West Charlotte faces Hoggard for the NCHSAA 8A men’s basketball championship in Winston-Salem
A title matchup set for March 11 at Joel Coliseum
West Charlotte and Wilmington Hoggard are scheduled to meet Wednesday, March 11, in the NCHSAA 8A men’s basketball state championship game at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem. Tipoff is listed for 5 p.m.
The pairing brings together the top seeds from each side of the bracket in the first season of the NCHSAA’s 8A classification. Both programs arrived after navigating regional finals that underscored contrasting paths: West Charlotte emerged from a high-possession overtime test in the West, while Hoggard advanced with a defense-forward performance in the East.
How West Charlotte reached the final
West Charlotte earned its place in the championship by defeating West Forsyth 74-70 in overtime in the 8A West regional final. The result ended West Forsyth’s undefeated season and sent West Charlotte back to a state final, its first appearance since winning the 2022 3A championship.
In the regional final, Kaharri Coleman led West Charlotte with 25 points and scored seven in overtime as the Lions separated late. The game turned on a sequence in regulation in which West Forsyth forced overtime on a buzzer-beating tip-in after an inbounds play, extending a contest that had already produced multiple lead changes.
How Hoggard advanced from the East
Hoggard secured the 8A East title with a 51-33 win over crosstown rival Laney in the regional championship at Minges Coliseum in Greenville on March 4. The Vikings trailed after a slow start before controlling the game with defensive pressure and sustained half-court execution, holding Laney to 33 points.
The win placed Hoggard in the state championship game for the first time since 1970, marking a milestone season for a program that entered the playoff as a top seed in the East.
What the numbers say about the matchup
Statewide ratings released ahead of the playoffs listed both teams near the top of the 8A field. The final men’s basketball RPI report placed West Charlotte and Hoggard among the highest-rated 8A programs, reflecting similar season-long profiles and suggesting a final between evenly matched opponents by résumé.
Date/Time: Wednesday, March 11, 5 p.m.
Site: Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Winston-Salem
Classification: NCHSAA 8A men’s basketball
What to watch once the ball tips
West Charlotte’s recent postseason success has hinged on late-game shot creation and free-throw resilience in tight finishes, highlighted by its overtime win in the regional final. Hoggard’s path has been defined by tempo control and defense, demonstrated by holding a high-level regional opponent well below typical scoring ranges.
With both teams arriving as regional champions and top seeds, the 8A final is positioned as a test of West Charlotte’s late-game scoring against Hoggard’s ability to dictate pace and defend for long stretches.
Score updates and final results will be posted after the game concludes.