State Championship Epilogue: Fierce in the Frontcourt
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This year’s North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) state championship games have come and gone – and, as expected, the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum at Wake Forest was the site for plenty of intense and scintillating basketball. A…
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Continue ReadingThis year’s North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) state championship games have come and gone – and, as expected, the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum at Wake Forest was the site for plenty of intense and scintillating basketball.
A grand total of eight teams had joyous bus rides back to their respective schools while another eight departed from Winston-Salem with missing rings.
Looking back at how the four boys games unfolded, there was plenty of noteworthy play from those who typically play at either the three, four or five. Even in an era of hoops that is centered around guard play and the three-point shot, forwards and centers still have value.
Without further adieu, here are a few of those who proved that this past weekend.
Evans is among the highest profile of prospects in the Hoop State – especially given the school he committed to for his college ball. Before Evans trades in the blue (and red) of North Meck for the blue of the Duke Blue Devils, he tallied 23 points to lead his Vikings to a 57-47 victory over New Hanover. The win for North Meck was its first 4A championship since the 2019-20 season. One of the many things that makes Evans so dynamic is his scoring ability. While listed as a three or four, he can drain 3-pointers as if he was a one or two and also delivers top-tier rebounding capabilities. Coach K Court and the Cameron Crazies will love them some Evans.
The question will continue to be talked about throughout the Hoop State – can anyone beat Central Cabarrus? DJ Kent made sure the answer to that question would not be Seventy-First. Kent tallied 20 points to not only ensure back-to-back 3A championships for the Vikings but back-to-back undefeated seasons. Kent brings efficient scoring, rebounding and defense to any team he plays for. He will wear similar colors in his college days as he will suit up for Division II Lees-McRae at the NCAA level. The last time Central dropped a contest was at the close of the 2021-22 season when the Vikings fell to West Charlotte in that year’s 3A state tilt.
Harrison’s Reidsville assembling was involved in, arguably, the most intense matchup of the weekend when the Rams did battle against last season’s 2A champion Farmville Central. It could have gone either way – but thanks to the double-double Harrison delivered for the Rams, Reidsville defeated the Jaguars by a final of 78-77 in an overtime classic. Not only did Harrison score 19 points and grab 13 rebounds, he was difficult for the Jaguars to score on as he rejected five Farmville Central shots. He took home Charlie Adams MVP honors for Saturday night’s clash. Harrison is also a widely touted football recruit with a plethora of Division I offers for the gridiron – the latest of which came from Notre Dame.
We mentioned a couple of committed seniors a bit earlier. Dalton is unsigned but he had one more opportunity to put college programs on notice on Friday evening in Winston-Salem. Dalton delivered and then some. He led all scorers in the 3A state championship game with 22 points and took home Most Outstanding Player honors. While playing primarily as a forward, he will also put forth plenty of time as a wing. What he gets accomplished as a rebounder compliments what he can do as a scorer. The 6-foot-9 veteran standout previously landed offers from Chicago State and Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Moye has received more headlines for his football prowess moreso than his basketball prowess – which there has been plenty of throughout his career. While East Carolina’s football program is what awaits Moye on the other side of summer 2024, the star forward for Farmville Central had one more big game in him on the hardwood. He posted a double-double of 22 points and 12 rebounds in the Jaguars’ thrilling 2A contest against Reidsville. Among the many attribues that Moye had on display was quickness in attacking the rim, getting out in transition, 3-point shooting accuracy, defense and the ability to take contact which placed him at the free throw line. Moye made all four of his free throw attempts.
Jack Hudson
Jack Hudson
Championship weekend commenced at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum with the 1A boys game between Wilson Prep and Corvian Community. While the Cardinals may have been on the receiving end of a close 65-63 defeat to the Tigers, Hudson had himself a big game in his final time wearing the Cards’ colors. Hudson finished with a double-double of 17 rebounds and 10 points plus was halfway to a triple-double in terms of assists. While Hudson can thrive in the paint, he also can give a team worthwhile minutes as a guard. Hudson also stood out defensively with two blocks and two steals.