Game 1
Callaway vs. Northwood
First game of the day and it definitely didn't disappoint. Northwood came away with a 61-52 win in overtime. Each team had their chances to win the game at the end of regulation. Callaway played without their leader and playmaker (Keiveon Hunt) for most of the 4th quarter and overtime. Keiveon has the ability to create plays for himself and his teammates. Javarian Mallard stepped up in a major way for Callaway.
Fred Whitaker Jr. was the difference maker in the game for Northwood. He was able to control the tempo of the game. He is a tough competitor who is able to impact the game on both sides of the ball. He made key plays for Northwood time and time again. Fred finished with 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Drake Powell is a player that a lot of schools should have on their radar. The 2024 wing has great length and athleticism. Even though Drake didn't make a shot from the perimeter he still managed to impact the game in a variety of ways. Drake finished the game with 14 points and 7 rebounds.
Game 2
Broughton vs. Greenfield
One thing that I love about Holiday Tournaments are the private vs. public school match-ups. Greenfield had the opportunity to play two of the best public schools in the state during the John Wall. Both Broughton and Greenfield are very well coached. Both teams do a great job playing the game the right way.
Broughton is normally led by their leader and playmaker Will Otto. Even without Will Otto, Broughton played with tons of energy and passion. When you have a good culture set in place multiple players are able to step up during a player's absence. Grady Bizyak plays with tons of passion. Tough, gritty player who has a good basketball IQ.
Greenfield is one of the best private schools in the state every year. Rob Salters does a tremendous job with his team. In the game today, their backcourt was phenomal. Matt Kirby and Atkinson led the charge for them. They are both crafty playmakers who have the ability to make plays for themselves or teammates.
Hampton Evans is a player a lot of schools should have on their radar in the 2024 class. Hampton brings so much to the game with his versatility and basketball IQ.
Aaron Murphy is having a POTY type year for Greenfield. His stats are hard to argue. One of the best stat lines in the state. The thing that stands out to me is his leadership and energy every single game. Murphy is a big time get for Queens University.
Game 3
Millbrook vs. North Mecklenburg
Two of the best public schools in the state. Both these schools have a legitimate chance of winning a state championship this year. Each school plays with a lot of passion and energy.
Jordan Crawford was phenomenal all tournament long. He has the ability to really fill up the stat sheet. He can get it going in a hurry. Jordan Crawford averaged 28 points in their two games The John Wall. He has a smooth, quick release from the perimeter. His length and athleticism allows him to cause chaos defensively both on and off the ball.
Maxwell Coles is the leader and floor general for North Meck. He does a great job controlling the pace. He competes at a high level. Maxwell is a great rebounder for his size.
2024 Isaiah Evans is a special talent. He is extremely versatile and can impact the game in a variety of ways. Isaiah is a 3-level scorer and makes the game look effortless at times.
Colt Langdon is one of the best 2025 prospects in the state. He has a great feel for the game. The lefty has the ability to knock down shots from the perimeter as well as get to the rim. He is a player to keep on your radar.
Game 4
Asheville Christian vs. Terry Sanford
In the fourth matchup of the day, defending NCISAA 3A State Champions Asheville Christian took on Terry Sanford in the Coby White Bracket Championship. This was an intriguing matchup featuring Deante Green (Florida State) and Davis Molnar (Furman). It was a tight first half as Asheville Christian led 29-28 at the half.
Furman commit, Davis Molnar, showcased his skill set and versatility throughout the game. He's a tough player with a high IQ who has tremendous vision and passing abilities. It's easy to see how well he'll fit next season at Furman. He finished with 13 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 5 steals. Carlos Craig led Terry Sanford in scoring with 17 points. He did a great job of getting downhill and finishing in the paint.
Florida State commit, Deante Green, showed out yesterday and followed that up with another outstanding performance with a 2021 tournament high of 30 points to go along with 12 rebounds and 3 blocks. Senior James Wilkins III also shot the ball extremely well for Asheville Christian, finishing with 18 points, 2 rebounds, and 5 assists while shooting 4-5 from behind the arc.
Asheville Christian pulled away late, finishing with a 62-55 victory behind the play of Deante Green, Dante Oliver, and James Wilkins III.
