The boys basketball team at Christ School achieved their goal of winning the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association 4A state championship for the second year in a row by defeating Providence Day with a score of 56-45.

Last year’s championship game ended with a score of 53-48, with the Greenies emerging victorious over Carmel Christian.

Zymicah Wilkins, a newcomer to Christ School, dominated with 17 points, leading the team to victory. Prior to joining the team this year, the senior was a standout player at R-S Central High School.

Keenan Wilkins, a senior, also contributed 16 points.

Trajan Thompson, the junior sharpshooter from Providence Day, scored the highest with 21 points.

The game had a low score in the beginning. At halftime, Christ School was only leading 24-18.

In the fourth quarter, Christ School established a 13-point advantage, but Providence Day gradually narrowed the gap.

Thompson’s 3-point shot decreased Christ School’s lead to 44-40 with 1:50 remaining in the game.

Following a double dribble turnover and a timeout taken by Christ School, Jamari Briggs was charged with a foul on Providence Day’s Jonah Lawrence, causing the Greenies to surpass the foul limit with 1:33 remaining. Lawrence was unable to make either of his free throws and the second was retrieved by Zymicah Wilkins, who was promptly fouled by Deuce Hanes II. This resulted in Hanes reaching his fifth and final foul.

At the opposite side of the court, Wilkins converted one out of two free throws, giving Christ a 45-40 lead.

Thompson failed to make a swift three-pointer and Wilkins secured the rebound with 1:20 remaining. Christ School’s Madden Collins successfully made one of two free throws, increasing their lead to six points.

Following a missed shot by Providence Day, Christ School quickly obtained the rebound and caused a jump ball, which was awarded to the Greenies.

Collins was once again fouled and made one of two free throws, bringing Christ’s score to 47-40 with only 1:02 remaining.

Jordan Appling from Providence Day was awarded two points after a loose ball foul by Christ School. This narrowed the Christ School’s lead to 47-42 with only 47 seconds left in the game.

Collins was fouled once again by Providence Day and successfully made both of his free throws.

After a quick turnover, the Chargers relinquished possession to Christ School with only 49 seconds remaining.

On the upcoming Greenie possession, Keenan Wilkins was sent to take a free throw. He successfully made the first shot but missed the second, resulting in Christ leading 50-42.

With 33 seconds remaining, Providence Day narrowed the lead with a foul on Nick Hailey. Hailey successfully made one free throw, but missed the other. Christ School was still in the lead with a score of 50-43.

In the last minute, Keenan Wilkins and Collins were able to bring Christ School’s score up to 56 points while playing at the line.

The Greenies concluded the season with a record of 26 wins and 5 losses, compared to Providence Day’s 25 wins and 9 losses.

Source: highschoolot.com