready to fight the opposing team’s parents, and of course fights, cussing, screaming, and gestures coming from the floor.

That is until you step in to the gym during a Daniel One Academy basketball game. You will not see any fights. You will not hear any foul language. No player or parent will have any arguments with anyone other than themselves. This, however, does not mean that the excitement, sportsmanship, passion, or athleticism will be missing. Daniel One players are simply not raised or coached that way.

Having been a coach myself for several years, I can see how unique Daniel One Academy really is. The players truly love the game, they work hard, never complain, and enjoy just being out on the floor every chance they get.

Daniel One Academy, of Cookeville, Tennessee, is home to hundreds of homeschoolers. This Christian-based school has been offering the families of Middle Tennessee a chance to educate their own children for years. For the last three years, these families have also had the opportunity to experience the athletic side of high school as well.

The D1A Lions began in 2006 as a middle school boy’s basketball team. Today, they have a middle school and high school boy’s team, high school girl’s team, girl’s volleyball team, and of course, a cheerleading squad. These teams compete against other home school and private school teams from across the state.

At any event, do not expect to see angry parents, screaming coaches, or disrespectful players. Although emotions do rise, this organization and every person associated with it has a Christian background and will display this even during the most heated times of athletic events.

Timothy (TJ) Cody, a senior on the Lions, is a perfect example of the type of players you will find on this team. Cody, son of Tim and JoAnn Cody, has only been on the D1A squad for a little over a year. He drives about an hour each way, just to come to practice. He does this at least three times a week in order to play.

Cody recently was accepted to West Point Academy, recently ranked the third best college in the country. Acceptance to such a school is not an easy task. TJ has worked quite hard aside from his studies. He attended Boy’s State, where he was a Supreme Court Justice. He was also one of two men selected to represent Tennessee at Boy’s Nation. TJ has also been very involved in 4-H. He has been club president, vice-president, a 4-H all-star, and a 4-year member of the 4-H Honor Club.

On the basketball floor, Cody conducts himself with self-control and respect. He averages about 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game. This young man does his best to lead his team not only in his ability with a basketball, but with his natural leadership abilities as well.

So if you ever find your way out to a Daniel One Academy basketball game, look for # 54 and you will not see any tattoos, hear any foul language, or see a disrespectful kid running down the floor. All you will be able to see is an excitable, happy young man, with a genuine love for basketball, who is trying his best to help his team win.

Timothy John Cody
Birthday: 22 August, 1990
City Born: Temple, Texas @ Kings Daughters Hospital
Basketball Number: #54 (in honor of Brian Urlacher)
All time favorite basketball team: 1997 Chicago Bulls /1997 Utah Jazz
Current Favorite team this year: Magic
Favorite player: Dwight Howard, Kevin Garnet, Paul Gasol,
Favorite Food: I like meat and Pizza. I am partial to anything with carbs. Bacon, Biscuits and gravy!