BCS Middle Boys Basketball Tournament: Tar Heel 54, Elizabethtown 9.

Tar Heel, NC – The Tar Heel Panthers kept their undefeated season going on Monday afternoon, securing a convincing 54-9 victory over the Elizabethtown Cougars in the semifinal round of the Bladen County Schools Middle School Basketball Tournament.

With the win, Tar Heel improved to 12-0 and punched their ticket to the tournament championship game, where they will face Bladenboro.

From the opening tip, the Panthers’ defense set the tone, using pressure to create turnovers and transition opportunities.

Elizabethtown worked hard to break the press, with Prince McKoy giving the Cougars a spark by scoring 7 points, including a strong finish through contact in the second quarter.

John High added a basket for Elizabethtown, as the Cougars battled to find open looks against Tar Heel’s aggressive defense.

On the offensive end, the Panthers spread the scoring across their lineup.

Levi Garcia led the charge with 18 points, finding success both inside the paint and from mid-range. Neo Cardona followed with 11 points, showcasing his ability to knock down shots and finish at the rim.

Jarvis McMillian added 6 points, helping the Panthers control the boards and capitalize on second-chance opportunities.

Daveon Whittington contributed 4 points, while Domani Grimes and Sterling Davis each chipped in 2.

Carlos Flores and Elijah Willis scored 3 points apiece, adding depth to Tar Heel’s offensive attack. Derion Parker’s 7 points came from a mix of fast-break layups and strong drives to the basket.

With the win, Tar Heel will now prepare to face Bladenboro for the county championship on Thursday at 5:15pm.

Tar Heel (54) - Daveon Whittington 4, Jarvis McMillian 6, Axel Estrada, Levi Velasco-Garcia 18, Domani Grimes 2, Neo Cardona 11, Derion Parker 7, Ty King, Anthony Guarnaccia, Carlos Flores 3, Elijah Willis 3, Sterling Davis 2.

Elizabethtown (9) - Khalil Moore, Prince McKoy 7, John High 2, Chase Moultrie, Damion Maynor, Ayden Smith, Richard White, Kollin Adams, Miguel Espinosa, Jurbrel Rodgers, Joshua Armstrong.