VES takes down Hickory 

Hickory came out of the gate on fire, moving the ball well and playing a stingy defense. Hickory Guard Cody Young—who led all scorer with a game high 20pts 3 assist and 2 rebs—kept his team in the game, but their efforts would fall short. Virginia Episcopal would storm back from being down by more than nine points and pulll off a 46-44 win. VES had balance scoring and were led by 6'9 2019 Diop Saliou's 10pts 8rebs and Bryce Waterman's 10pts. VES improves to 8-2 on the early season and face Charlotte Country Day on Saturday.

Durham Academy defeats Northside Christian with sharp shooting

This epic matchup of private school powers was a battle which featured two of the top freshman in the state and country. Northside Christian 6'4 2022 guard Jalen Hood- Schifino went off for 18pts 3 assist and 11 rebs. Durham Academy 6'5 2022 MJ Rice however stole the show, dropping a Crown Town Classic record 27pts and 5 rebs. Durham Academy would use stingy zone defense and sharp shooting to beat Northside Christian 62-57. Durham Aacdemy faces off against Cannon School on Saturday, who also features the states top 2022 freshman Jaden Bradley.

Trinity Christian wins epic battle over Providence Day on Buzzer beater three

Providence Day would come out with a mindset to upset Trinity who on paper was more experienced and had more talent. Providence day never flinched and constantly made big shot after big shot. Providence Day would be led by 5'10 2021 guard Cyncier Harrison who finished with 23pts 3rebs and 2 assists, shooting 4 for 4 from behind the three point line. He almost made the shot that would have gave Providence Day there biggest upset of the season. Providence junior Drew Patterson also chipped in 16pts 2 assist. Trinity Christian would find them self in a dog fight the whole game they started the game off cold and would heat up. Trinity Christian guard Talton Jones would carry his team early and finish with 16pts 4rebs and 5 assists. Trinity's biggest play would come form future Providence commit Greg Ghantt who finished with 16pts 6 rebs and 5 assists and hit the game-winning three point shot as the time expired. This was an exciting but controversial play that many recorded on video. Irgonically, a Providence commit would help take down a team by the same name. Trinity will face Butler and Providence Day will take on Walkertown and star Jalen Cone. Trinity Christian 56 Providence Day 54.

Butler High blows past Trinity of Raleigh and Phenom Isaiah Todd 

Butler would use a swarming defense and scoring to best Trinity of Raleigh. Trinity star Isaiah Todd would get in foul trouble early and never got in rhythm, but still showcased a high basketball IQ and the ability to make others better around him. He is just a junior for now, but some college coach will definitely get a special talent. Isaiah Todd would finish with 14pts 8rebs and 5 assists. Butler 6'4 2019 Raquan Brown—a New Orleans commit—would finish with a game high 23pts 5rebs and 2 assists. Teammate 2021 guard Jordan Mcphatter would score 21pts, 4rebs and help lead Butler to a very good win, preparing them for a big showdown tomorrow with Trinty Christian. Butler 73, Trinity of Raleigh 59.

Sidenotes:

Durham Academy 2022 MJ Rice is a talented player. With time, I look foward to seeing how well his game develops.

Northside Christian's 2022 Jalen Hood-Schifino is a special talent. He's a very smooth player, but I would love to see him access that killer instinct. When he realizes nobody can stop him but him, its over.

Providence Day back court is way better than any body could have expected after the trio of guards they lost.

Duke's Wendall Moore is one of the most accomplished prep stars to come through the hoop state. He will face a very good Greensboro Day team coming off of a close loss on the road.