The week of March 11th is finally upon us and at this point, all squads still alive have battled to be here. 

Some teams have really overachieved and soared passed preseason expectations and others were expected to advance to this point.

North Surry will be represented by both their men’s and women’s programs in the 2A championship game. On the men’s side NSHS (27-4,9-1), and rival Mt Airy high school (25-7.10-2), both put on for their city Surry will get a chance to win it all while the Granite Bears fell to Lincoln Charter (29-4,12-1) in last weeks final four 54-51.

2A Finale: NSHS takes on Undefeated Northside 

The mighty Monarchs of Northside High school (Jacksonville, NC), have had a historical season and they come into this title game (29-0,10-0), on the year. Coach Tony Marshburn has an experienced roster these guys have played together for years and have accumulated a bunch of wins over the last few seasons. Northside has been led by talented senior guard Zach Hobbs (Uncommitted), Hobbs has played on the varsity squad since a freshman and he’s the school's all time leading scorer.

Accomplishing the perfect season won’t be easy by any means though as the Monarchs are pitted against the scrappy Greyhounds. NSHS also features a seasoned veteran lineup they shoot the ball well and play extremely hard. Coach Kevin King’s unit is lead by sharpshooter Mason Hawks (Lenoir Rhyne commit). The senior Pg leads his team in scoring and is the primary playmaker.

Two proud programs with exceptional lead guards will leave it all on the Reynolds Coliseum floor both attempting to make history. North Surry could spoil a perfect season and become just the fourth school in the last 23 years to win men and women’s title in the same year. For Northside they could potentially become just the eighth men's program since ‘86 to finish an undefeated champion.

Kestrel Heights maybe playing in final game ever

In the 1A final we have bigger implications than just hoops on the line for one school. Top seeded Kestrel Heights (31-1,18-0), out of Durham, Nc, could be closing down at the conclusion of this school year. Recently the Knights have been in the news due to them being under investigation for an academic scandal. This would be a huge distraction to any program at all levels but this team has willed through.

Coach Lenell Wallace and his team find themselves in a matchup with a worthy opponent in Lincoln Charter (29-4,12-1). Both these rosters are talented Kestrel Heights entire starting five averages double figures. Senior Javier Rodgers (uncommitted), is the lead man averaging 20 ppg, 2019 prospect Marcotis Hall is an intriguing prospect at 6’5 he’s very versatile Hall plays down low and on the wing. 

Coach Brad Gabriel has a young roster but they make big plays and have a nice swagger on the court. Kody Shubert (2018) leads the Eagles averaging 20 ppg and dishes out seven dimes a game to go along with it.  Sophomores Jackson Gabriel (Uncommitted), and Lavonte Knox (uncommitted), are also having good campaigns this backcourt is one of the best in the state. All three guards are D1 level prospects and have looks from schools like Brown University, UNC Greensboro, Georgia Southern, and Charlotte. 

A matchup of this magnitude with everything on the line is guaranteed to draw a packed crowd and there will be plenty highlights in this one. Both teams have sacrificed everything to get here, but only one can be crowned champion Saturday at the Dean Dome.