NCHSAA 3A State Championship Preview

Southern Durham and Ben L. Smith will square off for the NCHSAA 3A State Championship on Friday at 8:35 PM. Take a look at the players to watch!

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Southern Durham punched their ticket to the NCHSAA 3A State Championship game on Monday with a victory over top-seed Swansboro. Jackson Keith Jackson Keith 6'6" | SF Southern Durham | 2025 State #84 Nation NC stepped up big once against with 30 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks to lead the way for the Spartans. AJ Morman AJ Morman 5'10" | PG Southern Durham | 2028 State NC was right behind him with 19 points, five rebounds and four assists. They overcame a combined 39 points from Jermaine Cunningham Jermaine Cunningham 6'3" | CG Swansboro | 2025 State NC and Tay Tangiora Tay Tangiora 6'7" | C Swansboro | 2025 State NC to take home a 78-65 victory in the end. After falling short last season, they've seemed to hit another level with Keith leading the way for them. They'll look to get over the hump with their first state title since 1959.

Ben L. Smith continues to surprise everybody as they continue their quest to the state championship game under head coach Derrick Partee. They took down Huss in the 3A West Region Final, 71-57, behind big performances from Jyi Dawkins Jyi Dawkins 6'4" | SG Ben L. Smith | 2026 State NC and Kenny Miller Jr Kenny Miller Jr 6'5" | CG/SF Ben L. Smith | 2025 State NC . Dawkins posted a double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds, two steals and two blocks while Miller finished with 21 points and seven rebounds. Gavin Palmore Gavin Palmore 6'4" | SF Ben L. Smith | 2026 State NC also put up 10 points and nine rebounds. They've begun peaking at the right time with a little motivation from their seeding as they look to win it all on Friday.