North Mecklenburg Advances to the NCHSAA 4A State Championship 

North Mecklenburg 86 Olympic 78

Coach Duane Lewis and his North Mecklenburg Vikings advance to the NCHSAA 4A State Championship. North Mecklenburg is blessed with tremendous talent, but it was 6'1 unsigned senior Shamann Artis that may have made the play of the game, and maybe the play of the year for North Mecklenburg. Leading 75-70 with 1:55 remaining in the game, Olympic intercepted a cross court pass and what looked to be a transition layup, Shamann Artis hustled back and made a spectacular block on the attempted layup. The block went off the backboard and North Mecklenburg was able to capitalize on a layup on the other end to put them up 77-70, a four-point swing.

North Mecklenburg hung on to a hard-fought win, but give credit to Olympic for their gallant effort and attempted comeback. On the other hand, North Mecklenburg weathered the storm and captured the 86-78 win. Now, let's take a closer look at the standout players for both teams. 

6'1 2020 Shamann Artis (North Meckenburg) GAME MVP 

It was a game of runs and counter runs and every time Olympic made a run and looked to close the gap, Shamann Artis knocked down one dagger 3-pointer after another. Artis finished with 17 points, going 6-10 from the floor, and an even more impressive 5-8 from the 3-point line. In addition, Artis collected four steals, dished out three assists, grabbed two rebounds, and made the defensive block of the year.'

6'1 2020 Trayden Williams (North Mecklenburg)

It is no secret that Trayden Williams is the straw that stirred the drink for North Mecklenburg. He's the team's catalyst and the Robert Morris signee is one of the quickest and electric point guards in the state. Williams has a wicked crossover, blazing speed, and the ability to get to the rim, or make the dribble drive pull up jumper. Without question, no player in the state has a better midrange game. Williams finished with a game high 25 points going 9-18 from the floor, and 7-19 from the free throw line. In addition, Williams collected seven rebound and dishes out four assists. 

6'7 2022 Jeremy Gregory (North Mecklenburg)

Jeremy Gregory is a walking double double. He finished with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Gregory went 5-8 from the floor and a perfect 5-5 from the free throw line. In addition, he dished out two assists and had two blocks. Gregory is terrific in the pick and roll and has great natural basketball instincts. More importantly, he battles for position in the paint, and even when he doesn't have the opportunity to grab the rebound with two hands, Gregory is really good at tipping it to location where he has a better chance to secure the rebound.

6'5 2021 Chris Ford (North Mecklenburg)

If Trayden Williams is the straw that stirs the drink, Chris Ford is the glue that holds the team together. While Ford only scored eight points, he also collected eight rebounds, but they were timely rebounds and did a superb job of defending Josh Banks. Williams knows his role and his leadership, poise and maturity are at a high level. 

6'4 2020 Tristan Maxwell (North Mecklenburg)

Tristan Maxwell finished with 18 points and usually it's his offense that garnishes the attention of the media and scouts, however, Maxwell is also a stellar defender, although he was hampered by foul trouble throughout the game. In addition, Maxwell collected eight rebounds and dished out five assists. 

6'1 2020 Trevon Williams (Olympic)

It as a tremendous effort by the 6'1 combo guard. Williams is a three-level scorer and can hurt you in a variety of ways. He has the ability to hit perimeter shots, but is best attacking the rim. Williams finished with a team high 20 point going 7-12 from the floor, and 6-7 from the free throw line. In addition, he dishes out four assists before fouling out. 

6'5 2020 Josh Banks (Olympic)

Josh Banks gave a valiant effort in the losing cause. He gave it all he had and then some, but the super talented and electric wing simply ran out of gas and time, at the end. That being said, Banks is a natural talent. He has tremendous body control and the ability to get to the rim where he finishes with high efficiency or gets fouled. Banks finished with 19 points and collected six rebounds.

6'2 2020 Nishawn Hodge (Olympic)

It was an impressive overall game for the senior guard. Hodes finished with an efficient 12 points. He went 4-6 from the floor, 2-2 from the 3-point line and a perfect 2-2 from the free throw line. In addition, he collected eight rebounds and dished out two assists. More importantly, we were very impressed with the 'never quit' mentalit