Playoff basketball, there is nothing like it in North Carolina as we continued with the public schools. Phenom Hoops was on deck for an intense showdown between Northwood and West Carteret, two strong teams that have won 20+ games on the year. Coming out, it was Northwood that made their mark, playing their pace, creating havoc on the defensive end and jumping out to a quick lead. But West Carteret started to settle down more and find their offense, as Northwood held the early 19-14 lead after the first quarter. Then, the tables started to switch, as Northwood struggled to get going offensively and it was West Carteret’s defense that created turnovers and slowed down Northwood’s offense. 2022 Jaxon Ellingsworth started to get going, scoring six of his eight first-half points in the second, as the Patriots retook the momentum into halftime, leading 26-25.
Second half, West Carteret came out strong and started the half on a small run to give themselves a little bit more of a cushion. Leading by as many as seven in the quarter, that is when Northwood, led by 2024 Drake Powell, made a small run to tie the game up at 38 at the end of the third.
Fourth quarter got underway and it seemed like it was going to be a game that came down to just a few plays and key shots at the end. That is what happened, as time continued to tick away. West Carteret held the narrow one-point lead and was able to get to the line to make it a three-point lead in the final minute. Northwood had a chance to tie, but the shot just missed and Ellingsworth came up with the huge rebound. Eventually fouled, Ellingsworth nailed two free throws in the final seconds to give his team a five-point lead. Northwood had one final shot that clanked off, Ellingsworth grabbed another key rebound, and hit two final free throws, eventually giving West Carteret the thrilling 51-44 win at home.
Final: West Carteret 51 – Northwood 44
Standouts:
- 2022 Jaxon Ellingsworth (WC): The long forward came up big when his team needed him too. He was able to finish well around the basket, find ways to get the ball on the rim against some tough length from Northwood, but also step out and display his mid-range game as well. The senior came up big on the boards as well and from the line, as he eventually sealed the win.
- 2024 Drake Powell (NW): Powell was just as strong, especially on a run of his own in the third quarter. Powell’s pull-up game is incredibly good and smooth, but he uses his length/wingspan so well to finish over defenders and get in the passing lanes. He did much of his damage inside the arc in this game, finishing with 19 points.
- Talk about stepping up, 2023 Worth Stack came up big and brought a ton of energy off the bench. He displayed nice touch and wasn’t afraid of the bright lights, as he scored well around the paint and when his team needed to. Also, 2022 Jamarion Montford did a great job on both sides of the floor, as he is a tough, scrappy guard that plays hard on offense and defense.
- 2023 Max Frazier (NW) is one that more programs may need to look at. He is a 6’8 forward that can guard multiple positions and has excellent timing in blocking shots, getting on the boards, and nice touch around the basket. Still developing but he is one that should get more looks with what he provides on both sides of the court.