Class 2A Lower/Upper State Championships: Tuesday’s Results

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When the 2024-25 season commenced, it was a guarantee we would have a new 2A state champion given the previous 2A state victors in Gray Collegiate was reclassified as a 4A school.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This meant a bunch of incumbent and new 2A schools were looking to be where the War Eagles were at the end of last season. As of Tuesday's play, only four teams remained with aspirations of being the new 2A champions.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We at Prep Hoops were on hand at the Florence Center for 2A Tuesday in the Pee Dee. Without further ado, here is our recap of how the day unfolded.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Lower State Championship: Atlantic Collegiate vs. Andrew Jackson</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If anyone outside of the Grand Strand would have said that Atlantic Collegiate would be one of the remaining four teams standing, one would have probably been met with a questionable look.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Instead, the near-overnight meteoric rise of the Armada has mirrored that of Oceanside Collegiate a few years ago. Atlantic Collegiate entered play with only three losses overall and notched wins over Cheraw, Bridges Prep and Mullins to punch its ticket to Florence. The Armada had won 13 consecutive games.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A tough test was waiting in the form of Andrew Jackson – a team in the midst of an 18-game win streak. The Volunteers – whose girls and boys teams made it to Florence – prevailed over Whale Branch, Manning and Hampton County (in overtime) to make it to the semifinals.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Returning to Florence in a few days would be Atlantic Collegiate which earned the 45-40 victory over Andrew Jackson.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Records</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When 2A state play commences on Mar. 8, Atlantic Collegiate will boast a record of 23-3 going into that contest. The Armada also finished with a region record of 11-1. The season has concluded for Andrew Jackson having gone 20-6 overall and 12-0 in region.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Quarter-By-Quarter</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For much of the first quarter, both teams were struggling from the field before both Armada and Volunteers had a bit more success as the opening stanza ensued. Through one, Andrew Jackson would build a three-point, 7-4 lead on Atlantic Collegiate.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Armada put together a more efficient offensive frame in the second quarter and it allowed it to pull ahead of the Volunteers. As both teams entered their respective locker rooms to discuss second half strategy, Atlantic Collegiate would bring a 21-18 edge over Andrew Jackson into the break.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Points were evenly distributed between the two teams in the third quarter. Eight minutes remained to determine the first of the two 2A championship participants with the Armada ahead of the Volunteers by a margin of 35-32.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Unlike in the girls 2A Lower State final that also involved Andrew Jackson, this contest had high drama in the closing minutes. Atlantic Collegiate managed to hold off Andrew Jackson to earn its ticket to Saturday's 2A championship contest.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Primetime Performers</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2800007,"width":"544px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_2417-crop-2431x1596-1741179260.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_2417-crop-2431x1596-1741179260.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2800007" style="width:544px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1172891' first='Jaylen' last='Bellamy']</strong> proved all game long not only how talented he is but also how tough he is. Bellamy finished with 17 points and he played through pain throughout much of the second half.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2800008,"width":"550px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_2459-2.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_2459-2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2800008" style="width:550px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Adding 10 points in a winning Armada effort would be another 2025 in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1158878' first='Jamie' last='Brooks']</strong>. Out of the 10 he placed on the scoreboard, six occurred in the first half of play. Brooks typically operates as either a four or a five. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2800011,"width":"556px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_2440-crop-2682x1761-1741179490.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_2440-crop-2682x1761-1741179490.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2800011" style="width:556px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The season may have come to a close for <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1487224' first='Zeke' last='Clyburn']</strong>, but not before his junior campaign concluded having placed 14 points on the board. Included in those 14 were eight in the first half.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2800014,"width":"553px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_2452-crop-3373x2215-1741179652.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_2452-crop-3373x2215-1741179652.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2800014" style="width:553px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another top performer for Andrew Jackson also came from the Volunteers' junior class. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2746118' first='Damias' last='Seegars']</strong> would add nine points to the Volunteers' cause. Andrew Jackson's offense only connected on one 3-pointer on Tuesday. It came from Seegars. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>So Long, Seniors</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1630005' first='Bryce' last='Peterson'], Brandon Elder, Kash Bracey, Q Hall and Jy'Kevius Johnson are the five seniors on this season's Andrew Jackson team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Upper State Championship: High Point vs. Liberty</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Step one was determining the first half of Saturday's 2A state game. Step two – determining the other half. And that other half would be determined by two fellow Region 1-AA combatants.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>High Point entered into Tuesday's play having put together a banner season with 4A Westside, 5A Boiling Springs and 2A Chesnee responsible for the lone blemishes on the Grizzlies schedule. Victories over Chesterfield, Clinton and Batesburg-Leesville were what got the Grizzlies to Florence.