NCHSAA 2A State Playoffs: Elite 8 Preview
Here’s a look at what to expect and prospects to watch in the Elite 8 of the NCHSAA 2A State Playoffs. Shelby High School (24-3) vs. West Stokes (25-4) The Shelby Golden Lions will travel on the road to face…
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Continue ReadingHere’s a look at what to expect and prospects to watch in the Elite 8 of the NCHSAA 2A State Playoffs.
Shelby High School (24-3) vs. West Stokes (25-4)
The Shelby Golden Lions will travel on the road to face the West Stoke Wildcats in the Elite Eight. The Golden Lions have won 14 games and counting heading into the meeting and coming off an 80-60 victory over North Davidson. They’ll look to keep to their winning ways led by Ja’Hari Mitchell, Dashaun Christopher, Simeon Davis and Elijah Borders.
The Wildcats have been led through the playoffs by senior wing Elan Muniz, who put up 25 points in their win over Hendersonville in the Elite Eight. Seniors Kelin Parsons and Luke Mickey posted 18 points and 15 points respectively as well in the victory.
Mountain Heritage (26-1) vs. Forest Hills (28-0)
The Mountain Heritage Cougars head into a big matchup against Forest Hills looking to play spoiler. The Cougars defeated Lexington High School 63-47 in the Sweet 16 It’s worth noting they’re 9-0 on the road this season. Seniors Justus Shelton and Callin Randolph lead a strong group of seniors and juniors into an exciting matchup.
The Forest Hills Yellow Jackets are just one of two undefeated teams left in the NCHSAA 2A State Playoffs. 6-foot-5 guard Alec Topper is averaging 14.7 points per game through the playoffs for Forest Hills. Ty Burch, Brandon Barrier and Dillon Wright lead a balanced attack for them as they look to return to the Final Four once again.
Reidsville (26-2) vs. South Granville (29-0)
The South Granville Vikings are the other undefeated at the 2A level as they host the Reidsville Rams on Tuesday. The Vikings are led by junior Bobby Pettiford Jr. and seniors Micah Jones, Kobe Jones, and Wy’kise Allen. They’ve won every game so far in the postseason by an average of 31.3 points per game heading into their meeting against Reidsville. Pettiford put up 24 points, eight assists, six rebounds and four steals in their win over Goldsboro on Saturday. Kobe Jones had a big game as well with 22 points and a number of highlight-reel dunks. They’ll look to keep the show going on Tuesday night.
Reidsville is led by the duo of Breon Pass and unsigned senior Auldon Edwards, who recently eclipsed the 2,000-point mark. Pass is a prospect that never gives up regardless of score. It will be interesting to see how he performs in this environment. Pass put up 27 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in their win over Hertford County while Edwards had 17 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks. Junior Carter Wilson is one to keep an eye on as well. He put up 20 points and six made 3-pointers in their Sweet 16 win over Hertford County.
Kinston (26-3) vs. Farmville Central (27-2)
Part 2 of the Kinston Vikings and Farmville Central Jaguars happens on Tuesday night. Back on Jan. 18, Farmville Central won 81-71 but since then, the VIkings have won 13 games in a row. Dontrez Styles, Isaac Parson and company will look to play spoiler on the road and turn the tables in a rematch. Styles and Parson score 20 points apiece in their victory over St. Paul’s this past Saturday.
The Jaguars look to stay in the win-column against Kinston led by their star point guard Justin Wrigh (NC Central), Samage Teel and juniors Leontae Moye and Terquavion Smith. Farmville Central is a tough group to stop as evidenced in previous meetings against Kinston. They’ll look to keep that going on Tuesday night at home, where they’re 13-0 on the season.