After an exciting week of NCHSAA semifinal games, we have reached the final stop: state championships. All the time, effort, and competition since November have ultimately led to this one game. While there has been a lot of discussion surrounding the realignment of classifications, each of these teams has fought against worthy opponents to reach this stage. Despite restructuring, there is still plenty of talent in every classification. With games beginning Wednesday, we will take a closer look at each matchup, moving to Fike versus Huss (6A) …
After winning their semifinal game in impressive fashion, Fike advances to compete against Huss in a very intriguing matchup for the state championship. Fike is coming off a strong showing, where they attacked early, established a lead, and held tough until the final buzzer. Although things did get close in the final period, the Golden Demons ultimately prevailed behind multiple noteworthy performances. As expected, Da’Qavis Greene (20 points) imposed his will as the biggest, most impactful interior piece on either team. Key pieces like Ty’lik Taylor (12 points) and Jayonta Blanchard (9 points) found quality production within the flow of the action. However, it was the incredible scoring outburst from Jamir Loftin (40 points) that led this team to victory. Going into this game, there are only a few questions worth asking: Can this team slow down Jaleel Smith? Will Greene’s size be the x-factor? Can Loftin put forth another remarkable scoring display?
On the other side, Huss emerged victorious to advance to their first state title game in 15 years. It was an exciting game featuring several runs for both squads, but Huss secured a nice lead and held it through the final buzzer. Unsurprisingly, Smith (27 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals) was the best player on the floor. We’ve become so accustomed to his sheer talent and legitimate dominance that folks don’t even react anymore. Although Zii Phillips was held in check, guys like OB Lockhart (10 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 steals), Will Pless (10 points and 2 steals), and Antonio Griggs (8 points and 3 steals) each played vital roles in this contest. Obviously, a ton of the attention will be focused on Smith, and rightfully so, but it feels like Ametrius McCoy will be an x-factor in this upcoming game. Can he contain the opposing big man? Will their array of guards outmatch the opposing backcourt pieces? Will Smith simply be too good for any of this to matter? It’ll be fascinating to watch and see.