Fayetteville (N.C.) Northwood Temple senior center Immanuel Bates, who signed with NC State, made his debut last Tuesday, but did not play tonight. His family is being cautious with his shoulder, which had surgery. Bates said it feels good, but we'll see if there ends up being a second game played or not this season.
Northwood Temple had its hands full against Fayetteville Village Christian, who probably had five future Division I players. Village Christian won the conference semifinals game 82-72 at Campbell University. NC State senior center signee Ian Steere had four big power dunks en route to 14 points. He had some good blocks, but the speed of the game took him out of the mix at times. However, the up and down nature of the game was ideal for junior shooting guard Josh Nickelberry, who finished with 24 points.
Khuath Gatkouth of Village Christian was quite impressive with 23 points. He plays taller than his 6-6 height and will be a small ball power forward in college. He went to high school in Omaha, Neb., last year, and I think he's reclassed to 2019. UMass and Campbell have offered, but he could blow up this spring when colleges see him.
The other intriguing player was junior center Fiifi Quansah, who looks to be around 6-10. He's only been playing basketball for two years, but he can do some things you can't teach with that kind of length and has an Old Dominion offer. He and junior power forward teammate Chris Dodoo were maybe brought over from Uganda by David West and Garner Road traveling team program.
Fayetteville Trinity Christian topped Fayetteville Freedom Christian in the other semifinal game. Duke-bound junior forward Joey Baker was solid and junior power forward Greg Gantt showed some flashes, but it wasn't vintage Gantt.
Steere said he'll be at the UNC at NC State game for sure and I think Immanuel Bates will go too. Josh Nickelberry will be at Northwood Temple's girls basketball game Saturday.
Northwood Temple had its hands full against Fayetteville Village Christian, who probably had five future Division I players. Village Christian won the conference semifinals game 82-72 at Campbell University. NC State senior center signee Ian Steere had four big power dunks en route to 14 points. He had some good blocks, but the speed of the game took him out of the mix at times. However, the up and down nature of the game was ideal for junior shooting guard Josh Nickelberry, who finished with 24 points.
Khuath Gatkouth of Village Christian was quite impressive with 23 points. He plays taller than his 6-6 height and will be a small ball power forward in college. He went to high school in Omaha, Neb., last year, and I think he's reclassed to 2019. UMass and Campbell have offered, but he could blow up this spring when colleges see him.
The other intriguing player was junior center Fiifi Quansah, who looks to be around 6-10. He's only been playing basketball for two years, but he can do some things you can't teach with that kind of length and has an Old Dominion offer. He and junior power forward teammate Chris Dodoo were maybe brought over from Uganda by David West and Garner Road traveling team program.
Fayetteville Trinity Christian topped Fayetteville Freedom Christian in the other semifinal game. Duke-bound junior forward Joey Baker was solid and junior power forward Greg Gantt showed some flashes, but it wasn't vintage Gantt.
Steere said he'll be at the UNC at NC State game for sure and I think Immanuel Bates will go too. Josh Nickelberry will be at Northwood Temple's girls basketball game Saturday.
