How One Basketball Team in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Is Changing the Game On and Off the Court

While most basketball teams focus on winning games based on the scoreboard or showcasing individual talent, Cornerstone Christian College Prep Day and High School, known as C-Prep Possible Eagles, plays a different type of ball. Under the leadership and founder of Dr. Oscar J. Nelson Dowdell-Underwood, also affectionally known as the father of Possibleology© and Possibility Education Awareness, the C-Prep men’s basketball team has adopted a new way of playing basketball called Possibilistic Basketball.

Possibilistic Basketball shifts the focus from traditional gameplay to a deeper purpose. Instead of playing solely to win games, the team plays with the understanding that, no matter what challenges they face, GOD has made them possible which is rooted in Mark 9:23, “All things are Possible to them who believe.” Moreover, Possibilistic Basketball is not just about dribbling, scoring, or showcasing talent; it’s about embodying hope and ministering to others both on and off the court from the inside out.

Dr. Nelson Dowdell-Underwood has instilled in the team that “winning starts from the inside out,” emphasizing the importance of a possibilistic attitude, a possibilistic intellect, and possibilistic emotions, even possibilistic verbiage (how players speak to themselves). This principle is rooted in the C-Prep’s 5 Possibilistic Environments (Social, Physical, Emotional, Verbal, and Intellectual) Dr. Oscar J. Nelson Dowdell-Underwood established that the “inside environment dominates the outside environment.” By aligning their mindset with GOD’S WORD, the players understand that victory occurs on the inside and will ultimately manifest its way to the outside. Move over, "Winning," as Dr. Oscar J. Nelson Dowdell-Underwood explains, goes beyond the scoreboard. It’s about having a possibilistic mindset that’s deeply rooted in faith and GOD’S WORD.

The C-Prep Possibilistic Basketball team consists of eight purposeful and possibility-driven players, affectionately known as the “C-Prep Possibilistic Eight.” All eight possibilistic ball players know and are aware that GOD created them possible in every endeavor of their life including basketball from the youngest player, a seventh grader Caleb Clark to senior Camion Clark. The team also includes eighth grader Armando Salas, ninth graders Jordan Haiflich and LeeShawn Davis, sophomores Donald Park III and Richard Dates Jr., and junior Malaki Williams. This team is coached by head coach Oscar Ja’Marqis Underwood, Richard Michael Dates, Sr., and Eric Bryant, the team’s assistant coaches. The team managers are Naziah Johnson and Lena White.

While many of these players had little experience in organized basketball, they share an unwavering belief that GOD has made them possible for His glory which encourages them to play Possibilistic Ball.

Regardless of differences in height, skill level, or age, the players embrace the passion and purpose instilled in them. They understand that the same principles required to win on the basketball court apply to winning in life. This belief equips them to face any challenge with confidence and perseverance knowing that GOD is with them.

C-Prep’s approach to basketball goes beyond the game because there’s life outside of basketball. The players are taught to see basketball as a ministry to inspire others, give hope, to make a difference, all the glory of GOD. With a possibilistic attitude and GOD’S anointing, these young men are destined to make a difference in the world, fulfilling the purpose GOD has set for them thus finding favor from GOD that will open the door to new opportunities.

Senior Camion Clark shooting a free throw. (Photo courtesy of C-Prep Team Managers)

When Malaki Williams and Richard Dates, Jr. were asked about “Possibilistic Ball?”

Malaki shared, "Possibilistic Ball to me represents infinite possibilities." As a team, Malaki explained, "We do not focus on simply winning but on adapting and learning from each move we make—both on and off the court." He added, "We constantly seek new ways to reach our goals, going above and beyond the challenges we face. Just as the Bible tells the story of David overcoming the giant Goliath, Possibilistic Ball teaches us never to back down, no matter the size of the obstacle. It's about rising above any limitations. So, Possibilistic Ball is an attitude that we should continue to use to win on and off the court."

Richard emphasized, "Possibilistic Ball is different from regular basketball because of the unique factors it brings. While playing Possibilistic Ball, you are glorifying GOD and gaining valuable experiences that apply both on and off the court." Richard believes Possibilistic Ball inspires him and his teammates to use GOD’S gift of inherent power to overcome any obstacles that stand in their way, both in basketball and in life. "Without the blessing of Possibilistic Ball," Richard stated, "there wouldn’t be a proper way to achieve our goals—whether on the court or out in the world—without glorifying and giving thanks to GOD."

Thank you, Dr. Oscar J. Nelson Dowdell-Underwood and The C-Prep Possible Basketball team for redefining what winning and succeeding in life means. Congratulations on your success, not only on the Basketball Court, but in the game of life.