With this being championship week in North Carolina at the public school level, we start the week off with the 1-A classification.

Winston-Salem Prep (22-8) vs Henderson Collegiate (26-10)

Saturday, 2:35 PM at Reynolds Coliseum at North Carolina State University

One of the top programs over the past 15 years in the state, Winston-Salem Prep advances for a chance to win their sixth title since 2008 and their eighth trip to the finals. Head Coach Andre Gould has been with the program since it’s beginning and has created a dynasty in Winston-Salem.

The Phoenix beat Chatham Charter on Saturday at Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory 65-60. Junior guard Troy Mills led W-S Prep with 25 points going 9-15 from the floor along with dishing out 3 assists. Senior point guard Stephen Minor scored 20 points and recorded 7 rebounds in the win.

Henderson Collegiate, 26-10 overall on the year, took the Eastern Regional Championship knocking off North Edgecombe 68-48 behind junior guard Javonte Waverly and his 27 points. Queens signee Kalib Matthews recoded 9 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists in the win.

Henderson Collegiate finished as runner-up last season falling to Bishop McGuiness in the state championship.

Keys to the Game

Stopping the guards

For Winston-Salem Prep, stopping the high scoring Waverly will be the first key to bringing another title back to Twin City. Prep has always been a team that prides themselves on the defensive side of the ball and will look to pressure the guards for Henderson Collegiate and force turnovers.

For Henderson Collegiate it’s the same game plan for the Pride, stopping the two top scoring guards for Winston-Salem Prep, Troy Mills and Stephen Minor. Forcing the guards into turnovers and getting points on those possession changes will be key.

This game could end up being a high scoring affair if both teams get into a rhythm and let their guards go to work.

Rebounding

Henderson Collegiate grabbed 55 rebounds in their win over North Edgecombe, WS-Prep recorded 24 in their win over Chatham Charter. Keeping the Pride off the glass will be very crucial for WS-Prep in their quest for their 6th title. Henderson Collegiate had three players in double-figures in the rebounding column. 

Our Prediction:

In a close one, Henderson Collegiate takes it 70-67 and wins the title after falling just short last season.