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 5: Bull City Prep vs. Quality Education

Starting the day off, Bull City and QEA dueled it out to get back on the winning side of things.  2021 Treyvon Byrd was feeling some type of way in the first half, really putting his team on his back early and giving them momentum, scoring 20 first-half points.

Kevin Mars for QEA kept his team in the mix though and within striking distance at half, scoring 15 first-half points.  But behind Byrd's performance, Bull City Prep was able to hold the 43-36 halftime lead.

Quality Education started to make a run, getting out in transition and putting the pressure on the Bull City Prep defense.  Slowly chipping away at the lead and getting it down to a 1-point lead, Bull City Prep stepped up late with some big shots and eventually secured the 75-65 victory.

Final: Bull City Prep 75 ' Quality Education 65

Bull City: Treyvon Byrd 23 points, 7 rebounds/ Jaden Hester 19 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals
QEA: Kevin Mars 23 points, 6 rebounds/ Quincy Ballard 15 points, 11 rebounds

Game 6: Moravian Prep Regional vs. Carolina Basketball Academy

Second game of the afternoon, Moravian Prep Regional and Carolina Basketball put it all out on the floor.  In the first half though, Moravian was able to build a lead with a balanced attack, as seven players notched points in the boxscore, led by Eli Ellis with 11 points and Shawn Nelson notching nine points.  They were able to get it over double-digits right before half, with an easy lay in by Hamilton Campbell to give Moravian the 42-29 halftime lead.

Much like the first game of the day, CBA came out strong and started to chip away at the lead, eventually getting it down to as many as one in the second half.  But Moravian Prep continued to answer the call, as Ellis continued to get to the line and Tavis Bridges made some tough plays in the paint. It was a close game for much of the second half but Moravian Prep Regional came up clutch late to secure the 68-60 victory.

Final: Moravian Prep Regional 68 ' Carolina Basketball Academy 60

Moravian: Eli Ellis 20 points/ Tavis Bridges 13 points, 12 rebounds
CBA: Donte Walker 22 points, 11 reounds/ Omar Gardner 17 points

Game 7: Word of God vs. Moravian Prep

It was one of two matchups that everyone was waiting for, as two premier programs in the state battled it out for a chance to compete for a championship on Saturday.  Both teams came out strong and it was a back and forth showdown for much of the first half.  Jordan Wildy came out strong for Moravian with 13 first half points, while Quandre Bullock played tough for Word of God with 12 points in the first half.  Isaiah Todd knocked down a big three from deep to give WOG the 37-33 halftime lead.

Second half, Word of God came out strong again behind Khalil Marshall to increase their lead to as many as 10 points in the third quarter but Moravian Prep started to find some rhythm and Todd got in foul trouble in the fourth, eventually fouling out.  Jamahri Harvey stepped up big with 12 second-half points, including a game-tying three to tie the game at 69.  Shakeel Moore went 1-of-2 from the line to give Moravian Prep the 1-point lead late.  Word of God had a chance at the buzzer with a reverse lay-in but it didn't fall, just coming up short.

Final: Moravian Prep 70 ' Word of God 69

Moravian: Jordan Wildy 21 points/ Jamahri Harvey 20 points/ Josh Hall 10 points
WOG: Khalil Marshall 17 points/ Quandre Bullock 15 points/ Isaiah Todd 10 points

Game 8: Liberty Heights vs. Combine Academy

The last game of an exciting Friday night, the intensity was absolutely outstanding in this one.  Two teams and two coaches going after it, neither team really could separate themselves, trading blows and small runs to go back and forth with the lead. Robert Dillingham led the way early with eight points, including three free throws at the end of the first quarter to give Combine the lead.  But the play of Kahari Rogers in the first half, scoring 13 points and knocking down three 3-pointers was big to give Liberty Heights the 30-27 halftime lead.

Second half was much of the same; teams trading blows back and forth and it continuing to be anyone's game. Liberty Heights held the small lead for the third quarter, eventually holding a 46-41 lead at the end of the third quarter. 

Combine crept back in led by their defense, while also attacking the lane and basket.  Combine eventually retook the lead around the three-minute mark and increased their lead to five down the stretch.  Robert Dillingham delivered the dagger late with a big three, eventually helping seal the well-earned victory.  But give credit to both teams and coaches, as they left it all out on the court.

Final: Combine Academy 68 ' Liberty Heights 57

Combine: Jalen Hood-Schifino 19 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists/ Robert Dillingham 15 points
Liberty: Kahari Rogers 20 points/ London Johnson 11 points, 4 assists