It is that time of the year' time to crown a champion in what can only be recognized as the premier event to end the season for several of these teams. The Hoop State Championship gives teams, players, and fans a chance to check out some of the top teams in the country from North Carolina, all competing for a state title!
The season has flown by but Phenom Hoops has one more elite event to go in crowning a state champion, as we preview the teams that will be in contention this year.
Combine Academy
Record: 22-5
Once again, Combine Academy comes in looking to defend their Hoop State Championship title after securing the trophy last year. Now, head coach Jeff McInnis and Combine come in looking to prove themselves once again after doing so all season long. Racking up some impressive victories against national programs, Combine wants to finish the season off strong and when you dive into the roster, they have the talent to do so.
When you look at this team, you have to start with the depth at the guard position. Leading the charge this year has been 2022 Jayden Epps who can fill it up, but he will also have plenty of talent around him with the likes of 2022 MJ Collins, 2022 AJ Smith, 2022 Antonio Hamlin, 2024 Elijah Green, 2022 Joel Baucom, and 2024 Langston Boyd all being able to help and step up.
Then you look towards players that can provide help along the wing and in other areas of the court in 2023 Prince Johnson, 2024 Bray Thomas, and 2023 Matai Baptiste. All of which help provide good size, strength, and the ability to score in an array of ways.
Lastly, but certainly not least, you have to go down to the man that controls the paint and has shown to be a dominant piece on both ends of the court, 2022 7'0 Patrick Wessler. Wessler has shown to be one of the top true big men in the country, as the Virginia Tech commit has been dominant for much of his senior year, showing tremendous touch, feel, and impact on both ends.
With Coach McInnis and his staff helping lead the charge, this is just yet another team that can make that run to a title this year, a run they are quite familiar with last year.
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