Whitefield Academy squeaked by a win in the first round of state playoffs against Kings Ridge, 56-55. King’s Ridge kept the WolfPack hustling the entire game with several back-and-forth exchanges that kept the two teams within just points of each other the entire game. The first quarter begin with King’s Ridge up by four; Isaiah Hart (11th) and Malik Jones (12th) contributed a basket and three-pointer, respectively, but the quarter ended with King’s Ridge ahead by one point. In the second quarter, the two teams battled it out and tied up the score at two different points. Brendon Myles (12th) added a jumper and free throw points, and Isaiah scored a running floater, but King’s Ridge kept up the pressure and at halftime, the score was once again tied 23-23.
During the third quarter, the WolfPack came out fighting and a determined Isaiah added a mid-range jumper from the top, four free throws, and a runner in the lane. Jimmy McCarthy (11th) contributed a free throw and Brendon also added some points to put Whitefield ahead by its highest margin yet, 39-33. With winning in mind, the WolfPack opened the final quarter with a three-pointer by Brendon. Noah Dryden (9th), earned points on a layup on a fast break and Brendon added two more free throw points. However, King’s Ridge was not going to go down easily and they continued to keep the game at a fever pitch with fans screaming as each point flew between teams. With 1:08 left, King’s Ridge was on top by 1 point and remained there at the 34.9 second mark. Isaiah, not willing to give up the chance to earn a state title in his senior year, scored a jumper in the middle of the lane and brought Whitefield ahead 54-53 with 25 seconds on the clock. Both teams scored a basket, and the score was 56-55 when King’s Ridge attempted a last second shot to move ahead, but failed. The entire game was a hard fought battle but due to the determination and grit of the WolfPack, Whitefield is able to advance!
The WolfPack now moves to compete against Lakeview Academy in the state quarter finals on Friday, February 26, at 4:45 p.m. at Kennesaw State University. The winner will advance to the state semi-finals on Saturday, February 27 at 8:15 p.m., also at Kennesaw State University.