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.
The second game of the night saw Roanoke Rapids take on the number one seed in the conference Northern Vance. Because Northern Vance was the number one seed, the game was held on their home court. We first walk into the gym and they are fixing the rim, which was at a standing still at the lowest angle of the breakaway. Hadn't seen that before. Luckily, the maintenance guys were able to fix it and not have the game moved.
Northern Vance jumped out quickly in this one and led throughout. Even a late barrage of shots made from Roanoke Rapids couldn't overcome the steady nature of what Northern Vance put on the table. Northern Vance is a tough team, lots of talent and should be one to watch in the 2A playoffs.
Final Score
Northern Vance – 85
Roanoke Rapids – 78
Player Standouts
5'5' unsigned senior Malik Glasco
Northern Vance
Glasco was an absolute blur and plays such a tough game. He is explosively athletic but plays under control, the full court. Defensively he is a terror on the ball and he is a good rebounder and finisher around the basket. We feel he can play at the next level, coaches not afraid of size should certainly get in and take a look here.
Final Stats: 22 Points, 4 Rebounds, 6 Assists, 3 Steals
6'7' unsigned senior Tyronne Davis
Northern Vance
Davis is an intriguing post prospect. He has great tough and a good feel for the game, both from the high post and the low block. He has good length and is athletic, but he also has some toughness to his game. He is active on defense and it looked like there was more in the tank for growth. This could be one of the ones a school at the next level looks back on in a couple years realizing they got a steal. He was very good here.
Final Stats: 16 Points, 12 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 3 Steals
6'2' 2021 Po'Boigh King
Roanoke Rapids
King has a great feel that goes along with his world class name. Po'Boigh's middle name is Iszah (is a), and with a name like that you were set up for greatness from the get go. King has a smooth game, he sees the floor well and gets to all of his spots. Very unassuming, he looks like a senior out there and then you are very impressed seeing he is only a freshman. He can shoot the ball at all levels and is never out of control. Watch him closely moving forward.
Final Stats: 16 Points, 4 Assists, 4 Rebounds
6'1' 2019 Paul Whitby
Roanoke Rapids
You can go ahead and say all the things you want about Whitby, scrappy, coach on the floor, high IQ, etc…but Whitby flat out gets it done. He has a smooth shot and give maximum effort and toughness on both sides of the ball. He is averaging 18 points per game this season, and he has the look of someone who could go through the summer and tack on 4-5 more points to that total next year. He gets it done all over the floor, with big stats across the board.
Final Stats: 14 Points, 5 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 5 Steals
6'3' unsigned senior Kemarcus Kee
Roanoke Rapids
Kee is an undersized post player who just goes out and gets double/doubles. He is supremely athletic and strong and he seemingly finishes everything within 5 feet of the basket. Kee is a strong rebounder and he defends multiple positions. Again, he is a next level player as you just cannot teach his production, hustle, and innate nose for defense and rebounding.
Final Stats: 16 Points, 11 Rebounds, 3 Blocks, 2 Assists