Sandhills Machine class of 2025 (eighth grade) captured their second national championship in two weeks while competing at the Youth N Motion’s Sworn 2 Ball National Championships held at the Greensboro Sportsplex on July 10 and July 11.
The Machine dominated pool play with wins over Team Impact Elite A 44 – 17, Success Beyond Measure 37 – 15 and Triad Storm 44 – 36 to secure first place in pool play.
The wins were courtesy of Will Miller’s ability to control the paint on both ends of the floor, the crafty guard play of Na’Zia Green, the athleticism of Taveon Harris and the all-around play of the team. Each player contributed by playing to their strengths to make the team successful.
The Triad Storm win was crucial. A loss would have caused a three-way tie. The Machine came out flat but slowly found their footing led by Will Miller with 17 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks, 6 steals; Na’Zia Green 9 points, 6 steals; Taveon Harris 8 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, 3 steals; and a team-high of 18 steals and a team-low 7 turnovers.
The championship game was a carry-over of the previous national championship’s defensive effort- how well can you guard the three-point line.
Team Impact Elite A came out with a barrage of three-point field goals. Coach Jeremy Kyle and Kimberly Sanders calmed the players down and made some adjustments that led to a 54 – 23 win.
A total team effort with balanced scoring, the game was won with constant defensive pressure from the guards (Na’Zia Green, Sencedrick Barham, Jameel Smith), wings (Taveon Harris, Dakota Bender, Roderick Daniels) and Will Miller’s ability to protect the rim.
The team was led by Taveon Harris with 15 points, 3 assists, 5 rebounds, 4 steals; Jamari Harvey 8 points, 2 steals; Will Miller 6 points, 3 assists, 6 blocks, 9 rebounds; and a team-high of 14 total assists.
Next up for Sandhills Machine 2025-Kyle is the BodyArmor State Games July 17 – 18 in Raleigh.
“Everything seems to be coming together at the right time,” said Sandhills Machine President Cash Sutton. “The BodyArmor State Games is a huge event with major customs that resemble other big events, and I believe they’re ready. Special thanks to all those who make it possible; Sandhills Machine’s coaches, volunteers, members and parents, First Bank, Blendz Barbershop, Sandhills Community College, Jasmine Green (Realtor), Kimberly Sutton, Richard Mandell and all the silent donors. We thank you all.”
Feature photo: Left to right: Head Coach Jeremy Kyle, Na’Zia Green, Jamari Harvey, Jameel Smith, Devion Coleman, Coach Kimberly Sanders, Aiden Leonard, Jaylen Kyle, Dakota Bender, Will Miller, Alex Landry, Taveon Harris, Sencedrick Barham, and Roderick Daniels. Not in photo: Devon Warren and David White.
Courtesy photo/Contributed.
