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Phenom HoopState Championship: Bull City National vs. Combine Academy

Last game of the night, as Combine Academy and Bull City National brought us a rematch for a chance to compete for a championship. In the first matchup, it was an absolute slugfest, with Combine grabbing the narrow win. Now these two met again and it brought the same energy level. Combine was able to gain the edge after the first quarter, as they looked focused and ready to compete. 2022 AJ...

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Phenom PG Nationals: Link Prep vs. DME

With a chance to go to the championship, DME and Link Year battled it out in the second game of the night to decide the championship matchup against TSF.  This one was pretty close all throughout, with neither team really being able to create a comfortable cushion.  DME was led by four players that scored five points each, including one of their leaders in Jermontae Hill who was coming...

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Phenom PG Nationals: IMG PG vs. The Skill Factory National

It was a battle of the titans in this one, as IMG post-grad and The Skill Factory National came to battle for a chance to compete for a championship. It was probably one of the best games we had so far at the loaded event and the smack talk started early in this one. TSF though came out incredibly strong, building an early double-digit lead led by Jalen DeLoach and Christian Wright, two that...

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Phenom Hoop State: Quality Education vs. NC Storm

Day 2 continued and boy oh boy, did we get a thriller in this one. This was a back-and-forth affair all game long, with neither team being able to break away from each other.  TO start the game though, QEA came out red hot as Camian Shell led a balanced attack that helped get out to a 21-7 lead after the first quarter but NC Storm answered right back in the second quarter, outscoring QEA...

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Phenom HoopState Championship: Word of God vs. WS Christian

Day 2 of the Phenom HoopState Championship continued in Rock Hill, as our first game got underway between Winston-Salem Christian and Word of God. Two teams loaded with talent and certainly had pride on the line, not wanting to go 0-2 early in South Carolina. Word of God came out strong but WS Christian battled right back, as it ended 20-20 after one.  Gerasim Bordin shot the ball really...

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Phenom HoopState Championship: Combine Academy vs. Quality Education

The action continued in Rock Hill, as the top-seeded Combine Academy started its event against Quality Education. Both teams really came out strong on both ends, with Quality Education putting Combine on their heels early, attacking the basket, and being aggressive at the rim. They also wanted to get out and run when they could but head coach Jeff McInnis got his team going and eventually took...

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Phenom HoopState Championship: Liberty Heights vs. Winston Salem Christian

On to Game 2 of the first day of the Phenom Hoop State Championship and it was a rematch between these two teams that ended in a thriller the last time around. Liberty Heights and Winston Salem Christian battled it out on the court but it was Liberty Heights that made a point early on, especially on the defensive end.  They jumped out to an 11-4 lead after the first quarter and then...

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Phenom HoopState: Word of God vs. Moravian Prep

Day 1 of the Phenom HoopState Championship was underway and it brought Moravian Prep and Word of God on the court to battle it out in Round 1.  Both teams that have racked up the wins this season, it was Moravian Prep that set the stage early on both ends of the floor.  They were able to run their offense and really showcase their shooting ability from deep, knocking down 11 3-pointers...

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Farmville Central rolls to third straight 2A state championship

Farmville Central rolls to third straight 2A state championship  By Johnathan Kirkland Farmville Central came into the NCHSAA 2A tournament as the nine seed despite their undefeated record. They blew through their four opponents heading into the state championship game, with their closest game being an 18-point win in the opening round over Hertford County. Saturday afternoon was no...

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SCHA AA State Championship (Standouts)

By: Shammond Williams Christ Church. 58 vs. Wade Hampton (B) 49 Christ Church Episcopal School John Butler (FSU)- 7’1. used his height and length to impact the game. He scored the ball from all 3 levels, and really disrupted the penetration of Wade Hampton with his ability to block shots in the first half. Finished the first half with 12 of Christ Church’s 28 points Second half John continued...

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Weddington wins NCHSAA 3A State Championship

Phenom game report: NCHSAA 3A state championship game Weddington vs. Northwood By Johnathan Kirkland The first of the NCHSAA state championship games on Saturday featured the 3A game between Weddington and Northwood. Weddington came into the game undefeated at 17-0 and Northwood was 14-2. It was a great game to start the day that stayed close throughout before Weddington pulled away in the final...

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Northwood Advances to the NCHSAA 3A State Championship with Overtime Win over West Carteret

Tuesday night was loaded with regional finals that couldn’t be missed. In the NCHSAA 3A East Regional, West Carteret (11-2) hosted Northwood (13-2) for the chance to go to the State Championship. The first quarter started with West Carteret’s Jaxon Ellingsworth putting his team on the board first with a drop-off finish. Ellingsworth picked up right where he left off after his...

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Wilson Prep Advances to the NCHSAA 1A State Championship with Win Over Riverside Martin

By: Rod Bridgers Tonight felt normal. Almost a year into this pandemic I watched a basketball game with fans and it felt good. Even better for me, it was in my hometown as the Wilson Prep defeated Riverside Martin 66-50 to advance to the 1A NCHSAA State Championship game Saturday. The first quarter was filled with a bunch of turnovers and missed opportunities from both teams. Blame it on nerves....

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Ardrey Kell advances to the NCHSAA 4A championship

Ardrey Kell advances to the NCHSAA 4A championship  In a game that absolutely lived up its billing. North Mecklenburg and Adre Kell played at a high level for the opportunity to play for the state championship. You have two of the best high school coaches in the state. Both teams are well coached and as expected, the game came down to the final possession. It was one of the best high school...

