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Bringing the top North and South Carolina high school senior basketball players together on March 23 promised to provide exceptional competition at the Carolinas Classic All-Star Basketball Games sponsored by House of Raeford Farms FLOCK. The results did not disappoint. Hoggard High School in Wilmington, NC served as the venue where the SC Girls’ team closely defeated the NC Girls 81-77, while the NC Boys overpowered the SC Boys’ squad 109-91.
The SC Girls snapped a three-game losing streak with their victory led by Most Outstanding Player Terriana Gray of AC Flora High (10 points), Victoria Star Morris (South Pointe – 13 points), and Quinasia Abercrombie (Wade Hampton – 16 points). After trailing in the first half, South Carolina batted back to take the lead and held on for the win. Leading the North Carolina girls in scoring was Jayda Angel of Cape Fear High, and an Elon University commit, with a game-high 24 points. Other top scorers were Joi Pergerson (Middle Creek – 13 points) and Lauren Arnold (West Rowan – 12 points). North Carolina leads the series 15-10.
From the opening tipoff to the closing seconds, the boys demonstrated why they were best in their respective states. Most Outstanding Player for the boys, Grant Hamilton of North Carolina’s Weddington High, put on a three-point shooting clinic hitting nine made threes and tallying 31 total points. Isaiah Evans (North Mecklenburg), 2023-24 Gatorade NC Boys Basketball Player of the Year and committed to Duke University, contributed 19 points while Juke Harris (Salisbury) scored 12 points on his way to Wake Forest University and Maurio Hanson (J. L. Chambers) made 13. Cam Cooper of Lexington High, and headed to the University of Texas, led scoring for South Carolina with 21 points. His high school teammate, Jaxon Prunty, added 13. The victory broke a three-game losing streak for North Carolina, who leads the series 15-10.
However, the weekend was more than basketball. FLOCK focuses on youth development as one of their action pillars. In keeping with that mission, the student-athletes visited two local elementary schools on Friday morning interacting with children in the classroom, cafeteria, and on the playground. The expressions of joy on the faces of these kids as they talked with the players, shot basketballs, and gathered autographs told the story of the day.
We also hosted physically and intellectually challenged youth and adults from ACCESS of Wilmington for an inclusive basketball clinic, wheelchair exhibition, and autograph session at Hoggard High School. Carolinas Classic student-athletes interacted with these amazing individuals, and in the process learned life skills to carry beyond graduation.
Chase Daniel from Central Cabarrus High and a member of the NC Boys’ team summed up his weekend this way, “It was truly an amazing experience and something I will never forget.” SC Girls’ player Jerchel Geathers of Carvers Bay High added, “Those special needs kids and adults at the ACCESS of Wilmington clinic have a special place in my heart. Though I was there to inspire and encourage them, they truly inspired and uplifted me.” Finally in a message to FLOCK, Lamont Wakefield, head coach of the SC Girls’ squad, shared, “Thank you for your investment in the game and the community, and for giving the coaches and players an experience that will last forever.”
In addition to the athletes giving back, House of Raeford Farms FLOCK presented $25,000 to ACCESS of Wilmington, which represented all proceeds from Carolinas Classic ticket sales and a generous donation from FLOCK. This nonprofit organization operates six programs eliminating barriers to health and wellness through sports, recreation and fitness for children, adults, and veterans in our community with disabilities. FLOCK also honored the Nicholas family of seven, including five foster children, for their service, sacrifice, and devotion to others in the ACCESS community. The Nicholas household will “build their own family adventure” funded by FLOCK.
The Nicholas Family Honored
Photos from the weekend events are available here. Please credit or tag Drew Stevens Photography on social media posts.
Total scoring for the Boys’ teams:
North Carolina 108, South Carolina 91
NC: Grant Hamilton 31, Isaiah Evans 19, Maurio Hanson 13, Juke Harris 12, Bishop Boswell 9, Richard Goods 9, Ari Fulton 7, Chase Daniel 4, Sir Mohammed 3, Carson Daniel 2
SC: Cam Scott 21, Jaxon Prunty 13, Ellis Graham 11, Braylhan Thomas 10, Justin Ray 10, Will Fowler 8, Jayden Pretty 8, Yannick Smith 5, Julen Iturbe 3, Alex Atkinson 2
Most Outstanding Player – Grant Hamilton, Weddington High School, Matthews, NC
Total scoring for Girls’ teams:
South Carolina 81, North Carolina 77
SC: Quinasia Abercrombie 16, Victoria Star Morris 13, Jerchel Geathers 12, Terriana Gray 10, Destiny Drakeford 9, Raina McGowens 9, Jaleya Ford 8, Kiara Croskey 2, Norriyah Bradley 2
NC: Jayda Angel 24, Joi Pergerson 13, Lauren Arnold 12, Mikayla Taborn 8, Lillian Booker 7, Jerin Truesdale 5, Laila Lewis 4, Yamorie Hardison 2, Dot Mills 2
Most Outstanding Player – Terriana Gray, AC Flora High School, Columbia, SC