By: Kedrick Flomo
16U Carolina Riptide 85 vs Underground Phenom 59
Carolina Riptide is well-coached and executes their offense to perfection. In the first half the Riptide took control, leading by as much as 23 points. On the defensive end, they forced double-digit turnovers and got easy layups in transition. PG Clay Hodges is an absolute pest, he completely frustrated opposing team’s ball handlers. 2021 6’2 Micah Williams received MVP honors off the bench with an explosive 12 points all around the basket. 2021 6’4 Dana Woodley continued to get buckets, leading Underground Phenom with 27 pts.
16U Capital City Pacers 64 vs NC Spartans 45
Majority of this game was played in transition. Both teams were forcing turnovers and getting down the court in a hurry. The Pacers dominated the paint, as they only connected on 1 three-point field goal all game. NC Spartans as always, played hard today but cold shooting and turnovers derailed them in this contest. 2021 6’2 Donovan Martin led Capital City with 17 pts, NC Spartans were led by 2021 6’1 Jake Kawalec 10 pts.
Mid State Magic 54 vs Carolina Knights 50
This matchup did not disappoint one bit. Both squads made runs throughout the game, fortunately for Mid State Magic they made the last one that put them up by 4 at the final buzzer. 6’2 Nasir Johnson started the game off scorching for Carolina Knights with 16 first half points. 2019 Michael Wade (10) and 2019 TJ NeSmith (9) first half contributions kept Mid State in the game, as they entered halftime only down 2 points. In the second half both squads continued to compete at an high level, Mid State ending pulling away in the final moments. For Mid State: Michael Wade (18), TJ NeSmith (13), Trey Cousin(13). For Carolina Knights: Nasir Johnson(24), Gavion Taylor(10), LJ Rogers(9).
16U White Division Bronze Championship:
Capital city Pacers 61 vs SC Upstate storm 57
In a very tough gritty matchup, both squads fought extremely hard. It is always interesting to see who can dig deep into the energy tank on championship Sunday and pull out a win. Capital City won on court 2 earlier in the day behind Donovan Martin(9), this time 2021 6’4 Omarion Farrar had his way with 14 second-half points. SC Upstate Storm came up short but 2022 6’2 Josh Sapp impressed with his 22 point effort.
17U Blue Division Bronze Championship:
PSB Greensboro 65 vs PSB Raleigh Team Moss 64
This contest was decided in the final seconds with 2020 6’1 Jacob Chrapliwy connecting on a lay in with 6 sec left. This game was hard fought, as PSB Gboro found themselves down by 18 early in the second half. 2020 Speedy 6’ guard of PSB Raleigh Jayleon Simmons created problems all game getting into the lane and finishing. 2020 6’4 Seth Clifton was also super aggressive for PSB Raleigh with 14 points. In the end, PSB Gboro took the championship behind the dominant 6’4 2020 wing, Lars Nilson who finished with 24 points.