CHARLOTTE - Something else to count down to this weekend along with graduation, presented by the heroes of yesterday’s Queen City Miracle at Charlotte Country Day.
The Buccaneers had possession and a one-goal lead with 20 seconds to go in regulation when Xander Ring ’25 stole a clearing pass and then sent the ball over to Caden Paradine ’25. Rather than shoot in heavy traffic, Caden found Thomas Flores ’27 for the tying goal with 17.4 seconds to go.
The game was tied 7-7 heading into overtime and Country Day had a great look on its last possession, with Jameson Dow ’27 making the save. Christ School was then able to go on the attack, with Caden scoring the game-winner with 2:02 to play in sudden death.
The third-seeded Greenies (13-5) are in the NCISAA Division I state championship game for the first time since 2022 and await the winner of today’s 4:30 p.m. semifinal between No. 4 Rabun Gap (9-6) and top-seeded Durham Academy (15-2). The higher seed will host Saturday’s game at a time that has yet to be determined.
Country Day (18-7) led 6-4 at halftime Wednesday, but only scored once from that point forward. Parker Abernethy ’28 tied the game at the 2:15 mark of the third quarter with his second goal of the second half. Caden, Thomas, Palo Miles ‘27, and Liam Burnett ‘28 scored first-half goals.
Caden, who has signed with the University of Denver, entered the postseason with more than 150 career points. He is now among the top-10 players in school history in that offensive category.
