Charlotte Latin vs. Metrolina Christian Game Recap

1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter
Charlotte Latin 23 35 61 80
Metrolina Christian 10 24 37 59

 

Phenom Hoop Report travelled to Charlotte, North Carolina to cover the NCISAA Quarterfinal matchup between Charlotte Latin (15-9) and Metrolina Christian (20-10). This was our first viewing of Charlotte Latin and we gave away impressed. We’re talking about a fundamentally sound and well coached team that dismantled a very good Metrolina Christian team. Coach Chris Berger’s Charlotte Latin started with a bang and finished with a terrific 80-59 win. The win by Charlotte Latin advanced them to the NCISAA Final Four in Raleigh against Christ School, who upset the number one team in the state and nationally ranked Charlotte Christian. This marks the first trip to the NCISAA Final Four since 2004.

With 6’2 senior John Beecy sidelined with a season ending injury, Charlotte Latin is definitely a team of the future. They basically start four juniors and one sophomore. Leading the way for Charlotte Latin was the trio of 6’3 sophomore Graham Calton, 6’0 junior Randy Johnson, and 6’2 junior David Felkner, while 6’6 junior Bennett Smith is the team’s glue guy. 6’3 sophomore Graham Calton was simply outstanding contributing on both ends of the court. Calton has a blue-collar workmanlike approach to the game. He finished with a game high 23 points and collected nine rebounds. Calton scored from all three levels. He knocked down three 3-pointers and impressed us with his hustle and full throttle approach to the game. In the backcourt, Randy “RJ” Johnson is a quick and crafty scoring point guard. He has a tremendous cross over step back jumper and a beautiful 'teardrop floater. Johnson has excellent court vision and has the ability to break down the defense with his speed and dribble penetration. Johnson dished out five assists and collected five rebounds. 6’2 junior guard David Felkner tossed in 16 points including four 3-pointers and also collected nine rebounds. Felkner has a quick release and has outstanding range. Closing out the outstanding play for Charlotte Latin was the play of 6’6 junior Bennett Smith. Smith is a steadly and reliable player who does many things well. He scores within the frame work of the game and provides 'solid size in the post area.

For Metrolina Christian, it was just one of those nights. Everything seemed to fall Charlotte Latin’s way and Coach Michael Wilson’s team had a difficult time establishing offensive rhythm and consistency, not to mention they faced a hot shooting Latin team that connected on nine 3-pointers. With the loss, Metrolina finished the season with a 20-11 record. 6’8 senior (The Citadel signee) Stephen Clark finished with a team high 17 points. Clark is a silky smooth and fluid wing forwad that runs the floor extremely well and has a nice assortment of offensive moves. His length, size and ability to run the floor should reasonate nicely at the collegiate level. 6’4 senior Stowe Griffin also chipped in double digit scoring with 12 points.