Cape Fear Christian Academy senior Jace Goldman was seated with former Eagles coach Dwight Miller as he signed with Mars Hill on Wednesday. Standing from left are Sherry and John Peregoy (grandparents) and Melody Lewis (mother). (Dunn Area Sports Photo/Al Myatt)

An occasion that Jace Goldman had dreamed about for four years became a reality on Wednesday evening as the Cape Fear Christian Academy senior guard signed to play basketball at Mars Hill.

The signing ceremony was held in a conference room at the Hampton Inn in Dunn. Family and friends enjoyed pizza afterward.

The opportunity on the next level is as much about Goldman’s attitude as his ability although he is an exceptional long-range shooter.

Goldman went to a tryout at Mars Hill on April 21.

“I made a bunch of threes,” Goldman said. “I got there about an hour before and met with the coach (Vic Finora). He said to stay in contact.”

With former CFCA coach Dwight Miller serving as an advocate, a spot in the Lions program opened up. Finora called Goldman at his home in Erwin and a commitment letter was soon on the way.

Goldman played sparingly on a talent-steeped CFCA team, but he scored 12 points in a reserve role against New Life Christian, displaying his potential.

“Kids like Jace make you want to come to work,” Miller said. “When you put your heart into it and do what you’re supposed to do, it’s going to come.”

Miller had each of CFCA’s players select a theme word. Goldman’s choice was “faith.”

“Four years ago, the only people that had faith that this day would come were Jace and Coach Miller,” said John Peregoy, Goldman’s grandfather. “Now, Coach Finora has that faith.”

Mars Hill is 279 miles from Erwin, a drive of more than five hours, but Goldman is preparing to be that far away from home. He wants to study sports management. Miller said he thinks Goldman eventually will become a coach.

“I don’t know how to describe how much he has meant to me,” CFCA frontcourt player Michael Okoye, a Nigerian, told the gathering. “He was there for me the first day. It’s been a long journey. I love you.”

Miller said Goldman and his supportive family were bonding agents in terms of team chemistry. Now, he’s taking his unique demeanor and talents to Mars Hill — along with his refreshing and remarkable faith.

Goldman shoots for Cape Fear Christian Academy.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)

Jace Goldman with a Mars Hill poster provided by Carlie C’s IGA, where his grandmother, Sherry Peregoy, is an accountant.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Al Myatt)

Goldman drives for the Eagles. (Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)

Jace Goldman surrounded by ‘some of the guys,’ who were on hand for the signing ceremony on Wednesday. (Dunn Area Sports Photo/Al Myatt)