Phenom Hoops and HoopState wanted to bring an opportunity for programs to compete for a championship and that is what has happened, with eight programs coming to Lincolnton to play for bragging rights.  On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, we bring you some of the best talent and teams form the state.  Follow us throughout the event, as we provide coverage and recaps throughout.

Game 1: Moravian Prep Regional vs. Liberty Heights

To start the day off, two very intriguing teams matched up to kick off the event.  Moravian Prep Regional came out strong, knocking down three 3-pointers early to gain the edge.  It took some time for Liberty Heights to settle down but they used a nice blend of inside and out to get back into the game and eventually retake the lead.  Kahari Rogers led the way with 10 points early for Liberty Heights, while Eli Ellis hit four 3-pointers in the first half.  Liberty Heights though held the 30-27 halftime lead.

Liberty Heights continued that same momentum in the second half, clamping down defensively, getting out in transition, and using their size to attack the boards and finish in the paint.  Moravian Prep Regional didn't have much of an answer, as Liberty's lead increased to double digits in the third quarter and never looked back.

Final: Liberty Heights 76 ' Moravian Prep Regional 44

Liberty: Kahari Rogers 23 points, 11 rebounds/ Jemal Davis 16 points, 15 rebounds
Moravian: Eli Ellis 14 points, 3 steals/ Cameron Thompson 13 points, 5 rebounds

Game 2: Quality Education vs. Word of God

Two teams with a ton of talent on the floor, this was going to be a treat for any fan of high school basketball. Word of God came out strong and attacked the rim behind Saiquone Harris but then the switch flipped.  Quality Ed started to attack the glass and be aggressive, while Word of God started to settle for three's.  Once Word of God got back to attacking, led by Harris and Isaiah Todd, they were able to regain a small lead at halftime, 34-29.

In the second half, 2022 Po'Boigh King caught absolute fire from deep, knocking down seven 3-pointers in the half alone and scoring x points to quickly increase their lead to 20 points in the fourth quarter.  Shots weren't quite falling like they were early for Quality Education, unfortunately, as Word of God earned the 83-68 victory.

Final: Word of God 83 – Quality Education 68

WOG: Po'Boigh King 27 points (7 3-pointers)/ Saiquone Harris 15 points, 10 rebounds
Quality: Taj Anderson 20 points, 6 assists/ Quincy Ballard 16 points, 8 rebounds

Game 3: Bull City Prep vs. Moravian Prep

With the day rolling along, the top-seeded Moravian Prep got in the action on Day 1 and showed why they came in as the top seed.  Jumping out quickly to a double-digit lead, it didn't take long for Moravian Prep to showcase their dominance, leading 45-16 at the half.

Moravian continued to dominant on both ends of the floor, as Josh Hall led the way for his team.  But overall, it was a balanced attack on both ends that ultimately ended in a Moravian Prep 72-50 victory in Game 3.

Final: Moravian Prep 72 ' Bull City Prep 50

Moravian: Josh Hall 20 points/ Jordan Wildy 16 points, 9 rebounds
Bull City: Treyvon Byrd 13 points, 8 rebounds/ Zanje Lee 10 points

Game 4: Carolina Basketball Academy vs. Combine Academy

To top off the night, Combine and CBA brought all the action and intensity to the floor in the last game of Day 1. Led by coach Jeff McInnis, Combine shared the ball well early, playing unselfish basketball and getting after it on defense.  It made Carolina Basketball speed up on offense, something that can be tough against Combine.  But CBA held tough, hitting some tough jumpers and staying in the game through the first quarter and into the second quarter.

Combine turned it up a notch though in the second half, getting out and running while continuing to get everyone in the boxscore.' Hood-Schifino continued to find his game to lead the way for Combine Academy, while three others finished in double-figures.'

Final: Combine Academy 89 ' Carolina Basketball Academy 63

Combine: Jalen Hood-Schifino 21 points/ Robert Dillingham 18 points/ Josh Rubio 14 points
CBA: Elijah Wilson 21 points/ Omar Gardner 12 points