New Hanover boys basketball persists past Richmond, advances to 4A state title game
Wildcats will play for a state title for the first time in 12 years
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WWAY) – In 2023, the New Hanover Wildcats exited from the 4A NCHSAA playoffs at home against the Holly Spring Salamanders, after losing their top 5 scorer from previous year’s team that went 24-1 and was upset in the second round.
“We weren’t supposed to do any of that,” said New Hanover head coach Kirk Angel one year ago, leading a team full of sophomores starters to 26 wins. “In the league, second round, third round, fourth round … I mean the foundation has been laid for our young guys.”
That foundation proved it’s now their time one year later. New Hanover is in the 4A state title game for the first time since 2012.
“We’re just that little team from the end of I-40. We don’t get into rankings, said Angel, who is no stranger to this state championship stage. “We have a culture down at the beach.”
“I put together an incredible schedule (for 2024),” said Angel. “I told these guys after we lost to Holly Springs that I would put them in a blender. We played just about every team in Wake County. These guys responded to every bit of the challenge.”
The Wildcats were led propelled by junior guard Rodmik Allen’s 25 points. Parker Crittenden had 9, along with Zeus Batts, who added a team high 7 rebounds.
Angel was quick to praise the staff and players of the Raiders. Richmond County, who was the East champion the year before, led nearly the entirety of the basketball game. New Hanover did not lead until 1:41 in the 4th, after Allen drained two clutch free throws after a shooting foul to get to 55-53, and the patented Wildcat team defense closed out the Raiders, leaving one of the state’s best scorers passing instead of shooting the game winning shot.
“To hold those guys under 60 points… I said if we can hold them to 60 – we have a chance.” said New Hanover Head Coach Kirk Angel.
Richmond boasted one of, if not the best, player in North Carolina. Paul McNeil Jr. scored 71 points in a game this year and averages north of 30. With his 6’6 frame and his ability to knock down jump shots from seemingly every angle and every inch inside the arc, it’s clear and obvious why he had a lot of attention entering the matchup.
Allen nodded when asked if it added extra motivation knowing the conversation surrounding McNeil, admitting he’s a pretty good player himself.
“He’s good. I can’t front, he’s good,” said Allen. “Coming into the game, doing what I do, I know I make big time plays. I know it was going to be a battle and I tried to compete and do what I could do to win.”
Look, @PaulMcneilJr is disgustingly good at scoring the basketball. One of the three best scorers I’ve ever seen at the high school level.
But I hope college coaches see what Zeus did today against him. He said it – he’s been locking up great players all year. But this cat was… https://t.co/s6651j9MDD pic.twitter.com/RMHIOyHjdf
— Jake Eichstaedt (@Jake25Eich) March 15, 2024
Considering McNeil’s size with New Hanover’s lack of size, the NC state signee was bound to ‘get his’, said Angel. “Paul McNeil is that guy. He’s super special. He’s a Power 5 talent. Everyone sees it,” said Angel of the Wolfpack signee. “Zeus (Batts) made it tough.”
But in the end, the Wildcats endured and persisted, and – as the cliche goes – survived and advanced.
Ultimately, the Wildcats will look to go 33-0 on Saturday. The state title against North Mecklenburg tips off at 7:30 pm. We will have a full recap WWAY News Sunday at 6 pm.
