By: Cooper Har
11:00AM: First Flight vs Panther Creek
Both teams lost their opening game to high-level opponents and both will be looking to bounce back in the Coby White Bracket 3rd place game. Panther Creek struggled with Camden’s length and athleticism, something that First Flight lacks, so expect the Catamounts to be much more efficient around the rim. First Flight struggled scoring inside against a big Northwood team. Panther Creek has a lot of size but expect First Flight to have better shooting splits across the board on day 2. The matchup to watch is Chris Uwayo and Amari Richardson against Mason and Isaac Dobie. Both sets of guards have the potential to score in bunches and this matchup should produce a high scoring affair.
12:30PM: Holly Springs vs Southern Durham
Both teams had close, tough losses to very good teams in the opening round. Holly Springs was led by Collin Kuhl and Ryan Crotty who combined for 47 against Farmville Central. Southern Durham was led by Jackson Keith who had 32 against Millbrook. Both teams have matchup advantages with Southern Durham lacking the inside presence to guard Kuhl and Holly Springs lacking the athletes on the wing to stop Keith. Ryan Crotty has been a breakout performer so far and I would have to imagine he continues his elite shooting in this game. Southern Durham’s Cam Daniels struggled shooting against Millbrook but don’t expect him to struggle in back-to-back games. The matchup to watch is Ryan Crotty vs Cam Daniels. Both are scoring wings that can fill it up in an exciting manner.
2:00PM: Combine Academy vs Greenfield School
This opening round matchup features a nationally ranked team in Combine and one of the more underrated teams in the state in Greenfield. Combine is extremely well known and should put their high-level talent on display with a deep roster of college prospects. Greenfield’s Hampton Evans has a chance to elevate his game to the national stage if he can produce in this tournament and especially if he can produce against Combine. Also, Greenfield freshman Kobe Edwards is a game away from being known across the state, and not just in scouting circles. The matchup to watch for is Hampton Evans against Trentyn Flowers.
3:30PM: Word of God vs Raleigh Christian Academy
This matchup is intriguing given the dynamics of both teams. The uber-talented Word of God that boasts arguably the most talented roster in the state against a team oriented, underrated Raleigh Christian squad. The Holy Rams are Raleigh’s favorite team and you can expect the crowd to be electric for their first game. RCA’s duo of Jakel Powell and Nic Anthony will be a fun watch for anyone who isn’t familiar with them, but sophomore big man Preston Copeland is the biggest breakout candidate for this team. The matchup to watch is Jakel Powell vs Freddie Dilione. Two former AAU teammates that can both get theirs at will.
5:00PM: Prolific Prep vs Cannon School
One of the more intriguing matchups of the weekend features a homecoming game for Coach Ryan Bernardi. Prolific Prep has one of the most talented rosters in the country led by NC natives Michael Nwoko, Aden Holloway, and Trey Green. Cannon School has a strong rotation that is led by the blazing hot Austin Swartz, whose stock is rising as fast as anyone’s in the country right now. Isaiah Henry and Sean Birmingham are potential breakouts in this game for Cannon. The matchup to watch is Austin Swartz against Aden Holloway, two exciting guards that should give the crowd everything they ask for.
6:30PM: Northwood vs Camden
This game will be remembered as the Drake Powell vs DJ Wagner game and the crowd will treat it as such. Camden is loaded with division 1 talent all throughout the roster, led by DJ Wagner and Aaron Bradshaw. It will be crucial for Northwood’s supporting cast to play well as Camden has more talent across the board. The matchup to watch is obviously Drake Powell vs DJ Wagner, but Kenan Parrish against Aaron Bradshaw will also be intriguing to watch. Kenan Parrish has earned a ton of D1 buzz recently and playing well against the best center in the country would skyrocket his recruitment.
8:00PM: Broughton vs Centennial
The primetime matchup between the host team and arguably the most popular team in the country will be played in front of in a packed house. Obviously, the Top 10 Centennial team will be favored and should give a great performance, led by Jared McCain, Devin Williams, and Aaron McBride. The Broughton faithful won’t disappoint so the atmosphere will be as electric as ever inside the Holliday Gym. Broughton’s McCallum Wright was a key piece last season that had a rough start to the year. In his last three games he’s been the team’s best player and he’s definitely someone to watch for the home team. Broughton also has a balanced attack featuring James Parrish, Manning Lasso, and Hayes Carlin.