One of the area’s oldest and most historic gymnasiums has a new tenant that’s excited about branding a reputation of its own.

Introductions are in order for the Cristo Rey Richmond Royals.

The private Catholic high school is housed at 304 N. Sheppard St., the former home of Benedictine College Preparatory. The property is owned by the Catholic Diocese of Richmond.

Coach Shawn Johnson (a former Benedictine assistant coach under Robert Churchwell and Mark Royster) heads up a second-year varsity program that shoots hoops in iconic Benedictine Memorial Gymnasium (now called Cristo Rey Gym).

“Same exact building, although there has been some remodeling; same gym, only we changed the logo in the middle of the floor to Cristo Rey,” said Johnson.

Wearing royal blue and yellow uniforms, Coach Johnson’s Royals have been a busy bunch (2-5 heading into this week) while embarking on an ambitious 29-game schedule that features some of the area’s top programs, including Benedictine and former Virginia Independent Schools state champs at Trinity Episcopal and Steward.

“We’re not shy; we’re willing to play anybody,” Coach Johnson said. “No one knows who we are now, but we’re a scrappy bunch and we want to let the area know who we are.”

Regarding “playing anyone,” Coach Johnson was asked about cross town State 2A champion John Marshall.

“I don’t know if we’re ready for John Marshall, but if John Marshall wants to play, we’re willing,” Coach Johnson said with a smile.

The Royals will receive some mainstream recognition Dec. 20-21 in the Community Challenge, sponsored by Coaches for Change. The three-day event includes eight boys’ and eight girls’ teams.

“It’s a great opportunity,” said Coach Johnson of the event that will be at his alma mater, Henrico High School.

Coach Johnson says he is trying to get his fledgling program eligible for the Virginia Independent Schools playoffs as soon as possible. The status for this year is unclear.

With about 300 students in grades nine through12, Cristo Rey’s mission is to be a “Catholic learning center that educates young people of limited economic means.”

There are 36 similar Cristo Rey schools throughout the United States.

Coach Johnson’s Royals aren’t without talent, or height, or transfers or an energetic assistant coach, Jarrell Chandler. It helps that Johnson also is a coach in the Virginia Havoc travel program. Lamar Walters, averaging some 19 points per game, is a transfer from West Point High, Lamar Gregg is from Meadowbrook High School, and 6-foot-8 sophomore Odell Goodman is from Church Hill Academy.

Another front-line player is Marc Turner, who is among the few seniors.

“We’re just getting started,” Coach Johnson said. “When people talk about the top private schools around, we want to be in that conversation.”