NCHSAA State Finals Preview: 1A & 2A

NCHSAA State Finals Preview: 1A &#038; 2A

Jay Anderson March 9, 2022 @ 02:00 PM

Hayesville is one of two unbeaten teams left in the NCHSAA State Playoffs as they look to cap things off with a state title. Jake McTaggart Jake McTaggart 6'6" | C Hayesville | 2022 State NC was stellar as ever in the Yellow Jackets’ victory over Winston-Salem Prep, 72-66. He poured in 32 points along with 12 rebounds and four blocks while teammate Kolbe Ashe Kolbe Ashe 6'0" | PG Hayesville | 2022 State NC overcame a tough defensive strategy to punch their ticket into the final game. Ethan Hooper chipped in with 14 points while Ashe had 11 points in their Region finals victory as well. They’re a well-rounded group that looks to get over the hump against a quality Chatham Charter squad.

Chatham Charter comes into the final after knocking off last year’s 1A State Champions in Wilson Prep in the Region finals, 59-42. Adam Harvey Adam Harvey 6'3" | SF Chatham Charter | 2023 State NC and Aamir Mapp Aamir Mapp 6'2" | SF Chatham Charter | 2023 State NC continue to lead the charge for the Knights as they outscored the Tigers 37-12 in the first half to set the tone. Harvey finished with 20 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four steals while Mapp finished with 11 points, four assists and four steals. As a team, they finished with 19 assists on 23 made field goals with freshman Beau Harvey Beau Harvey 6'0" | CG Northwood | 2025 State NC dishing out six assists to lead the way. He also had six rebounds and seven points. They’re a fundamentally-sound group that will look to cap things off with a state title in the 1A ranks.

2A: Farmville Central Jaguars (26-3) vs. J.M. Robinson Bulldogs (26-3) – 2:30 PM – Dean E. Smith Center

J.M. Robinson High will look to play spoiler in the NCHSAA 2A State Final game against the Farmville Central Jaguars, who have won the last three state titles at their level. Robinson will look to a heavy-dose of Daevin Hobbs Daevin Hobbs 6'6" | PF Robinson | 2023 State NC to overtake things as he comes as a 24-point, 13-rebound performance against the North Surry Greyhounds as the Bulldogs ran away with things in the West Region final, 79-60. Unsigned senior guard Jaylan Jackson is also an impressive name to know for the Bulldogs with his ability to rebound the ball and attack the paint.

This matchup holds a ton of intrigue given that both teams like to apply fullcourt pressure on the defensive end and turn it into offense on the break and in the halfcourt. Hobbs could be the ultimately X-Factor with his ability to get out and run and finish with authority while also being an anchor in the post as well.

The Jaguars have been led by Jah Short Jah Short 6'4" | CG Farmville Central | 2023 State NC and freshman sensation MJ Williams who have been finding their stride at just the right time in the playoffs. Short posted 26 points and Williams finished with 17 points in their victory over Kinston High to punch their ticket to yet another state title game as they look to make it three state titles in a row. They’re a deep, talented and young squad that shares the basketball and can put up points in a hurry.