Vance Charter continues state playoff run, defending home court
Feb. 24—HENDERSON — Vance Charter became the lone program across Vance and Granville County to advance to the third round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association playoffs on Thursday, downing No. 11 seed Clover Garden of Burlington, 47-40, in Henderson.
After earning the No. 6 seed in the 1A East Region, the Knights drew their second consecutive home game and welcomed the then 22-8 Grizzlies for a second round tilt.
Early on, Clover Garden found success from the free throw line and beyond the arc, scoring 16 of their 20 first half points in this manner.
At the halftime break, Vance Charter found themselves up just two, in danger of falling victim to a postseason upset after a back and forth affair.
But head coach Brian Howard knew his team would respond in the final 16 minutes and they did just that, closing out the third quarter on a 12-1 run to maintain a 38-25 lead.
"We've been a second half team all season," said Howard. "We knew in the third and fourth quarter that we would take over the game."
The Knights instituted a change in strategy, focusing on their tough defense, after allowing Reagan Allison to score 17 points in the opening half.
In doing so, they recorded hard fought turnovers, leading to fast break opportunities and a barrage of open three-point shots.
A dominating third quarter put the game on ice, as the Grizzlies would get no closer than within six in the final period.
Senior Camilla Welborn powered the offense for the Knights, scoring a team-high 20 points, while adding in five assists and eight rebounds.
Freshman Alyssa Bullock was the lone remaining member to score in double figures and recorded a double-double, tallying 10 points and a game-high 10 rebounds.
Their effort on the boards was a point of emphasis for Howard's squad, who he claimed was the smallest team he's coached throughout his tenure.
Vance Charter responded to his request, dominating the Grizzlies on the glass, pulling down 41 total rebounds, including 17 on the offensive end.
Limiting Clover Garden to one shot possessions and creating multiple second-chance opportunities on offense, allowed the Knights to grow their lead and ultimately pull away in the contest.
"I'm proud," saud Howard. "Any time you get to the third round of the state playoffs, it means you're a good basketball team."
While the Round of 16 appearance will take place on Saturday, it represents much more than 32 minutes of basketball: it represents the special connection that's been established in Henderson.
Howard and his group have been together since the girls' middle school days, laughing, growing, and winning together.
The coaching staff describes the program as "different" and that there is a "real close sorority amongst the girls," highlighting uniqueness in Henderson.
"We've created this bond and just watching them grow as people has been amazing. They're turning into fabulous young ladies who will go off to college and do great things," said Howard. "I think what we have here is special. You can't duplicate the chemistry our girls have."
That chemistry and the relationships amongst the girls have led to one of the most successful seasons in the program's history, dropping just five of their 23 games this season.
The Knights' winning ways on Thursday night marked their fourth consecutive victory and gave them their ninth win over their last 10 contests.
A short turnaround awaits for Vance Charter, as they will travel to Siler City for a third round matchup with No. 3 seed Chatham Central on Saturday.
"Everybody is still energetic, everybody is still excited, and everybody wants to win," said Howard. "When you have a team that wants to win and that will do whatever it takes to win, it makes it a lot easier."
