In our second matchup of the night in the Hoop State Championship, we brought two teams that are quite familiar with each other over the years and it was certainly going to be a heated showdown. Moravian Prep and Combine Academy went at it instantly, as both teams were trading baskets early before Combine started to make their mark early with their size of Patrick Wessler and company. It helped them earn a 17-6 lead by the end of the first quarter but credit to Moravian Prep, this is a team that never gives in and they quickly started to chip away at the lead with their guard play and strong finishes. The game only intensified in the second quarter and it was an absolute battle, as Combine was able to make a late run and gain a 41-28 halftime advantage.
In the second half, Combine was able to only expand their lead and push it up to 20+ in the third quarter. Leading 65-42 at the end of the third, give credit to Moravian Prep once again for the fight they continued to play with. In the end, it was just too much from Combine and the scoring power inside and out on this day. Combine Academy was able to secure the .. victory and their spot in the championship, as we have a repeat showdown from last year between them and Liberty Heights National.
Final: Combine Academy 84 – Moravian Prep 70
Stats:
Combine:
Patrick Wessler 24pts
Jayden Epps 25pts
AJ Smith 11pts
Moravian:
Mayar Wol 24pts
Jackson Holt 14pts
Hamilton Campbell 11pts
Standouts:
2022 Patrick Wessler (Combine): Wessler was dominant in this game, as Moravian just didn't have the size to matchup with the 7-footer on the court. Wessler was a force down in the paint and around the basket, finishing strong, going through defenders and getting to the line, and displaying great touch/feel. He led the charge and never let up in helping seal the game.
2022 Jayden Epps (Combine): The senior guard showed off his scoring capability on the court, breaking down defenders to create space for his jump shot, knocking down shots from the perimeter in big moments, and just simply be a play-making guard, something he has shown all year long.
2022 Mayar Wol (Moravian): Though it was a tough day offensively at times, Wol showed why college coaches should be looking HARD his way. The lengthy, versatile prospect was able to display more of his overall scoring capability, getting to the rim, finishing strong over defenders, creating with his dribble, and finding his spots to knock down shots.