This weekend, private schools will play their final game of the postseason. The matchups have been decided as each of the state championship games will be held in Charlotte. We will take a closer look at each of the four games set to take place, starting with the 3A contest between Concord Academy and Greensboro Day.
Folks should be extremely excited about this contest, which is clearly set to be the most competitive state championship matchup across all four private school classifications. Coach Frank Cantadore has certainly earned his status as one of the top coaches in North Carolina, while Coach Freddy Johnson is easily among the top coaches in high school basketball history. There will be no lack of game planning, disciplined coaching, or general x’s and o’s from either sideline. Both teams will enter this game fully prepared, and the better squad should emerge victorious.
The Bengals of Greensboro Day have a winning reputation, and it’s contests like these where that shines through. Their incredibly balanced group of Jaden Palmore, Marty Giant, Michael Juergens, Andrew Juergens, JJ Short, Addison Newkirk, Micah Gunter, Trace Moffitt, Julian Adigun, Mason Robinson, Ace Flagg, and Grant Duggins could legitimately go toe-to-toe with any opponent. While each of those individual names has the talent to stand out, we should know what to expect from this smart, methodical group. They set the tone with engaged defense and patient offense. No team is going to force Greensboro Day to do anything. They will play at their preferred speed and find success as a direct result.
Meanwhile, this isn’t the Eagles’ first rodeo either. Like their opponent, they’ve collected several state championship wins over recent years and will be looking to add another. They have excellent balance and depth of talent to match up in this contest. Guys like Lincoln Raper, Jake Benham, James Minlend, Gray Madeira, Icare Bakadisula, Alek Kornacki, and Brylee Austin form a strong rotation of veterans. They have the ability to hurt opponents in a variety of ways. Concord Academy is quietly one of the best three-point shooting teams throughout North Carolina and will force the Bengals to be attentive at all times.
As mentioned above, it would be difficult to choose a winner for this matchup. Both are extremely talented and well-coached teams. While it might seem like the easy answer, this should be a one or two-possession game that’ll come down to who executes better down the stretch.