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, advancing to Reidsville versus Salisbury (4A) …
After narrowly escaping defeat in the semifinal game, Reidsville is actually in a better position now than it was a week ago. Not only does the time allow their star player to get back to a clean bill of health, but it also gives this entire group the necessary time to prepare for a well-rounded opponent like Salisbury. Due to the flu, the Rams’ leader was held to his lowest scoring total in over two years (10 points). Based on reports, it’s incredible that he was even able to play at all. Considering that he’s the key to their operation, a healthy focal point makes this team (obviously) much more dangerous. However, this contest allowed Paul Cauthen to showcase the full arsenal. This should come as no surprise given how consistently productive he’s been all year long. When the lights were brightest and his team needed him most, Cauthen delivered with a stat line of 27 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals, and 4 blocks. Guys like Tyson Broadway and Jorden Robinson (8 points each) also provided valuable minutes. Going into this game, will the Rams be back to full health? Can they contain the physical, complementary core of Salisbury? This has the makings of a potential battle.
Meanwhile, Salisbury reaches the state title after late-game heroics and a buzzer-beating shot by Royce Perkins. Despite the low-scoring affair, this victory still seemed to highlight their usual balanced approach. Their core grouping of Perkins (12 points), Jon Ross (12 points), Braylon Taylor (10 points), Blake Smith (8 points), and Jayden Jones (5 points) were the only five players to log points. This was the Hornets’ lowest offensive output (47 points) since the 2020-21 season. However, this should be somewhat of an encouraging wrinkle, as it would be highly improbable to have another game like that. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that Salisbury has lost to Reidsville in the playoffs for three straight seasons. This is their opportunity to get revenge, avenge the previous defeats, win the state championship, and subsequently end one of the greatest high school careers ever in a loss. Given the subplots and talent on both sides, folks should be very excited for this contest.