What a season it has been but we are now down to the final two teams in each division of the NCHSAA playoffs, as only one can come away with the title. Phenom Hoops previews the matchups in each division, as we look at the 3A.
NCHSAA Championship Preview: 3A
No. 5 seed Seventy-First vs. No. 8 seed West Charlotte
Seventy-First
Record: 27-4
12-2 in 3A/4A Conference 22
10 game win streak
West Charlotte
Record: 21-9
8-4 in 3A/4A Conference 60
5 game win streak
What a matchup we have in the 3A. Many may say they were surprised by this matchup but if you knew the talent each team had coming into the season, this shouldn't surprise you at all. Both come in loaded with intriguing talent in several areas and have been hitting their stride at the right time.
Starting with Seventy-First, this is a team that has good depth and experience that leads the way, while also having a nice inside and out presence on the court. 2023 Xavier Tubbs-Matthews leads the way offensively, as the junior guard has been averaging 17ppg but they also have a dynamic, versatile playmaker who plays with a great motor in 2023 Jared Davis who is averaging 13.5ppg and 8.0rpg. But let's not forget players like 2023 James Scott, who is long and athletic, 2023 Randy Dockery who does a little bit of everything, and others like 2025 DeAndre Nance, 2022 Tre Nesmith, and others that help bring a balanced attack.
West Charlotte has talent as well and the senior-led program would love nothing more than to go out on top. 2022 Landon King may be one of the toughest guards in the Charlotte area and leads the charge at 14ppg, while 2022 Chance Morrow can be a mismatch on the court with his athleticism and playmaking ability. 2023 Donovan Raymond will help man the paint with his size and mobility, while being a force on both ends of the court. But then you have other players like freshman standout Chadlyn Traylor, 2022 Josh Mahatta, 2023 Mari Day, 2023 Ollie Alford, and others that can certainly help as well.
These two teams are quite balanced when you compare the stats but there are going to be critical matchups that will take place in this game that could ultimately help determine the outcome. No matter what, fans are going to get a show with this matchup.