The Charlotte Hoops Challenge kicks off on Nov. 29 and carries over into the 30th with two courts of high school hoops in the Charlotte metro area at Myers Park High School. Here's a look at some matchups and players to watch on Friday.
The South Mecklenburg Sabres enter the Game 1-2 on the season while the Charlotte Latin Hawks hold a record of 3-0 entering the Charlotte Hoops Challenge. After opening the season with two road games, Charlotte Latin won their home opener to maintain an unbeaten record on the season. They'll have their hands full with the Sabres.
South Mecklenburg has been led by big man Joseph Ferrante, a 6-foot-7 junior, putting up 14.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks per contest. The Hawks will need to slow him down to continue their unbeaten season.
Vance High School (1-0) is a deep yet very young squad that will face a 2-1 Butler Bulldogs squad led by guard Jordan McPhatter (2021) and big man Patrick Wessler (2022). McPhatter is putting up 12.5 points, 5.5 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals per contest so far this season while Wessler has been a presence in the paint, posting 9.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.5 blocks per game.
Vance has a plethora of talent on their side to contend with the Bulldogs in the form of forwards Daniel Sanford (2022) and Daniel Ransom (2020), who should keep Wessler busy. Ransom is headed to Western Carolina next season. In the backcourt, there's Trey Green (2023) and Jaylen Curry (2023), both of which can make plays and put up points. It will be interesting to see how McPhatter responds to them, even though they're freshmen.
In the first Buckets Brand bracket game of the day, Providence Day (2-1) will face off against Victory Christian Center (1-2). Victory Christian has two losses on their schedule but Seth Smith (2020) and Tyreke Thompson (2021) have paced the team with 18.0 points per game and 17.0 points per game, respectively.
Providence Day should be ready for the challenge, don't be surprised though if Victory Christian gets the win in this one.
Davidson Day enters the Charlotte Hoops Challenge unbeaten on the season at 6-0 while Christ School is currently winless at 0-6 on the season. While they've gotten strong frontcourt play from DeAnte Green (2022) and Justice Ajogbor (2020), they've played a tough schedule in the early going and faced the likes of Hickory Grove Christian and Greensboro Day. They'll look to spoil Davidson Day's unbeaten streak on Friday.
The Patriots are led by UNC-Charlotte signee Jackson Threadgill (2020), App State signee C.J. Huntley, and Bryce Alfino (2021). It will be interesting to see how this one goes.
In the final game of the day, talented youth will be on full display as Combine Academy's Robert Dillingham (2023), Kris Robinson (2021) and Jacori Owens (2021) will face off against Cannon School's Jaden Bradley (2022), D.J. Nix (2022) and Jarvis Moss (2021). It should be a back and forth battle in this one and those are just a few names to watch for in a talent-filled game. Combine holds a record of 6-1 with a notable win over Oak Hill Academy. Cannon School enters the game 4-2 looking to shake off two straight losses.
Here's a glimpse at the entire schedule for Friday, Nov. 30:
BUCKETS BRAND CHAMPIONSHIP BRACKET
For any more information, check out the official Charlotte Hoops Challenge website.