NCISAA 3A Semi-Final Matchups!!

<p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">T</span>he 3A division final four group is strong this season, with just about every team having D1 prospects on their roster, things should be interesting. Once again for those that don’t know, the 2A, 3A and 4A divisions all look a bit different this year as certain teams were moved to different classifications.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>#1 Carmel Christian vs #4 Cape Fear Academy</strong></em></p> <p>Carmel Christian has been outstanding this season, putting together a record of 29-3 on the year, as they look to repeat as state champs this year. They have quite a few players that are moving on to play at the D1 level which makes them a pretty dangerous team because of how many different players can come up big for them. Cape Fear Academy has put together an impressive season as well with a record of 26-6 and have a few next level prospect of their own. One thing they showed in the Conference tournament is that they can slow down big time talent and that is exactly what they will need to do vs Carmel Christian.</p> <p><em><strong>Players to watch</strong></em>: Carmel Christian Senior Guard <strong>Donovan Gregory</strong> is averaging 17 Points a night but more importantly he brings a high motor and energy to his squad. Senior Forward <strong>Jake Boggs</strong> who is headed to UNCW is dropping just under 10 points a game, he brings size at 6’8 and a nice skillset for the squad.</p> <p><em><strong>Players to watch:</strong></em> Cape Fear Academy 6’7 Junior<strong> Ivan Misic</strong> is coming off a big time game in the quarterfinal where he went for 17 points and will look to keep that play going.  6’3 Junior Guard <strong>Emmanuel Bonsu</strong> is a player that college coaches have been hearing about, he’s a taller guard that can break down a defense and score the ball. Junior Forward <strong>Georges Lefebvre</strong> bring size and strength to the squad at 6’9 with a strong frame.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>#2 Concord First Assembly vs #3 Village Christian Academy</strong></em></p> <p>Concord First Assembly comes into this matchup with a record of 27-5 and have played against some pretty good teams over the year. They have a bunch of size on their roster and a nice mixture of older and younger guards that can get the job done. Village has played an intense schedule and competes in one of the toughest conferences in the state. They don’t have as much size as CFA so that will be one area where they will need to focus in on as a team.</p> <p><em><strong>Players to watch</strong></em>: CFA gets nice production from junior 6’8 forward <strong>Garrett Hien</strong> he scoring 12 points a night while pulling down about 8 rebounds per contest. Sophomore Guard <strong>Trae Benham</strong> is another player they can depend on, he can score the ball at a nice rate at 15 PPG but also doesn’t mind going to mix it up in the paint for rebounds from the guard spot. 6’8 Junior <strong>Cheick Traore</strong> &amp; 6’8 Senior Peter<strong> Olatunji</strong> will be key for them as far as rebounding goes, both have had some games with a high amount of boards.</p> <p><em><strong>Players to watch:</strong></em> VCA will need a big time game from Senior Guard <strong>Travion McCray</strong>, he can score the ball at a high level and we have seen some games where he has gone on a scoring run all by himself. Junior Wing <strong>Justin Thomas</strong> is one that has emerged as the season has gone on, he can go for 20+ on any occasion, at 6’5 with the ability to knock down shots as well as get to the rim, and he’s a tough player to check. The x factor in this game has to be senior big man <strong>Derrick Quansah</strong> as he will be needed to compete with the CFA bigs on the boards just about all night long.</p>