The NCHSAA playoffs are here and what an overload of basketball it was last night. We made our way up to Northern Vance High School to watch the semi-finals of the North Carolina 1A/2A Conference and boy were we see a lot of talent in the gym…suggestions to anyone reading, next year be sure to make your way up to watch some of these conference games as there is next level talent littered throughout these rosters, and the fans are great throughout the games.
First up was a matchup between 1A Granville Central and 2A South Granville. South Granville won the previous two meetings, this season, between these two teams. However, Granville Central was certainly not going to play without a fight.
On the surface, this one presented a great storyline as South Granville freshman Bobby Pettiford would go up against Granville Central freshman Terence Harcum. However, this game was so much more than that, as the others stepped up in a big way for both teams. The game went into over time as Granville Central senior Drue Williams knocked down consecutive 3s under 10 seconds. Unbelievable atmosphere.
Final Score (OT)
South Granville – 65
Granville Central – 55
Player Standouts
6’ 2021 Bobby Pettiford
South Granville
When his team needed him to step up, Pettiford took the game over. Even at such a young age, Pettiford was able to control pace and make winning plays on both ends of the floor. He is a strong bodied point guard, who has great vision and explosion at the rim. As he continues to tighten up his jump shot, there is something electric about this one and his recruitment should get on a national level.
Final Stats: 19 Points, 7 Rebounds, 5 Assists, 4 Steals
6’3” 2020 Wy’Kise Allen
South Granville
Allen was always in the right place at the right time. It was almost comical how he seemingly came up with every rebound, every 50/50 ball, it was a great showing for the young man. Caught as a tweener forward, he has great positioning and strength around the basket. Allen finished 9-9 from the free throw line, showing great touch. Only a sophomore, we are eager to watch him continue to progress as a player.
Final Stats: 15 Points, 17 Rebounds, 3 Assists
6’1” Unsigned Senior Isaiah McLean
South Granville
McLean is the emotional leader of the team, very vocal on both ends of the floor he is able to switch between the point and the two seamlessly with his ability to create and finish. In this one, McLean showed his aptitude off the ball, going 3-4 from 3. Always a tough on the ball defender, and quick off the bounce, this opened up a piece to McLean’s game. He is a college level player and schools should be looking.
Final Stats: 13 points, 3 Assists, 3 Steals
6’6” Unsigned Senior Ryan Moore
South Granville
Moore is one of the more intriguing players we have seen this season. The lefty grew from 6’2” to start this summer to now standing at a long, athletic and strong 6’6”. Moore still has the guard skills as he is a deft shooter with deep range and a quick trigger. He is athletic around the basket, where he uses his length and athleticism to rebound and block some shots. He can also put it on the floor a little. Moore is a matchup nightmare and someone high level D2s should be really taking a hard look at.
Final Stats: 11 Points, 6 Rebounds, 2 Blocks
6’1” 2021 Terence Harcum
Granville Central
There is something so smooth with Harcum and his game. He always seems to be around the ball, making a play. On this team he has to be ball dominate, as the lead ball handler and lead scorer. However, he does a great job getting his team mates involved, and open looks. Harcum plays with a toughness and a high IQ. He is one to watch closely moving forward as he is averaging 22.5 points per game his freshman season. Love his game and demeanor.
Final Stats: 16 points, 8 Assists, 8 Rebounds, 3 Steals, 2 Blocks
6’2” unsigned senior Drue Williams
Granville Central
Williams played like Johnny on the Spot in this one, making the big shot or grabbing the needed loose ball for Granville Central. Williams was consistent throughout the game and then made two threes with under 10 seconds left to send the game into overtime. He is a lengthy guard with a nice shot, he sticks his nose in the mix and comes up with a lot of hustle plays as well.
Final Stats: 15 Points, 5 Rebounds, 3 Steals, 2 Blocks, 2 Assists
6’2” 2020 Kobe Jones
Granville Central
We did not stat Jones as he kind of came out of nowhere, however where Jones really stood out to us was his explosion. In fact, we may go as far to say that Jones is the most explosive player we have seen this entire season. We are talking about a long-armed sophomore who is able to put his head at the rim. Jones is the quarterback for Granville Central as well, but he wants to play basketball. Focusing solely on one sport, watch closely to his development. He has the type of natural tools that may explode his game forward as it clicks. In the meantime, get your cameras out and don’t stop filming, he has jaw-dropping leaping abilities.