The NCHSAA State Championship games got underway, as Vance Charter took on Thomas Jefferson down in Winston-Salem for the 1A State Title. It was a strong game early on, with both teams trading baskets early on and getting their legs underneath them. Gary Wilkins was a force early on to help them gain early momentum in the first half. Thomas Jefferson, though, stayed within striking distance heading into halftime, only down 36-27.
However, Vance Charter got its offense going again in the third quarter, outscoring Thomas Jefferson 26-13 and shooting nearly 56 percent from the floor in the quarter as well as creating turnovers. It was the difference that they needed to break open the game by the end of three. With the lead staying around 20 points for much of the game, Vance Charter was able to cruise to a strong victory and secure its first state title in the 1A State Championship.
For Vance Charter, Wilkins was the leader throughout, bringing tremendous impact and efficiency to the court, finishing the afternoon with 23 points and 14 rebounds. For Thomas Jefferson, Chance Malachi led his team with 10 points.
Final:
Vance Charter 79 – Thomas Jefferson 54
VC: G. Wilkins 23pts, L. Turrentine 15pts, K. Richardson 14pts, N. Pentoney 14pts
TJ: C. Malachi 10pts, O. Griffen 10pts, K. Surratt 9pts