HoopSeenNC’s Justin Byerly will spend the next four days previewing the NCHSAA state championships from all four classifications. A rundown of what to expect, a look at potential match-ups and a final thought section of how the games may transpire. 

NCHSAA 4-A STATE FINALS 

South Central HS vs West Charlotte HS 

The stage is set for the NCHSAA state championships this weekend held on the NC State University campus and The University of North Carolina campus. In the 4-A division, the Lions of West Charlotte (25-6) face off against South Central (29-1). 

Future ACC Battle 

West Charlotte’s Jordan Brand All-Star selection, Patrick Williams has signed with Florida State. South Central’s Day’Ron Sharpe has committed to North Carolina in the 2020 class. Barring Williams leaving early for the 2020 NBA Draft, both of these players will be on the same floor again during the 2020-2021 NCAA season. 

Williams is a 6-foot-8 forward that can handle the ball like a point guard and can shoot it from the perimeter. Sharpe is a long and athletic forward for South Central that gets a majority of his points in the paint and around the basket. 

Showdown of the Guards 

Both of these squads have some high-level guards to run the offense through. West Charlotte has USC-Upstate signee Cartier Jernigan and 6-foot-3 senior guar Quinten Thomas. Both of these guards are strong ball-handlers, can get into the paint and can shoot it from the mid-range out to the three-point line consistently. 

For South Central, senior guard Shykeim Phillips is scoring at a pace of 16 points per outing. He is as tough as they come, he can score when needed to, he is a blur in transition with the ball in his hands. He doesn’t shy away from contact and can finish at the rim. Jahzeer Baker, a 5-foot-9 guard is a smooth lefty that can make defenders miss and is smooth with using the shot fakes to create space and knock down jumpers all day long. 

Paint Production

The rebounding and scoring in the paint question to this game is going to go towards West Charlotte. The Lions are averaging just over six more rebounds per game at 32 per game. Patrick Williams is the leading rebounder for West Charlotte at 9 rebounder per game but gets a lot of his points out on the perimeter and attacking the lane. South Central’s Day’Ron Sharpe gets most of his points in the paint and averages 9.8 rebounds per game. 

Final Thoughts

This should, on paper, be one of the best match-ups we have seen this year. Really similar teams in the frontcourt with Williams playing inside-out and some of the best guards in the state in the backcourt. South Central would have the advantage in the paint with the size of Sharpe and his ability to maneuver on the block. West Charlotte has the advantage on the perimeter with Williams, Jernigan and Thomas. All three of West Charlotte’s guards can get their baskets and are strong defenders. Thomas plays with his heart on his sleeve and is relentless. I see this being a close game but have to give this one to South Central prevailing.