Cape Fear Academy advances to NCISAA 3A semi-finals 

Cape Fear Academy 60 Carmel Christian 47

Phenom Hoops travelled to Charlotte, North Carolina to cover the NCISAA 3A quarterfinal game between Cape Fear Academy and Carmel Christian. Cape Fear Academy entered the contest with a 22-7 record, but loses were to very talented teams such as Trinity Christian (2), Greenfield, Village Christian, and Durham Academy; all teams that are still in the hunt for a state championship. Carmel Christian, the defending state champion, came into the game with a 22-5 record and playing on their home court. For nine consecutive years, coach Joe Badgett has coached or been part of the championship game, however Cape Fear Academy discipline and well executed offense was the difference maker for coach Tony Martin. 

Cape Fear Academy took a 27-25 lead into halftime, but Carmel Christian went absolutely 'stone cold' in the second half. Trailing 42-35 going into the final quarter, Cape Fear Academy motion offense literally worn-down Carmel defensively and simply gave up too many layups in the fourth quarter and secured the impressive and upset win over defending state champions. That being said, Carmel's head coach Joe Badgett did lose five D1 players to graduation, Donovan Gregory (App State), DeAngelo Epps (College of Charleston), Myles Pieree (Houston Baptist), Marten Maide (Carmel Christian), and Jake Boggs (UNC-Wilmington). For Carmel Christian, the 2019-20 season was to be a rebuilding year, but sometimes we kind of get spoiled by the success coach Badgett as enjoyed as a coach. 

Cape Fear Academy 'Don't fall behind' 

Cape Fear Academy has loss some very close games to NCISAA powers Durham Academy, Village Christian, Greenfield and Trinity Christian. One thing is crystal clear, don't fall behind Cape Fear Academy. They have a balance of size, athleticism and skilled positions, but more importantly they are as patience on offense as any team you will see all season. They are methodical, move extremely well without the ball, and will take time off the clock. Teams get tired of playing defense for such a long period of time, and rarely did Cape Fear take a bad or forced shot. 6'2 unsigned senior Emmanuel Bonsu led the way with a game high 23 points, while Gavin Guion and Ivan Misic scored 11 and 10 points respectively. 

Carmel Christian 'A year away'

Carmel Christian finished with a 22-6 record. While there was disappointment for not making the NCISAA 3A semi-finals which was to be played at Carmel, coach Joe Badgett still has a lot to look forward too. Carmel does lose Myles Hunter (Youngstown State) and Kenny Gwynn to graduation, they also return the nucleus for another run in 2020-21. They will need to develop a sense of urgency, which they lacked in their lost to Cape Fear Academy. 

6'2 2020 Emmanuel Bonsu (Cape Fear Academy)

Emmanuel Bonsu has size, strength, athleticism along with a matching skill set which is a winning formula for a point guard. Bonsu finished with a game high 23 points scoring from all three levels. He is patience, poised and mature both physically and mentally and should become a high priority for college coaches. 

Cape Fear Academy vs. Village Christian

It's going to be a marquee matchup between the two teams. Village Christian has been a traditional power in the NCISAA for the past five years. It has become the norm for Village Christian to play in the state championship and they want to make a return trip. Cape Fear Academy is the new kid on the block.