Jaguars win battle of N.C. elite programs

Two North Carolina prep basketball powerhouses met in the quarterfinals of the Devonte Graham bracket of the 2022 John Wall Holiday Invitational on Tuesday, but it was the Jaguars of Farmville Central that came out the victor over Holly Springs, 74-59.

Holly Springs senior Collin Kuhl played well to start the game, getting to the rim, finishing strong and making his presence felt extremely well.

But Farmville Central had its own star in senior guard Jah Short, who went off early on for 16 of his game-high 31 points to lead his team. It was a back-and-forth affair and it remained that throughout the first half, with Holly Springs holding a 16-14 first quarter lead but Farmville Central taking a 38-37 halftime lead.

That back-and-forth feel would only continue throughout the third quarter. Holly Springs junior Ryan Crotty stepped up time and again, while FC senior Jayden Pitt continued to play well. Neither team was able to break away from each other, as Farmville Central held a 54-48 lead after three quarters.

It wasn’t until the fourth quarter when a team was able to create some type of separation, as Farmville Central was able to increase its lead to double-digits halfway through the fourth quarter and the Jaguars never looked back.

Short finished the game in strong fashion with a few highlight-reel dunks, as Farmville Central was able to secure the 74-59 victory.