CONCORD – The thumping of the ball against the hardwood, the symphony of screeching sneaker rubber echoing throughout the gym used to be metaphors for Jaiden Thompson’s heartbeat.
The top-seeded Central Cabarrus Vikings are heading to the 3A state championship game, avoiding a second consecutive playoff loss to the West Charlotte Lions in style with a 78-51 win.
CONCORD – They draw fans to the storied gym in droves, as if the Charlotte Hornets – the original Kelly Tripucka-in-the-Charlotte-Coliseum Hornets – will be taking the floor.