Who made our ‘mid-season’ NC all-star teams and who has the best shot at states?

One thing is for certain, there is never a shortage of high-profile games in the “Hoop State.” As we headed into the Christmas Holiday Season, we had a slew of games that will impact national-, regional- and state-wide rankings. In addition, The John Wall (Raleigh, NC) Beach Ball Classic (Myrtle Beach, SC), and Chick-Fil-A Classic (Columbia, SC) will take place this week. Many teams will also be participating in local tournaments in preparation for conference play. Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the key games that were played before Christmas and games of interest this week.

Parity and balance

If you look at the basketball landscape in the Raleigh-Durham area, one thing clearly comes to mind and that is balance. It’s going to be an interesting season to say the least as conference teams will be beating up on each other. Wakefield has been the team to beat in the NCHSAA 4A 27 Conference. In the 4A 28 Conference, it is wide open with Enloe and Broughton looking to be two of the early favorites. In the 4A 29 Conference, Panther Creek is currently 3-0, Green Level and Apex Friendship are 2-1, while Apex, Green Hope, Middle Creek, Holly Springs, and Cary all have a 1-2 conference record. The 4A 29 Conference may be the most balanced conference top to bottom in the state.

Games of the Week

Wayne Country Day 68

Greenfield 62

Wayne Country Day has been one of the stronger teams in the NCISAA 2A while Greenfield has been the traditional power in the NCISAA 1A and one of the favorites to win the NCISAA 1A state championship. Wayne Country traveled to Greenfield and played them in the Greenfield Christmas tournament. It was another classic game between two rivals from the eastern part of the state. Collin Tanner 6-5 junior (Wayne Country Day) has enjoyed a terrific season averaging 23.9 PPG and 7.0 RPG. Look for Wayne Country Day to once again make a deep playoff run in the NCISAA 2A. Aaron Murphy, 6-3 senior (Greenfield), is also having a stellar year averaging 23. 0 PPG and 8.0 RPG.

J.L. Chambers 83

The Burlington School 77

Both teams entered the season with extremely high expectations and, while their respective records might not reflect it, they’ve each followed through. J.L. Chambers’ defeat of The Burlington School was a major statement game, both for the Cougars’ program and the downward trend of traditional public schools being able to compete with anyone. Jaylen Curry shined amongst the stars, but the entire Chambers roster played their part in this contest. Expect these two squads to continue their championship aspirations. Coach Brian Frasier has played a brutal non-conference schedule and this win over a very talented Burlington School was definitely a signature win for the program. That being said, the next step for J.L. Chambers is to add consistency to their level of play. For The Burlington School, look for them to bounce back quickly. They have tremendous talent, depth and have one of the top young coaches in the state in Ryan Bernardi. We still believe The Burlington School should be in the conversation as one of the top 40 teams in the country.

Carmel 70

West Charlotte 54

As impressive as West Charlotte has been prior to the new year, they simply met a buzzsaw in the current Carmel Christian group. The Cougars have been incredible; their overall concept and cohesive collection of talent has led to a perfect start. Belmont signee Cade Tyson is putting up notable numbers across the board, but guys like Logan Threatt, Kaleb Siler, Niles Howard, and Navy signee Luke Krawczyk, among various others, have really bought in. The sky is the limit for Carmel Christian. Coach Joe Badgett has done an amazing job and look for Carmel to challenge nationally-ranked Greensboro Day for the NCISAA 4A state championship. Carmel Christian is yet another team from North Carolina that is vastly underrated on a national level. Year in, year out, Coach Joe Badgett and Carmel are in the conversation as one of the premier teams in the state.

Weddington 59

Providence Day 46

Similar to J.L. Chambers’ victory over The Burlington School, Weddington continues to showcase the powers of public-school basketball after defeating an arguably more “talented” Providence Day squad. The Warriors have shown no formidable weaknesses. On the contrast, they excel at exploiting the vulnerabilities of every opponent in their path. Although Chase Lowe, AJ Cook, Evan Morton, and Belmont Abbey commit Kyle Frazier largely carry the production for this group, the entire roster understands and embraces their role — which is a massive reason why they keep rolling.

Northside Christian 75

Trinity Academy 54

Through the typical lulls of a season, Northside Christian has remained strong and displayed their ability to compete with anyone in the state — even despite injuries. Their defeat of Trinity Academy continues to show that Coach Erasto Hatchett could have the makings of a potential title-contender. The likes of Wesley Tubbs, Mychael Mitchell, Daniel Lubamba, and Jalen Mattocks have been pivotal throughout the early season. Expect this group to get better and better, not to mention Northside Christian has played one of the most competitive schedules in the state regardless of affiliation.

