1A Girls Championship
Halifax Academy wins the 1A NCISAA State championship, 40-36, over Southeastern Christian Academy. All season long, this was a team that was made up of depth and balance, and they finished the season with an 18-5 overall record and a title. Watch out for them next year as well, as they bring back several juniors and sophomores who helped lead this team.
Per @Mindy_McCarthy3
Halifax: Payton Odom 18pts, Hayden Barlow 8pts
SE Christian: Ella Lynch 10, Angela Lauver 8pts
1A Boys Championship
New Garden Friends comes back after being down by double-digits in the second half to win the 1A State Championship, 52-47, over Crossroads Christian. After being down by 17 points towards the end of the 3rd quarter, New Friends was able to outscore 33-11 after the 1:50 mark in the 3rd quarter. Kingston Clifton led the way for New Garden with 19 points, while Josh Smith finished with 14 points to lead Crossroads.
After being 10-10 on the season, New Garden finishes the season on a 10-game win-streak to capture a title.
3A Girls Championship
In a rematch from last year’s game, it was ocne again Grace Christian of Sanford that took down Concord Academy, 66-41, as they proved why they are one, if not the, top team in the state. Grace Chrstiain jumped out to an early lead and was able to build upon that heading into halftime with a double-digit lead. That only increased after the third, as this one looked to be solidified by then. Concord Academy never quit, though and competed throughout.
Grace Christian finishes the season with an impressive 23-1 season, and they have now won five straight titles. Kennedy Jackson led all scorers with 21 points, while others brought a balanced attack. Justice Alexander led Concord Academy with 17 points.
3A Boys Championship
It was a battle of the titans coming in, but it ended up being a statement game for Greensboro Day, as they came out early and simply never looked back. They jumped out to a double-digit lead at the end of the first quarter and led by 15 at halftime. They didn’t let that energy down, as Concord Academy struggled to find its offense. The Bengals continued to increase their lead to over 20, as they eventually cruised to an impressive 62-34 victory, claiming yet another state championship for the program and for Coach Freddy Johnson. Micah Gunter finished with 17 points to lead GDS, while Cruz Miller had 9 points for Concord Academy.
4A Girls Championship
Cannon was able to hang on to secure yet another title for the program on the girls’ side. Finishing the season 25-6 overall, wins the 4A state title over Providence Day 47-37 with Brooke Busby leading the charge.
Per @Mindy_McCarthy3 Cannon was led by Busby with 19 points, while London Truesdale finished with 12. Julia O’Malley finished with 19 points for Providence Day.
This is Cannon’s third straight title.
4A Boys Championship
Forsyth Country Day looked to cap off an incredible season, and though they were down early in the game, they were able to flourish with their size and guard play, something they have shown all season long. Providence Day came out to make a statement, led by Zeke Battier and company. And though they were able to come out strong, it was the offensive balance inside and out that allowed FCDS to regain the lead and eventually take home the 67-57 victory, giving them yet another championship.
Q Williams led the way with 12 points, while JR Adams was right there with 12 as well. Battier led the way for PDS with 16 points.
2A Girls Championship
In a rematch from last year’s title game, it was Caldwell Academy that took home the 62-53 victory against Rocky Mount Academy. Caldwell came out strong and put an impressive performance together, but Rocky Mount Academy was able to respond to it, as it was a battle throughout. Deirdre Derengowski was really good throughout, finishing with 29 points to lead her team, while Berkeley Miller led the way for Rocky Mount with 25 points.
This is the first title for Caldwell Academy on the girls’ side, as they finish the season with a 12-6 overall record.
2A Boys Championship
To wrap up the title games in Greensboro, it was Caldwell Academy and Greenfield battling it out in what would be a unforgettable game. Caldwell Academy was able to take the narrow lead after one and take that same lead into halftime. It was a strong showing with Neal Swindell and King Kendrick leading the charge, but Greenfield would never let them break away. Caldwell led for much of the game before Greenfield made a late run to take the lead late in the fourth. An impressive game-saving defensive play from Edwards and it was Greenfield that raised the trophy, taking home a 68-63 victory.
Edwards led the way with 21 points while Braxten Dubose finished with 17 points. King Kendrick led all scorers with 23 points.