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. 

Lake Norman Christian

Record: 18-11

Lake Norman Christian comes into the Hoop State Championship looking to make their mark and run to a title under Coach McCarthy. They have shown they have the talent and coaching to rack up some wins, as they look to end the season off in a big way. The last time Phenom Hoops had Lake Norman Christian in an event of ours, they were able to knock off Liberty Heights National in a thriller down in Charlotte. Now they look to do the same down in Rock Hill.

When diving into this team, you start with the seniors.  2022 Ty Barbee, 2022 Shane Fernald, 2022 JP Haggarty, 2022 Khalil Marshall, and 2022 Christian Cornish all have proven to be leaders on the court and impact the game in a variety of ways.  Barbee brings good scoring and athleticism, Fernald is a versatile forward, Haggarty showcases his ability to knock down shots, Marshall creates well with the dribble and is a leader on the court, and Cornish brings a physical aspect to the game.

But this is also a team that has depth and that also starts with 2023 Josh Bullock, a strong and rising point guard that creates well for himself and for others.  This team has some very intriguing sophomores in 2024 6'7 Jermari Hawk, 2024 6'3 Kahmare Holmes, 2024 Will Googins, and 2024 Rae Rice.  Lastly, don't forget about 6'6 2025 Wesley White and 2026 Roy Quick, two young prospects that can help provide depth.

Lake Norman Christian is going to be a very interesting team to watch and has the talent to make some noise down in Rock Hill.  Led by their coach, they would love nothing more to come away with a title run.