High school hoops have officially concluded here in the Tar Heel State we saw four divisions compete for the state’s highest honor.

Some games went down to the wire while other teams took control and never looked back. These rising stars battled it out right in the heart of ACC country for some it was their last chance to leave it all on the court. 

Lincoln Charter Puts on a show in 1A Championship

The Lincoln Charter Eagles (30-4, 15-1), soared to a state title win in their matchup with one seed Kestrel Heights (31-2,18-0), of Durham, NC, 97-75. 

Coach Gabriel’s unit came out firing on all cylinders from the jump the Eagles took the lead in the first and never looked back. Kody Shubert (2018, uncommitted) and Jackson Gabriel (2019, uncommitted) led the way these two really picked their spots and remained aggressive all night. Gabriel is a heat check waiting to happen. The Sophomore was on from deep early he scored 16 of his 19 points in the first half, Shubert put in an all-around effort he finished with 25 points, six assists and six boards. 

Kestrel Heights all-state guard and East Regional MVP Javier Rogers (2017, uncommitted) did everything he could to keep the Hawks in the game he scored an impressive 31 points for the game high. Coach Wallace’s squad fought hard and cut the lead to single digits 54-48 at one point in the game.

Rogers showed off a versatile scoring arsenal he hit from deep, showed a solid pull-up game, and also absorbed contact while getting to the rack. 

Two x-factors that Lincoln Charter took advantage of were points off turnovers they converted 12 Hawks turnovers into 20 points. The other decisive stat the Eagles were able to dominate points in the paint thanks to a strong showing from London England (2018, uncommitted). England had a great tournament earning West Regional MVP, he’s a versatile athletic forward capable of playing inside and on the wing. 

Looking ahead- next year Kestrel Heights will presumably close the high school portion of the facility and remain a K-8 school, this will force their current players to find alternative schools to attend.         

Lincoln Charter looks poised for another run next year they will return their entire starting five and majority of the key reserves on a 30 win team. Heading into the travel ball season most of these guys will suit up for Team Charlotte of the Under Armour circuit. Keep an eye out as this core group will look to continue to climb the recruiting boards on their quest to a National Championship. 

Northside joins legendary ranks with a dominant run to the ship

The Monarchs (30-0,10-0), have etched their names into hoops history after they've successfully completed an unblemished season and won the school's first state title.  Northside has been on a mission since the season started they haven't had many close games this year. Aside from a matchup with Clinton high school Coach Marshburn's squad has destroyed the competition these guys outscore opponents by 20 on the reg.

North Surry (27-5,9-1), is a tough veteran group that's been tested by some of the triads elite. They took their bumps to get to this point but coach Kevin King has a special group, both these schools have a proud history on the hardwood and in this winner take all only one of them could triumph.

The contest was back and forth in the beginning two very well coached teams moving the basketball and running their offenses. After a fast paced back and forth  first half Northside lead 37-27.  Senior combo guard Zach Hobbs (2017, uncommitted) got it going early to set the tone for Northside he picked his spots and shot the ball well within the flow of the offense. Hobbs was named MVP of the game after he finished with a cold 22.

For the Greyhounds it was a two man show between Carter Phillips (2017, uncommitted), and Mason Hawks (2017, Lenoir Rhyne commit), these bucket getters combined for 49 0f Surry's 64 points. The seniors did everything they could to keep their side in the game. Hawks had some big moments he was able to cut the Monarchs lead to single digits 37-29 early in the third with a strong take to the rack. A true turning point in the game occurred win Hawks picked up his fourth foul and was forced to become a liability on defense his team never recovered.

Coach Marshburn's team stayed aggressive in this one they got contributions from all over, Kenny Dye (2018, uncommitted) added 17 he had a solid performance setting up teammates and looking for his own shot. The entire starting lineup hit double figures and Northside shot 65 percent from the field as a team. 

Looking ahead- both teams will have to replace major departures Zach Hobbs the all time leading scorer at Northside high will be missed. Coach Marshburn does have a strong junior class returning next season to defend their crown. Gabe Kirkendoll (2018, uncommitted), and Dye will be counted on heavily to embrace a bigger role. Both these guys will work to get better in the spring season and draw more recruiting buzz while the iron is hot from their championship run.

For North Surry replacing the duo of Hawks and Philips won't be an easy task for the Greyhounds throw in Casey Hull and that's three starters gone. In total Coach King will lose 9 players but he does have talent coming back. A big junior class will be counted on to step up along with promising shooting guard  Mason Gwyn (2019, uncommitted). Gwyn averaged 20 points per game this season but he’s also a college baseball prospect so it will be interesting to see how much time he devotes to his game over spring and summer.