Who Will Make A Deep State Playoff Run?
It’s the time of year that high school basketball fans across the state have been looking forward to for a while now. For private schools the state tournament will be approaching soon, while for public schools, it’s getting close to conference tournament time. So what teams have the chance at making a deep run in the state playoffs?
Northwood Temple: With the return of Manny Bates to the lineup, the Eagles are close to having the core group of their team back that they have not had a chance to have all season. Starting Point Guard John Michael Wright is still recovering from a broken wrist but there has been rumblings that he could possibly return for the state tournament. If this happens, the Eagles will have a chance to make a deep run behind a lineup of: Manny Bates, Josh Nickleberry, Jay Hickman, Ian Steere and John Michael Wright.
Greenfield School: This season has been historic for the Knights, Guard Coby White has broken just about every scoring record and the team has played very well overall. Elijah Mccaden has come up big time in a high amount of games and Sophomore Guard Djimon Bailey has grown up right before eyes and stepped in some big time moments. Greenfield has some nice young talent to go alongside its seniors and will call on them to step up during some moments in the playoffs.
Garner HS: The hold a record of 21-1 at this point and honestly this is not much of a surprise to anyone, they play hard, defend, and are a well-coached team. Senior Guards Marque Maultsby & Trayvon Ferrell have played outstanding and will be key for the team down the stretch as we know that guard play is important in the playoffs.
South Central HS: Sometimes taking a difficult loss can motivate a team when the next season begins and that seems like the case for the South Central HS squad. Since their loss at the Regional finals last year they have been undefeated holding a record of 21-0 this season. Junior Guard Shykiem Phillips leads the team in scoring at 18 a night while Sophomore Forward Dayron Sharpe is averaging 14 a night to go along with 10 rebounds.
Wesleyan Christian: Currently at 25-5 with every loss coming against a team that is not in the state, they have put together some very nice wins against good competition and would have to be the favorite to win NCISAA 3A chip at this point. One of the asset’s that makes them special is their depth, the squad feature multiple D1 prospects with players such as: Jaylen Hoard, Aaron Wiggins, Shawn Walker Jr, Kobe & Keyshaun Langley and more, who have all had big time moments during some part of the season.