Moravian Prep 78

DME 52

Though it should come as no surprise to those across the state, Moravian Prep continues to solidify themselves as one of the top teams in the country. Their victories over notable national teams in National Christian and DME Academy only further prove that Jeremy Ellis and the Lions can match up with anyone. Eli Ellis, Isaac Ellis, Hamilton Campbell, Justin Banks, Mayar Wol, Ryan Roberts, and Jackson Holt have consistently given opponents fits through their unique, fast-paced approach. They maintain their status as a premier team.

Upset of the year

Gaston Christian 64

Word of God 63

In the David vs. Goliath match up, Word of God came into the contest with an 11-1 record and a lofty national ranking. On the other hand, Gaston Christian was struggling with a 3-9 ranking and a coaching change. Very few people in attendance thought this would actually be a contest, but games are won on the hardwood and not on public opinion. Playing a very disciplined game, Gaston Christian rallied from a 45-30 halftime deficit to shock the North Carolina basketball community. Leading the way was Jahseem Felton, 6-5 sophomore, who finished with 15 points, six rebounds and two assists.

Battle of the 252 at the John Wall Invitational

It doesn’t get any better than having one of the top teams in the NCISAA 1A (Greenfield) play the top team in the NCHSAA 2A (Farmville Central) in the opening round of The John Wall Invitational. As expected, the game didn’t disappoint. Farmville Central which has won three straight NCHSAA 2A state titles came away with the thrilling 72-68 win. Farmville Central had a balanced attack as Jayden Pitt was the team’s leading scorer with 18 while Jah Short and Alex Moye finished with 17 and 15 points respectively.

Mid-Season Favorites: NCHSAA

4A

West: Ardrey Kell, J.L. Chambers, North Mecklenburg, Weddington

East: New Hanover, Overhills, Richmond, Wakefield

3A

West: Central Cabarrus, East Lincoln, North Iredell, West Charlotte

East: Northwood, Seventy-First, South Central, West Carteret

2A

West: Cummings, Hendersonville, Lincoln-Charter, R-S Central,

East: Farmville Central, Greene Central, Kinston, South Granville

1A

West: Bishop McGuiness, Hayesville, Mt. Airy, W-S Prep

East: Chatham Charter, North Edgecombe, West Columbus, Wilson Prep

Mid-Season Favorites: NCISAA

4A: Carmel Christian, Charlotte Latin, Greensboro Day, Providence Day

3A: Asheville School, Cary Academy, Concord Academy, Gaston Christian

2A: The Burlington School, Wayne Country Day, Northside Christian, Trinity Academy

1A: Greenfield, United Faith

Mid-Season All-Star Team (Based upon performance)

2022

6-2 Jayden Epps (Combine Academy)

6-2 Xavier McKelvy (United Faith)

6-5 Chase Lowe (Weddington)

6-6 Davis Molnar (Terry Sanford)

6-7 Noah Ross (Trinity Academy)

6-7 Daniel Sanford (J.L. Chambers)

6-7 Ezra Ausar (Liberty Heights)

6-8 Cade Tyson (Carmel Christian)

6-9 Deante Green (Asheville Christian)

7-0 Patrick Wessler (Combine Academy)

2023

6-2 Jaylen Curry (J. L. Chambers)

6-3 Treymane Parker (Vertical Academy)

6-4 Jaydon Young (Greensboro Day)

6-4 Silas Demary (Liberty Heights)

6-5 Freddie Dilione (Word of God)

6-5 Ja’Kwon Moore (Word of God)

6-6 Collin Tanner (Wayne Country Day)

6-7 Wesley Tubbs (Northside Christian)

6-8 Avion Pinner (The Burlington School)

6-10 Riley Allenspach (Providence Day)

2024

6-3 Kobe George (The Burlington School)

6-4 Jahseem Felton (Gaston Christian)

6-4 Rakease Passmore (A.C. Reynolds)

6-5 Drake Powell (Northwood)

6-5 Bryson Cokley (Christ School)

6-6 Paul McNeil (Richmond Senior)

6-6 Lewis Walker (Winston-Salem Christian)

6-7 Isaiah Evans (North Mecklenburg)

6-9 Kany Tchanda (Concord Academy)

6-9 Jarin Stevenson (Seaforth)

2025

6-0 Eli Ellis (Moravian Prep)

6-5 Jackson Keith (Southern Durham)

6-5 John Lash (Charlotte Christian)

6-7 Colt Langdon (Millbrook)

6-8 Zymicah Wilkins (R-S Central)

Teams that are nationally ranked

Combine

Word of God

Moravian Prep

Greensboro Day

This story was originally published December 29, 2021 at 5:00 AM.