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Open Gym Report: Team BOND 17U

On Sunday, Phenom Hoops traveled out to the heart of Winston-Salem, North Carolina to preview some quality talent within one of the top up-and-coming programs in Team BOND. There was an abundance of appeal and intrigue inside the gym, featuring an interesting variety of prospects from 17U and 16U squads. Although we were able to watch both teams, this article will take a closer look at their 17U...

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NCISAA 2A State Championship: Northwood Temple v. The Burlington School

On Saturday, Phenom Hoops returned to The Burlington School for another highly anticipated playoff matchup between the Spartans and Northwood Temple for the 2A NCISAA state championship. As we mentioned in our preview article, this rematch from last year’s title game would be the Spartans chance to get revenge and the Eagles opportunity to become back-to-back champions. Similar to their...

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Johnston County Elite Youth Basketball League: All Star Game Recap

On Saturday, Phenom Hoops traveled to Clayton, NC to watch the Johnston County Elite Youth Basketball League All Star Game. League Director, Brandon Sanders, has done an incredible job of providing a platform for the youth in Johnston County and the surrounding areas to play the game they love. In just it’s first year, the league was an incredible success. Typically when watching an...

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On the Road Again, Cannon wins back-to-back state championships

On the Road Again, Cannon wins back-to-back state championships  It was only fitting, the top two teams in the NCISAA 4A were playing for the state championship. That being said, Cannon road to the title came the hard way, just like the year before. They had to win on the opposing team’s home court. Last year, Cannon beat Charlotte Latin and then beat Carmel 94-85 to capture the coveted...

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SCHSA AA Upstate Semis: Christ Church vs. Landrum

BY: Shammond Williams Christ Church 74. Landrum. 47 Landrum High School Mason Raines (2022): a combo guard that shoots the three well. Attacked the basket aggressively, using deception to score at the basket. Penetrated the lane many times against the bigs of Christ Church, and created easy shots and scores for teammates. Finished with 23 points. Isaiah Washington (2022): a 6’0 aggressive guard,...

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Previewing the NCISAA State Championships (3A): Gaston Christian v. Asheville Christian

Although last season’s 3A state champion, Concord Academy (formerly Concord Fist Assembly) was arguably the best team across private school basketball, this year’s field was wide-open. On one hand, Gaston Christian has been battle-tested and fought against some of the best competition throughout their season. Will Kelly has largely carried their offensive attack, showing the ability to score the...

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Previewing the NCISAA State Championships (2A): The Burlington School v. Northwood Temple

Without even saying anything, there is plenty of intrigue surrounding the rematch between The Burlington School and Northwood Temple for the 2A championship. These two teams met last year in the NCISAA 1A state title. After moving up classifications, they meet again. Only 23-years old, Ryan Bernardi is in his third full season as a head coach and second at The Burlington School. His success has...

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Westover v. Northern Guilford

On Thursday, Phenom Hoops traveled out to Northern Guilford in Greensboro, North Carolina, as the Nighthawks prepared to host the Wolverines of Westover High School in a second-round matchup in the NCHSAA 3A playoffs. Last year (prior to everything shutting down), Westover actually made it to the title game and were forced to be named co-champions. They lost numerous seniors, including Traymond...

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South Mecklenburg Advances to NCHSAA 4A Quarterfinals

On Thursday night, South Mecklenburg traveled to Hough in a NCHSAA 4A Sweet 16 matchup. South Mecklenburg entered the game with a 5-2 record, while Hough came in with a 7-2 record. Both teams have built a reputation for executing on the offensive end and playing great team basketball, so we knew it was going to be a great game to watch.

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Game Report: Fuquay Varina vs. Millbrook

The second round of the 4A NCHSAA tournament featured two teams from the Raleigh area going at it for a chance to make it to the elite eight. Millbrook, a perennial powerhouse was playing in their 14th straight second-round tournament game, and Fuquay Varina was in the tournament for the first time since 1996.

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Phenom Game Report: Weddington vs. Central Cabarrus

The playoffs continued on Thursday night throughout North Carolina, as we checked in at Weddington as they welcomed in a tough Central Cabarrus. However, Central Cabarrus had their work cut out for them, as they had a big task in taking down one of the favorites on their home floor.

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Northwood Temple Knocks Off Westminster Catawba to Advance to the NCISAA 2A State Championship

The NCISAA 2A division was arguably the deepest division in the state this year. On Wednesday night, Northwood Temple hosted Westminster Catawba in the semifinals. Northwood Temple (26-7) entered the game on a 15-game win streak. Westminster Catawba entered the game with a 14-2 record. Both teams have played at a high level consistently all year. The first quarter started with Northwood...

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Previewing the NCISAA State Championships (1A): United Faith v. Victory Christian

It should be pretty apparent, but the 1A matchup of United Faith versus Victory Christian is going to be an absolute bloodbath. Not only are these two squads clearly atop their classification, but there is certainly no love lost on the actual court. Despite playing a brutal schedule, United Faith has been a well-oiled machine, only suffering three losses (each to quality opponents), and stood...

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The Burlington School v. Wayne Country Day

On Wednesday, Phenom Hoops traveled out to Burlington, North Carolina, as the Spartans of The Burlington School prepared to host Wayne Country Day School in the 2A NCISAA semi-final. Between their undeniable talent and overall success, the Chargers entered this contest with a ton of momentum. On the other side, The Burlington School has played one of the toughest schedules in North Carolina and...

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