NCISAA 3-A/1-A Semi-Finals Breakdown
The championship games are set in the 1-A, 2-A and 3-A classifications of the NCISAA tournament. PrepHoopNC’s Justin Byerly took in the action on Saturday of games featuring Trinity Christian vs United Faith Christian Academy (1-A) and Christ School vs Greensboro Day (3-A).
1-A Semi-Final (Trinity Christian vs United Faith)
In the first match-up, United Faith came out of the gate strong with three-point shooting from 6-foot-8 big man KC Hankton and UNC-Wilmington signee Jaylen Sims. The pair knocked down four three-pointers in the first quarter to give United Faith a lead heading into the second period. The second period turned into the Greg Gantt show. The 6-foot-8 forward was dominate when taking the ball to the basket and scored at will when he got his hands on the ball. Gantt would finish the night with 25 points to lead Trinity Christian. The third quarter would see Trinity Christian gain more of a lead with Duke-bound forward Joey Baker starting to get his feel going and making shots. He would finish with 19 points on the night. Trinity Christian would prove to be too much after Jaylen Sims was called for his fourth foul with just a few minutes left in the fourth quarter and would prevail 84-69 setting up a good one at 8PM tonight between Greenfield School and Trinity Christian for the title.
Also impressive for United Faith was 2018 wing Jason Thompson, a 6-foot-7 player that did a good job of attacking the defense and getting to the foul line. I thought recent Stetson offered point guard Rafael Jenkins was solid. Handled the pressure well and found open teammates.
College Coaches in Attendance:
Ohio University assistant Will Ryan for Nate Springs of United Faith. Ryan is the son of former Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan.
USC-Upstate Head Coach Kyle Perry and assistant Jon Cremins for KC Hankton of United Faith.
UNC Head Coach Roy Williams and assistant Steve Robinson for Coby White of Greenfield School.
3-A Semi-Final (Christ School vs Greensboro Day)
In the 3-A game, Christ School came out hot with high-flying Jalen Lecque and the shooting of Trey Austin taking a big lead early in the first quarter but a high-powered defensive scheme by Hall of Fame Coach Freddy Johnson would see that lead diminish. Lecque would finish the night with 23 points. Greensboro Day was led by Clemson recruit John Newman with 19 points on the night.
Newman is one of the most determined players I have seen this season when he takes a step to the basket. He will try and dunk on anyone in the way. Freshman Carson McCorkle was very good for Greensboro Day and finished with 16 points. Greensboro Day would take a 75-60 win to advance to play Wesleyan Christian tonight. Senior guard Tripp Greene was unstoppable with his 15 foot mid-range shot and Nick Evtimov and Mike Fowler did a solid job of Christ School big men Brandon Stone and Justice Ajogbor.
College Coaches in Attendance:
Wake Forest Head Coach Danny Manning and assistant Randolph Childress for Christ School guard Jalen Lecque.