KJ Corder's journey through the college basketball world could be summed up in one word: A Journey. A 2015 high school graduate of local Hot Springs World Class High School, KJ decided to go to Henderson State University and enjoy college life, get his degree, and move on from basketball. In his freshman year he did just that, but always in the back of his mind had a desire to play college basketball, but never went as far as to pursue it. That all changed when one day KJ Corder got word that National Park College, a local 2 year Junior College in his home town of Hot Springs was started up a basketball program, and they wanted him to be a part. KJ jumped at the opportunity to come home and play, as well as help jumpstart an athletic program for a college in his home town. When KJ arrived, he realized quickly he would be asked to play a major role on the team, and he stepped up. In the schools first year having a program transitioning to becoming a part of the NJCAA DII, KJ scored 321 points, averaging just over 14 points a game. The next year National Park began their season play as part of the NJCAA, playing a full schedule competing against schools all across the state and region. KJ was again leading the way as a major contributor, scoring 261 points en route to averaging 11.5 points per game and shooting 51% from the field. He would even get to participate in the Battle Of Hot Springs competing against your very own Champion Tigers, where Corder would put on incredible displays, once scoring over 40 points in the overtime win.

After his 2 years were up at National Park, Corder took his talents to NAIA Crowleys Ridge College in Paragould, AR. KJ would shine for the team, winning player of the week as well as being named to the NAIA Independent Region All Conference Team. In his lone season playing at CRC, Corder averaged just over 13 points per game in only 24 minutes per game, scoring 278 points on the year. KJ would return to Crowleys for his senior year, but would not play while at school, which would end up bringing him back home once again, joining Champion Christian College for his Senior year and Covid year.

KJ Corder transferred at the start of the second semester to Champion in 2022, and was an immediate impact on the court. In the 9 games KJ competed in, he scored 102 points, averaging 11.3 points per game and shooting a blistering 60% from the field. Corder would then choose to finish out his degree and play his last year of eligibility in the 22-23 season with the Tigers, where he has been remarkable. After a torn calf muscle just weeks before the season slowed him down early, KJ has started to really find his stride. In arguably his best and biggest game as a Tiger, KJ broke the 1,000 point mark against Kansas Christian College on December 15, 2023. KJ finished the game with 27 points, shooting 63% from the field, and leading the team to a 1 point top 10 win. 

Coach Mo had this to say about KJ and his incredible accomplishment - "I remember as a spectator watching KJ drop 42 points against Champion his sophomore year at National Park and thinking, 'that kid can really Play!' Little did I know I would have the opportunity to coach him his last two years of college basketball. It's such a cool thing to see a Hot Springs kid come back home and compete for Champion".

Coach Hatfield added his salute, saying "When KJ came to Champion my first year, I knew a little, but not being from Hot Springs I quickly learned from people around the city how good he really was before he even played a game. KJ has been an incredible player on this team the past year and a half, and really lives up to his nick name 'Uncle KJ'. He's the fun older guy the rest of the team loves to be around. We are lucky to have had him be apart of the family and I wish him all the success moving forward in life, whatever might be next for him". 

KJ Corder will be recognized along with the rest of the seniors this Thursday, February 2nd, for senior night as well as his recognition for 1,000 points. We hope to see you there and pack the Champion Community Center out.