Morganton, N.C. — This year’s 48th annual Freedom Invitational culminated on Wednesday with the host Patriots boys and the Hibriten girls claiming tournament titles. Below are highlights and interviews from both finals plus the third-place boys game, as well as scores from the other final-day games.
West Caldwell 93, R-S Central 65
The Warriors’ small lineup wreaked havoc and racked up turnovers en route to an easy victory despite 44 points by star sophomore Zy’Micah Wilkins of R-S Central (7-6). West Caldwell (9-2) was led in scoring by Malek Patterson (26 points) and Jordan Patterson (20 points). Zion Thomas added 13, Chris Gibbs and Mason Anthony had 4 apiece, Truitt McKinney had 2, Nigel Ransby had 4, Adrian Gonzales had 2, Tristan Harper had 6, Jadrian Robertson had 5, Ayden Bollinger had 3, and Dallas Fox had 4.
For the Hilltoppers, Isaiah Hipp had 13 points, Ladarien Harbison had 2, Saynt Wilkins had 5 and Malachi Coston had 1.
Malek Patterson, who was an HSOT Honorable Mention all-state player last year, was named to the all-tournament team.
Hibriten 54, No. 14 Shelby 35
The Panthers (11-1) knocked the Golden Lions (7-1) out of the ranks of the unbeatens with dominating guard play. Katie Story had 17 points and was named the tournament’s MVP. Joining her on the all-tournament team were Emma Poarch (10 points) and Zoe Walker (13 points).
Shelby was led by Ally Hollifield’s 17 points. She was named to the all-tournament team along with Draughn’s Ella Abernathy.
Freedom 79, Enka 75
The host Patriots (9-3) needed one final burst to put away the Jets (10-2) in a back-and-forth fourth-quarter.
Enka trailed by double-digits in the final quarter but took a 70-68 lead with 2:10 left. That prompted an 8-0 burst by Freedom to take a 76-70 with one minute left. Enka hit a 3 to make it 76-73 with 41.2 seconds left but could get no closer.
Star sophomore point guard Amore Connelly was named MVP of the tournament with his 24 points. He scored 19 of them in the second half. Teammates Dyson Dellinger (17 points) and Philly Harris (12 points) joined him on the all-tournament team.
Leading Enka in the loss was senior standout Jacob Tiller, who had a game-high 39 points. He and Jacob Adair (18 points) were on the all-tournament team.
Girls’ 3rd place: Draughn 54, Freedom 38
Girls’ 5th place: Ashbrook 54, Charlotte Country Day 38
Girls’ 7th place: RS “Prep Academy” 68, Enka 60
Boys’ 5th place: Hibriten 62, T.C. Roberson 52
Boys’ 7th place: Draughn 84, CHASE 57
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