Cardinal Newman vs. Asheville Christian
Cardinal Newman came out strong and wanted to push the tempo early, which seemed to catch Asheville Christian off-guard early as Cardinal Newman owned an early 8-2 lead. The Lions eventually started to settle down, led by 2021 Solomon Todd who came off the bench but was aggressive in scoring. After being tied at 18 at the end of the first quarter, Asheville Christian continued to knock down shots especially from outside, helping expand their lead to double-digits in the second quarter.
Asheville Christian continued to hold their lead throughout the second half, as they ran their offense, took time off the clock, and got high-percentage shots. Cardinal Newman continued to stay aggressive but they were never able to get over the hump and cut into the lead. Todd and Tyler McKinney played incredibly strong and efficient to secure the win in Game 1.
Final: Asheville Christian 82 – Cardinal Newman 67
Stats:
Cardinal Newman: Thomas Tyler 24 points/ Joshua Beadle 12 points/ Silas Christie 16 points
Asheville Christian: Solomon Todd 26 points/ Tyler McKinney 26 points/ Collin Mills 13 points
Myers Park vs. Covenant Day
Game 2 got underway with two good teams with some infringing young talent. Freshman Aden Holloway helped get Covenant Day out to an early first-half lead but Myers Park continued to stay just a basket or two behind. Guard Xavier McKelvy kept the Mustangs right there in the first half, especially with Drake Maye having some early struggles. At halftime, Covenant Day held a narrow 34-29 lead in Charlotte.
The battle continued in the second half, with Covenant Day holding the narrow lead for much of the game. But Maye and company started to find their rhythm, eventually grabbing the narrow lead late in the fourth quarter. That is when Holloway stepped up big in the final seconds, hitting a huge 3-pointer to tie the game at 55 and push this game into overtime.
In overtime, Myers Park’s ability to get to the free-throw line and attack in transition helped secure the overtime win.
Final: Myers Park 68 – Covenant Day 58
Stats:
Myers Park: Xavier McKelvy 19 points/ Drake Maye 13 points/ Elijah Strong 10 points
Covenant Day: Aden Holloway 31 points/ Hamidou Sidibe 15 points
Concord First Assembly vs. AL Brown
After the overtime game, two teams around the Charlotte area matched up. Concord First Assembly came in regarded as one of the top teams in the state but AL Brown looked to prove people wrong. It was a pretty tight matchup throughout the first half, with both teams trading baskets. CFA was led by Trae Benham, who had his outside game going, while Kheni Briggs and others battled throughout. Concord First Assembly was able to take a small lead after the first half but started to strut their stuff in the second half, eventually opening up a double-digit lead. Benham continued his excellent play, while Garrett Hien started to score consistently and Cheick Traore anchored the middle.
AL Brown couldn’t find the same offense as they did in the second half but they continued to attack Concord’s defense. In the end though, the balance, the outside shooting, and experience paid off once again for the Eagles in the win.
Final: Concord First Assembly 81 – AL Brown 55
Stats:
Concord First Assembly: Trae Benham 29 points/ Garrett Hien 18 points/ Issac Boothe 12 points
AL Brown: Kheni Briggs 16 points/ Amari Grier 12 points/ CJ Wilson 7 points
Cannon vs. Davidson Day
Two of the top teams battled it out in the afternoon, as Davidson Day and Cannon brought the fans and crowd. Cannon, led by 2022 5-star Jaden Bradley, was able to knock down some tough shots and lay-ins but there also seemed to be a lid on the rim at times, having quite a few baskets just rim out. Davidson Day played methodical basketball, picking their spots and using a nice blend of inside/out. Jackson Threadgill led the way for Davidson Day with 14 first-half points, helping his team secure a 35-24 halftime lead.
Cannon came out strong and looking to get back in this game early, being incredibly aggressive, picking up the energy, and allowing Bradley to get going once again. But Davidson Day seemed to have answer each time in the third quarter. What Davidson Day does so well is sharing the basketball on offense and they showcased the balanced attack.
Cannon though started to chip away in the fourth quarter, cutting it down to as many as two points late in the game but they could never get knock down the dagger to push them over the top. Davidson Day looked to take time off the clock and eventually took a four-point lead with seconds remaining and ultimately securing a big win.
Final: Davidson Day 57 – Cannon 53
Stats:
Davidson Day: Jackson Threadgill 21 points/ CJ Huntley 11 points/ Adam Brazil 11 points
Cannon: Jaden Bradley 21 points/ DJ Nix 19 points
Vance vs. Carmel Christian
Ending the day with an exciting matchup, Vance took on the home school Carmel Christian at the MLK Showcase in Charlotte. Two more premier programs in the area, Vance came out strong led by the guard duo of Trey Green and Dexster Hart, helping take a 17-14 lead after the first quarter. Second quarter though, the three ball, bench play, and the play of 2020 Myles Hunter helped put Carmel on top heading into halftime, leading 33-27.
The second half, it was an all-out battle for both programs. Curry and Daniel Ransom led the charge to get Vance right back in and with a sweet assist from Curry to Kendell Smith, they took the 40-39 lead after three. From then on, each team traded blows, with the game seeing several lead changes throughout.
After a late shot from Carmel, Vance had a chance for the win but it didn’t quite fall, as Carmel ended the day with a big win at home.
Final: Carmel Christian 49 – Vance 48
Stats:
Carmel Christian: Myles Hunter 15 points/ Kenny Gwynn 6 points/ Bryson Pisacano 6 points
Vance: Jaylen Curry 12 points/ Daniel Ransom 9 points/ Daniel Sanford 9 points