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Basketball tournaments are all about the emergence of Cinderellas and Liberty certainly qualifies as this season's 2A Cinderella. After a below .500 regular season and struggling in region play, the Red Devils reeled off wins over Fairfield Central, Chesnee and Central to make it to Florence.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Would Cinderella continue dancing or would the clock strike midnight? The answer was the latter as High Point would prevail over Liberty with the final score being 62-44.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Records</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>High Point's latest and biggest victory of the season ups its overall record to 27-3. The Grizzlies also concluded its Region 1-AA play with an 11-1 showing. For Liberty, its 2024-25 season comes to a close having gone 13-16 overall and 4-8 in Region 1-AA.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Remember What Happened Last Time? </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As region rivals, High Point and Liberty have exchanged pleasantries on two previous occasions this season. The Grizzlies had Red Devils' number in both contests. High Point scored the 90-52 win over Liberty on Jan. 9 at High Point.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>More of the same ensued when the scene shifted to Liberty on Feb. 7 when the Grizzlies defeated the Red Devils with the final being 71-48.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Quarter-By-Quarter</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both Red Devils and Grizzlies traded the first 16 points before High Point embarked on an 8-0 to get the score more in its liking. With one frame complete, the Grizzlies would establish a 16-9 advantage on Liberty.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>High Point would then increase its lead into double digits at the second quarter came to a close. As both teams would discuss second half plans, the Grizzlies' lead over the Red Devils would be 28-16.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What was a 12-point Grizzlies lead at the conclusion of halftime would become a 15-point High Point margin when the third quarter had completely elapsed. Eight minutes remained for Atlantic Collegiate's opponent to be determined with High Point by a score of 43-28.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The objective in the fourth quarter for the Red Devils had to be to embark on a run to make things interesting with their adversaries from High Point. No run occurred and the Grizzlies would prevail by 18 points against Liberty.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Primetime Performers</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2800018,"width":"557px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_2923-2-crop-3226x2118-1741179913.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_2923-2-crop-3226x2118-1741179913.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2800018" style="width:557px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two seniors and a sophomore were particularly instrumental in ensuring another victory for the Grizzlies. One of the 2025s was <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2393871' first='Jaden' last='McNeil']</strong> who primarily is a shooting guard. He finished with 16 points. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2800020,"width":"547px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_2850-crop-2417x1587-1741180090.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_2850-crop-2417x1587-1741180090.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2800020" style="width:547px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The one 2027 who played a massive part in the victory was <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1679972' first='J'sean' last='Sanders']</strong> who stands at 6-foot-7. Sanders would conclude his evening in Florence having contributed 14 points to a winning High Point performance. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2800023,"width":"543px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_3002-crop-2368x1555-1741180291.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_3002-crop-2368x1555-1741180291.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2800023" style="width:543px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Grizzlies also were boosted from a big game courtesy of another senior in <strong>Trapp Morman</strong>. Morman finished with 12 points. He is one of the four seniors that make up this year's Grizzlies group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2800028,"width":"539px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_2954-crop-2124x1394-1741180476.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_2954-crop-2124x1394-1741180476.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2800028" style="width:539px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pacing what Liberty got accomplished was junior <strong>Zach Wellborn</strong>. He led all scorers for the Red Devils with 13 points. Wellborn had a productive game from the free throw line with seven of his 13 occurring at the stripe. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2800031,"width":"532px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_2997-crop-1833x1204-1741180653.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_2997-crop-1833x1204-1741180653.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2800031" style="width:532px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2721013' first='Logan' last='Smith']</strong> would sport the black and red of Liberty one final time. Smith's high school career came to a close with an 11-point try. Smith has also excelled on the football as a cornerback and quarterback. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2800032,"width":"532px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_2907.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/IMG_2907.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2800032" style="width:532px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Speaking of standouts who excel on both the basketball court and football gridiron, the same applies to junior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2459702' first='Kendrick' last='Jackson']</strong>. He added nine points to the Red Devis cause. Jackson plays at wide receiver and free safety during the Fall months. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>So Long, Seniors</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kaden Quinn Hendrix and [player_tooltip player_id='2721013' first='Logan' last='Smith'] are the lone 2025s from this year's Red Devils rendition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->