Prep basketball gameday: Friday's key games, players to watch

WHO’S ON FIRE

Seth Hartley, G, Gaston Christian

The senior scored a season-high 19 points in Tuesday’s loss to Southlake Christian. Hartley’s career high is 22 points, set last season.

Jevon Patton, G, Highland Tech

The junior not only scored 31 points but also hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to give the Rams a 55-52 win at North Lincoln on Tuesday. Oh yeah, he also reached the 1,000-point mark for his career.

Ashley Mull, G, South Point

The junior poured in 19 points to go with six assists in Tuesday’s win against Hunter Huss. Mull averages 16.0 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists.

Other strong performances Tuesday: Cherryville’s Brandon Tuft scored 25 points against Lake Norman Charter. … Ashbrook’s Brittany Patterson had 23 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks against North Gaston. … Cherryville’s Lauren Graham scored 27 points and pulled down seven rebounds against Lake Norman Charter. … Taylor Williams had 27 points and 16 rebounds in a loss to Huss. … Jaelan Kennedy had 25 points and six rebounds in a win at South Point. … Dominique Adams’ 21 points led Forestview in a win at Crest. … Chazz Surratt scored 20 for Victory Christian against Academy of Excellence … Kesi McGloster’s 20 points led Gaston Christian against Southlake Christian. … Cramerton Christian’s Kara Wright scored 18 in a win against Tri-City.

FRIDAY'S KEY GAMES

Ashbrook at South Point — The Ashbrook boys handed South Point its first loss of the season way back on Dec. 20, but much has changed since then. Ashbrook (13-5, 6-2) trails Forestview (6-1) in the Big South standings and South Point (11-4, 4-4) has lost three in a row. The girls game pits two teams tied for third, with Ashbrook (7-9, 5-3) having defeated the Red Raiders (9-6, 5-3) 46-39 in the first meeting.

Lincolnton at North Lincoln — This is not only a big rivalry but also a battle of top-three teams in the boys and girls standings. The Lincolnton boys (14-2, 9-0) have a two-game lead over Highland Tech atop the Southern Piedmont standings and North Lincoln (11-6, 5-4) is tied for third with Lake Norman Charter. Lincolnton won two earlier meetings 69-46 and 58-42. The North Lincoln girls (13-4, 9-0) hold a three-game lead over three teams tied for second, including Lincolnton (10-6, 6-3). North Lincoln has defeated the Wolves 76-58 and 36-29.

Click here for Friday's full schedule and conference standings