We continued our coverage of championship day in North Carolina, this time looking towards the 1A Division. United Faith and Greenfield met up on the court, as both teams have had a strong season and wanted to end it with a championship.

Coming in, we were looking at the battle between two very strong seniors and both came out strong in this one, as 2022 Aaron Murphy led the charge for Greenfield and 2022 Xavier McKelvy stepped up for United Faith.  Early on, United Faith was able to find success from behind the arc, knocking down multiple threes early and McKelvy was one of those leaders in knocking down shots.  But Murphy was attacking early down in the paint as well, keeping his team right there.  By halftime, United Faith was able to maintain their lead for much of the first half, leading 34-27.

United Faith didn't let up coming out of the third quarter, as they continued to score in a variety of ways and have several players step up in key moments. They were able to expand their lead by the end of the third quarter, leading 49-37.

United Faith was able to maintain their double-digit lead for much of the fourth quarter though Greenfield continued to battle and try to put pressure on United Faith. But the balanced attack from United Faith and their ability to knock down shots from the free-throw line helped ultimately secure them the victory and the championship.

Final: United Faith 76 ' Greenfield 69

2022 Xavier McKelvy (United Faith): The senior wanted to go out in a big way and that he did, as McKelvy stepped up big to lead his team to a title. McKelvy made so many plays on both ends, showing off his athleticism, his tremendous motor, and his ability to score in a variety of ways.  He left it all out there and ultimately ended his high school career with a championship. McKelvy led all scorers with 24 points.

2023 Alex Bates (United Faith): McKelvy led the charge but Bates was the other go-to player in this one, as he really came up big from the perimeter.  Bates knocked down multiple threes to really provide a balanced offensive attack and ultimately secured the win with a thunderous throwdown.  Bates continues to play extremely well and came up big when it counted. Bates finished with 16 points.

2022 Aaron Murphy (Greenfield): Not sure what else can be said about Murphy; he did what he has always done throughout the season.  Murphy just understands how to produce and score effectively around the basket and we haven't seen an opponent be able to really slow him down. He plays bigger than listed, knows how to finish through contact, and just has a knack for the ball and making plays.