Lake Norman (#2) vs. Grimsley (#7)
Today, the third round of high school basketball playoffs take place. Teams have battled for the last four months in an attempt to make the playoffs and ultimately chase a state championship. While the final contest is typically the only game people will remember, there are seemingly always surprises and unforeseen results on the journey down glory road. Let’s take a closer look at some matchups that’ll undeniably have implications on the final outcome…
All of these matchups have proven that public-school playoffs are a pure bloodbath in North Carolina, and this is merely another example. Lake Norman is set to host Greensboro’s top 4A program in Grimsley. The Wildcats have been incredibly impressive all season, only suffering two losses (Weddington and Mooresville) and performing in a manner where legitimately everyone shines. Those losses came by a combined three points, so it probably goes without saying that this group is absolutely thwarting opponents on a regular basis. They have all the pieces of a notable team. Nick Arnold and Josh Yates are tough, intelligent guards who complement each other extremely well. Tre McKinnon asserts himself as a clear leader and appealing next-level prospect as an athletic, skilled wing. Trent Steinour provides them with a legitimate interior presence as a finisher, rebounder, and rim-protector who can also space the floor. Santana Lynch is the perfect low-maintenance connecting piece who impacts all facets of the game. Rounding out their rotation, Grant Dryden is a useful shot-maker with length while Will Googins is a rugged, high-motor guard who defends, sets up others, and knocks down shots.
On the other side, Grimsley is familiar and comfortable being the underdog. However, this group has been playing at an exceptionally high level over the recent weeks. Richard Goods continues to post unbelievably gaudy per-game averages as the clear focal point of this group. Nick Keith has made clear strides within his progression, Kaden Catoe has emerged as a key piece, and Faizon Brandon is a phenomenal athlete with a high motor and useful amount of inside-out ability. Furthermore, Kareem Osman provides a steady presence as a floor general and Henry Trent is a useful gap-filler who stands out as their top shooting threat.
There are lot of different variables that’ll ultimately determine the outcome of this game. It’s probably not a secret that Lake Norman is the better team. That being said, the Goods-Steinour matchup will likely dictate this contest. It’s impossible to shut down either team without placing a direct emphasis on those individuals. Expect the atmosphere to be electric at Lake Norman.
