On Saturday night, South Granville travelled to Farmville Central for a rematch of last year’s NCHSAA 2A Regional Finals. The hype surrounding the game was real. Both teams feature ACC signees in Terquavion Smith (NC State) and Bobby Pettiford (Louisville).
Farmville Central threw the first punch, starting the game on a 6-0 run. From that point on, both teams were trading baskets. Terquavion Smith (Farmville Central) wasted no time in making his presence felt. He scored 14 points in the first quarter. The opening eight minutes did not disappoint. Farmville Central finished the quarter with the lead 25-19.
In the second quarter, Farmville Central exploded with a 13-0 run to start. Their zone makes it difficult on opponents. It’s unique and unlike any other team’s zone defense. They were able to force turnovers and start their break, getting easy baskets in transition. Sophomore point guard Jayden Pitt controlled the game. He scored in a variety of ways, knocking down threes and getting to the cup. Farmville Central led going into halftime 49-34.
The second half was much of the same. South Granville would make a run, but every time Farmville would answer. Farmville maintained their double digit lead going into the fourth and ultimately won the game 95-83.
South Granville – Final Stat Leaders
Bobby Pettiford – 28 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds
Collin Tanner – 26 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists
Kaleb Hedgepeth – 12 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists
Farmville Central – Final Stat Leaders
Terquavion Smith – 33 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds
Leontae Moye – 17 points, 9 rebounds
Jayden Pitt – 15 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals
Jah Short – 8 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists
Future ACC Stars on Display: Bobby Pettiford and Terquavion Smith
It’s easy to see the appeal of both Louisville signee Bobby Pettiford (South Granville) and NC State signee Terquavion Smith (Farmville Central).
If you want a lead guard who runs the show, then Bobby Pettiford is your guy. He does a great job of getting others involved from the very start of the game. He’s the type of player that others would love to play with. Pettiford is super explosive and strong. He excels in the open court where he can attack the rim and push the pace for his team. He has a great feel in ball screen situations, changes pace well, and knows when to attack off the ball screen for himself or when and what pass to make for others. He also continues to show he can knock down the perimeter shot with consistency. He hit five three-pointers on the night, some of those off the catch and others off the bounce coming off of ball screens.
Lets’ start with Terquavion Smith. He defines the term, “walking bucket.” He’s not afraid to let it fly. He has the ability to get hot at any moment from anywhere on the court. He set the tone in the first quarter with 14 points, drilling two three-pointers and getting to the basket. Not only did he score the ball, he also made some really nice passes to teammates. Once he split the ball screen, got into the paint, and made a beautiful drop off pass to Leontae Moye for the finish. Another time, he was pushing it up in transition, drew the help, and made the simple pass to Jayden Pitt for the open three-pointer in the left corner.
Farmville Central’s Young Talent: Jayden Pitt and Jah Short
2023 Jayden Pitt had an outstanding night at the point guard position. One can’t help but notice the similarities between him and former Farmville Central standout Justin Wright. They are cut from the same cloth. The young point guard plays with so much confidence. He isn’t afraid of the big moment. He is aggressive on both ends of the court. Defensively, he is able to force turnovers, coming up with three steals Saturday night. And once he gets the ball, he is pushing the pace. He is hard to contain in the open court. He fearlessly attacks the basket, finishing through contact and against taller defenders. He is able to knock down perimeter jumpers off the catch and the bounce. He drilled a tough pull-up three coming off of the ball screen in the second quarter. Then later to end the half, broke his man down, and knocked down the tough contested pull-up two at the top of the key as time expired.
2023 Jah Short is another young prospect that will have an incredible career at Farmville Central. To begin with, Short is extremely active on the defensive end. He plays at the top of Farmville Central’s zone where he forces opponents to make tough passes either around or over his length, allowing his teammates to jump the passing lane for steals. Even though he plays at the top of the zone, he doesn’t leak out for easy baskets. He comes back to help once the shot goes up and rebounds really well. He finishes with six rebounds. His versatility on both ends of the floor will make him a hot commodity on the recruiting scene. Offensively, he can create off the bounce and he attacks the basket strong and finishes through contact. What I loved most about his game was his unselfishness. He looks for others and makes the right play. Early in the third quarter he made a spectacular behind the back move to beat his defender, he got into the lane, and under control made the drop off pass to his teammate for the layup. This set the tone for the rest of the half.
More Than a Shooter: Collin Tanner
One couldn’t have watched this game without coming away impressed with the play of 2022 Collin Tanner (South Granville). Tanner finished the game with 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists. He is known for his smooth shooting stroke, and yes his shot is nice. He knocked down a catch and shoot three-pointer to start the game. Then time after time, he would find an opening in the middle of the Farmville Central zone where he could catch the ball and showcase his touch from the midrange. But the 6’5 guard did so much for his team on both sides of the ball. He led South Granville in rebounds. He attacked the glass on both ends of the floor. For a guard, this is extremely valuable and will pay off at the next level. In the third quarter, he came up with the offensive rebound and found his teammate Javier Ortiz for the layup. In addition, he plays under control, doesn’t force the issue, and is a willing passer. He is also proving that he can put it on the deck and get to the basket. Teams have to run at him due to his perimeter shooting ability, so he is able to attack these closeouts, get to the midrange or all the way to the rim and finish through contact. Tanner will have an effective and productive year for South Granville.
The Post Matchup: Leontae Moye and Kaleb Hedgepeth
Leontae Moye (Farmville Central) and Kaleb Hedgepeth (South Granville) battled it out all night. Each brought unique skill sets to the game and will be valuable to their team’s success this season.
2021 Leontae Moye (Farmville Central) was one rebound away from a double-double, finishing the game with 17 points and 9 rebounds. The lefty is extremely active on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he forces opponents to shoot tough shots at the rim. Offensively, he provides versatility as he can score in the post or step out to make plays along the perimeter. He knocked down the turnaround jumper in the post going over his left shoulder. He also made an up-and-under move, missed it, but finished on the put-back. He goes after every offensive rebound, giving his team second opportunities. On the perimeter, he was able to face up and drive it. In the fourth quarter, he caught the ball on the right wing, beat his man, drove it left down the middle, and dunked it through traffic. Also, he showed the ability to make the midrange pull-up jumper when he drilled the one dribble pull-up from the pick and pop. Expect Moye to have a big year and play a vital role in Farmville Central’s success.
2022 Kaleb Hedgepeth (South Granville) is a skilled forward who does a great job of finding the open man. His passing ability really stuck out to me. He made some nice passes out on the perimeter, but also was a willing passer out of the post when he noticed a double-team coming. He finished with 4 assists to go along with his 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Defensively, he protected the rim by blocking three shots, but also forcing several tough ones from his opponent. Offensively, he is able to make plays from different spots on the floor. In the post, he is skilled and utilizes angles well to create an advantage. You have to respect him out on the perimeter given his ability to shoot and make plays for others.