High School hoops have officially concluded here in the Tarheel 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.

Cox Mill Edges Eastern Guilford in Title Thriller 70-64

When the matchup was set between these two juggernauts a great game was expected and they didn’t disappoint in the slightest. 

From the tip this contest was up for grabs both teams trading baskets, making plays, and pushing the tempo. Cox Mill (27-4,16-2) needed a stellar performance from their best player top 2019 prospect Wendell Moore Jr and the stud delivered, Moore showed off the full arsenal on his way to a 29 piece. The sophomore also anchored the defense with three blocks this guy really gets after it at both ends. Fellow sophomore Caleb Stone- Carrawell (2019, uncommitted) also cashed in for the Chargers with 13 points and 7 boards. 

Eastern Guilford (29-4, 14-2)  fell down by as many as 13 in the second half but the Wildcats never quit playing. All-conference guard Jaylen Alston (2018, uncommitted), lead the way for coach Spinks squad. A silky smooth scorer Alston poured in 25 points including a two-handed banger at the buzzer to end the half which ignited the entire gym. 

It was a fast paced game but it took a while for the scoring to pick up for both teams. Cox Mill (24) and Eastern Guilford (12) combined for an eye-popping 36 turnovers. That stat is mind boggling in any basketball game but a state championship game well that’s insane. 

During the fourth quarter the Wildcats close the gap to just two possessions but they came up just short in the end Alstrom played the entire 32 minutes Cox Mill’s depth was too much to overcome. In the closing minutes, Moore sealed the deal on the Chargers first ever state title. 

Looking Forward- both these squads should potentially be loaded again next season. The Eastern Guilford Wildcats only lose three players to graduation next year and even better news the backcourt duo of Alston and Montrez Venable (2018, uncommitted) will be back in tact. These two rising seniors should have coach Spinks squad back in the mix.

As for the 3A state champs Cox Mill returns 9 of the 12 current players on the roster next year. Barring a transfer from Moore the Chargers could be the favorite to repeat next year this young roster should continue to grow together around their young superstar. 

Langley Brothers deliver on Championship Promise 73-49 over Leesville Rd

Early in the season senior Kameron Langley tweeted a promise to bring a state title to Southwest Guilford on Saturday he and his brothers rewarded Cowboys Nation. 

After an impressive season featuring Kam, Kobe, and Keyshaun in the backcourt these guys have done it all for their squad. It seems the key to winning championships in high school is to feature three brothers on the same team. 

Kam (NC A&T commit) can pass, shoot, and rebound he’s the definition of a stat sheet stuffer. He was the game’s MVP tallying 14 points and snagging 11 boards. Keyshaun (VA Tech commit) and conference POY was the lead scorer with 15 points. Kobe added another 10 points he’s an athletic slasher on offense and routinely guards the opposition’s best player. 

It started out very competitive in the first the score was tight 19-18 Leesville Road (22-10, 9-5) heading into the second and then the Langley’s completely took over. Coach Guy Shavers team pumped up the effort on both ends of the floor in the next two quarters, they attacked the rim relentlessly on offense and pressured the ball and forced turnovers on defense. 

Leesville Road was led by talented second-year guard Jalen Benjamin (uncommitted)  he netted 18 points for the Pride. Alex Hunter (Furman Recruit) had far from his best game he concludes his career with 11 points. 

Hunter leaves Leesville Road as the all-time leading scorer and MVP of the East region. This group overachieved and had an amazing run defeating five higher seeds to play for a title but they came up one game short.

Looking Ahead- Southwest Guilford returns the twin duo of Keshaun and Kobe Langley so the Cowboys will be able to build around the stud backcourt. These two guys will suit up for Team CP3 this travel season look for both to tear up the spring. 

Leesville Road loses their all-time leading scorer in Hunter they will also lose a total of four seniors three are starters. They return a strong core group with their senior class and Benjamin is a star in the making the offers should start piling on soon. This could be a dangerous team next year if coach Russ Frazier can work his magic again.