For North Carolina junior varsity guard Kane Ma, Monday's 83-81 overtime win against Greensboro Day School was a chance to play against an old high school rival.
Ma, now a sophomore in his second year on the team, played his high school basketball at the New Garden Friends School in Greensboro. He said he almost transferred to Greensboro Day, a well-established and successful program, for his junior year, but thought better of it.
“I know a bunch of those guys, grew up with them,” Ma said. “It was really fun playing with them. Great way to end the season.”
Ma came to UNC in the fall of 2014 and immediately contributed to the squad. Coach C.B. McGrath said he wishes his team had had a little more of a successful season, but he still says the team had a great year. Ma had a hand in both with his propensity for turnovers and shooting ability.
“He turned it over a few too many times the last few games,” McGrath said. “He can make shots. So can Marcus Paige. We’ve just gotta see them go in sometimes, too.”
Against the Bengals, he made shots. After subbing out of the game for a few minutes in the second half, Ma headed to the scorer’s table to come back in alone. After having a charge called on Ma, the Tar Heels got a defensive stop. Ma then came down the court and sank a three in the last minute of regulation.
Then in the final 30 seconds of the game, Ma pulled up from the corner and sank another three. It appeared to be enough for the win, but Greensboro Day came back and forced overtime.
UNC eventually pulled out the win, thanks in large part to Ma’s 16 points and two assists.
“When he has the ball, we’re comfortable,” senior guard Mike Hutter said. “That’s really important as a point guard. We know he’s going to make the right play.”
