Statesville High School advances to Second Round of NCHSAA Playoffs
Statesville 71 Concord 67
It was a tale of two halves in the opening round NCHSAA 3A state playoffs between Concord and Statesville High School. Statesville started red hot as they raced out to a 15-0 lead before Concord answered at the 3:30 mark of the first quarter. It looked like an early blow out as Statesville took a 23-10 lead at the end of the first quarter. It was more of the same in the second quarter as Statesville took a commanding 40-19 halftime lead.
Both teams played evenly in the third quarter and Statesville took a comfortable 60-42 lead entering the fourth quarter. Concord got hot from the 3-point line and went on a 25-9 run in the final quarter and pulled within four points with less than a minute remaining. Statesville held on and captured a 71-67 win. Now, let’s take a closer look at the standout players of the game.
6’2 2021 Chris Brown (Statesville)
The southpaw is best in downhill situations. He attacks the rim with quick, strong, and aggressive moves. He has excellent body control and finished effectively in the paint. Brown had a solid all-around performance with 20 points.
6’2 2020 Miykei Fields (Statesville)
Miykei Fields scored from all three levels. He knocked down 3-pointers, hit the midrange, finished at the rim, and knocked down free throws as well. It was an excellent game and the senior provided solid leadership on both ends of the court. Field also finished with 21 points.
5’7 2022 Messiah Robinson (Statesville)
Messiah Robinson was the smallest player on the court, but played extremely big especially in the first half. Robinson finished with 15 points including five 3-pointers, four coming in the first half. In addition, Robinson is a strong on ball defender and help set the tone early in the game.
6’0 2020 Nijel Robinson (Concord)
After a quiet first quarter, Nijel Robinson played with a sense of urgency. He finished with 21 points including four 3-pointers. Robinson has excellent shooting mechanics, form, technique and follow through. Unfortunately, the early deficit was too much to overcome.
5’11 2022 Johnakin Franklin (Concord)
You’re going to be hearing a lot more from Johnakin Franklin in the future for Concord. The sophomore southpaw impressed us with his ability to knock down perimeter shots, especially 3-pointers. Franklin finished with 21 points including three 3-pointers.