Cannon vs. Greensboro Day
This is the classic battle of #1 vs. #2. Greensboro Day started off the year at #1, during early season play, Cannon School has taken over the #1 spot, moving Greensboro Day down to #2. Well, now Cannon is coming into Greensboro Day as the coveted, top-ranked private school team in the hoop state. This game will have all the storylines you want. Let’s start with the point guard matchup that shows NC State commit, and 4-star, Cam Hayes with Greensboro Day vs. 2022’s #1 point guard in the country Jaden Bradley of Cannon School. Both players are nationally ranked, both players are in the conversation for a top point guard in the state, both players can make exciting plays happen. Add in a side dish of Virginia commit Carson McCorkle, Top 150 ranked DJ Nix, mid-major recruits Jarvis Moss and Bryce Harris and then we get to continue watching the breakout of Jaydon Young.
With all of that being said, all of these incredibly built-in storylines and awesome talent strewed across the floor, this will be one of the best matchups North Carolina will see this entire season. Enjoy!!
The Mainland Gets to See First Flight
Just to see Dylan Blake is worth the price of admission, but this team, from the Outer Banks, is unique in the way they play. Starting with Blake, the 17-year-old senior averaged 21 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2 steals per game. He also made 100 3s during the season and has already made 313 for his career. First Flight as a team, spreads the floor and shoots the 3-ball. Last season they took 1,222 3-point shots, as a team, knocking down 382 of them. They hold every NCHSAA record for 3s attempted in a game (hold 1st through 12th place), hold 7 of the top 10 spots for 3-pointers made in a game and hold places 1 and 2 for most 3-pointers attempted in a season. They have a fearless leader, one who holds a High Point University off (and should have the attention of many others), this is a unique team, one that will be very exciting for those on the mainland to watch.
Moravian Prep and Combine Academy match up for the ultimate showdown
These two teams have been impressive to start the season and have solidified themselves as two national programs. Now, these two teams battle and leave it all out on the court Friday night. Moravian Prep is loaded with Josh Hall and NC State commit Shakeel Moore, as well as several other players being highly recruited. Combine Academy is off to a huge start and looking for yet ANOTHER big win for their program, much like they showed at the Carmel Christian and National Showcase. This will be intense and a must-see for all high school basketball fans, as well as a matchup loaded with high-major talent all over the floor. Get there early for this one… You won’t want to miss it!
We get to see what Wesleyan is all about
After an impressive win to start the season vs. Henderson Collegiate, could Wesleyan be a team to watch for this year? Kaleb Brooks and Josh Wiggins help lead the way for the Trojans, while junior guard Aisaiah Phillips has been gaining traction around the state of North Carolina. That doesn’t mention freshman Dice Royster who will certainly be a name down the road. Coach C.J. Lee will matchup with Glenn high school on Saturday and will have this team ready. Could this be a team to really watch for in the state of North Carolina? We shall see.
Piedmont Classical looking to make a statement on Saturday
The surprise game of the Gate City may just be Piedmont Classical vs. Cannon School in the Saturday afternoon contest. Cannon plays NCISAA power Greensboro Day on Friday afternoon and that alone may be the main focus of Cannon School. That being said, Piedmont Classical doesn’t have the same roster resume as Cannon, but one thing is crystal clear. Piedmont Classical is looking for respect and has been overlooked in many of the preseason rankings and overall hype. For Piedmont Classical, this could well be their statement game and a win over NCISAA 4A power would go a long way in enhancing their resume and give this “never quit” team a shot in the arm for the balance of the season.
Burlington School/ Northwood Temple looking to set the tone for the season
In the Saturday nightcap, it’s The Burlington School vs. Northwood Temple. Both teams need an early-season win to bolster their confidence heading into December and set the tone for the balance of the season. The Burlington School is loaded with talent and has been deemed the favorite to win the NCISAA 1A championship. For Northwood Temple, they too have a storied history and can use this game as a confidence booster heading into a busy and tough December schedule.
Holly Springs and Marcus Elliot Ready For Battle
Holly Springs High School had its best year in school history last season under Head Coach LJ Hepp. They graduated multiple next level players in Kadin Shedrick (UVA), Garrett Phillips (NC Wesleyan), and Matt Willadsen (NC State Baseball) but they still have a considerable amount of talent returning. 6’6 Georgia State signee Kaleb Scott will be their anchor on the glass and should end up being a walking double-double every night. 6’0 2020 Marcus Elliot is one of the most underappreciated prospects in the state with his ability to create offense for himself and others. 6’8 2021 Donte Kisenhofer is a kid that had a limited role on last year’s team that should take a huge jump in his production this season. Surround those guys with capable role players and great coaching staff, Holly Springs is looking to make more and more noise in year two of the LJ Hepp era. They’ll have a big test with Carmel Christian to start the day on Saturday but it should be an incredibly exciting matchup.
Aden Holloway Introduces Himself to the HoopState
There’s a lot of buzz surrounding Covenant Day Freshman Aden “Biz” Holloway and for good reason. He was a catalyst on a CP3 14U team that spent the majority of the spring/summer ranked top 10 nationally and he has a skill set that has earned him a Syracuse offer already. He’s a shooter with deep range, a crafty ball-handler/offensive creator, and someone that is poised beyond his years. He plays the game with a level of flare and excitement that makes him a target for videographers and college coaches alike. Expect a few big moments from Holloway in Covenant’s matchup with GDS on Saturday. Here is a small preview of him over the summer.