Jay M. Robinson (28-3) hung on to win the NC Boys 2A Championship 70-68 Saturday afternoon in Chapel Hill. Farmville Central junior Jah Short led all scorers with 28 points. Farmville used a prowling full-court defense to help overcome a halftime deficit, and 13-point second half Robinson lead, to tie the score multiple times in the last minute.
This is the first time that state championship basketball games have been played in the large college campus arena settings since prior to our introduction to Covid-19. Three-time defending state champion Farmville Central got down early in the game at the Dean E. Smith Center but did not go away easily.
Junior Jermaine Gray led Robinson with 22 points and was named Most Outstanding Player. Junior Daevin Hobbs had 16 points and 17 rebounds and was recognized with the Charlie Adams State Championship MVP Award. Junior wing Zi’ Kei Wheeler also added 14 points for the Bulldogs.
Short was named Most Outstanding Player for Farmville Central as he impressed with a strong offensive game and was not shy on defense as the Jaguars forced multiple late turnovers as they pushed to even the score. Farmville had trouble securing rebounds after late free throw misses by Robinson in the closing seconds but had one last chance after Robinson’s Jermaine Grant missed the first before making the second of two free throw attempts. Farmville coach Larry Williford used his last time out to draw up a play that ended in a desperation shot from half-court by Short as time expired.
Photo gallery: Game in pictures – Robinson over Farmville Central
