By Gene Galin
Pittsboro, NC – The Chatham NC Sports Roundup on January 16 with hosts Asheebo Rojas and me features a conversation with Northwood basketball coach Matt Brown, discussing the team’s ongoing success, key players, and strategies for improvement. The conversation covered the importance of player continuity, the growth of individual players like Cam Fowler, and the team’s goals for the season, including the pursuit of a state championship. Under Brown’s leadership, the program has not only sustained its success but also cultivated a culture of resilience, teamwork, and growth.
A Legacy of Success: The Foundation of Northwood Basketball
When Coach Matt Brown took the reins of the Northwood Chargers basketball program eight years ago, he inherited a team with potential but no guarantees of sustained success. Fast forward to today, and Northwood is a perennial contender, with state championship aspirations and a reputation for producing not just great players but great people.
The secret? A culture built on hard work, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
“It all starts with the players buying into the process,” Coach Brown explained. “Every year, we emphasize the importance of roles, patience, and growth. Players like Isaiah Blair, Chad Graves, and Cam Fowler have waited their turn, worked hard, and stepped up when their time came. That’s the culture we’ve built here.”
This culture didn’t emerge overnight. It was carefully cultivated, starting with the leadership of past players like Aaron Ross, Deuce Powell, and Jalen McDonald. Each generation of players has passed down the lessons they’ve learned, creating a legacy that current players are eager to uphold.
The 2024 Season: A New Chapter
Coming into the 2024 season, the Chargers faced a significant challenge: replacing a stellar senior class that included standout players like Fred Whitaker, Drake Powell, Jake Leighton, and Griffin Hobbes. Many wondered if Northwood could maintain its dominance.
Coach Brown, however, was confident.
“We knew we had a strong core returning,” he said. Players like Cam Fowler and Chad Graves were ready to take on leadership roles, and the continuity of the Northwood coaching staff has been a huge asset. These players have been playing together for years, and that chemistry is invaluable.
The results speak for themselves. Cam Fowler has emerged as the team’s leading scorer, averaging 20 points per game—a significant jump from his 11 points per game last season. His growth, both as a player and a leader, has been a key factor in the team’s success.
“Cam’s work ethic is incredible,” Brown said. Cam’s improved his shooting, ball handling, and decision-making. He’s only a junior, and coach Brown believe he’s just scratching the surface of his potential.
The Unsung Heroes: Depth and Versatility
While stars like Fowler, Blair and Graves often grab the headlines, Northwood’s success is built on a deep and versatile roster. Players like Beau Harvey and Josiah Brown have been instrumental in the team’s performance, providing scoring, defense, and leadership.
“Beau has been phenomenal,” Brown said. “He’s our floor general, averaging seven or eight assists per game and keeping everyone calm on the court. Josiah, on the other hand, is a sharpshooter who spreads the floor and keeps defenses honest.”
This depth makes Northwood a difficult team to defend. With multiple scoring threats and a commitment to defense, the Chargers are a well-rounded team capable of adapting to any opponent.
Defense Wins Championships
For Coach Brown, defense is the cornerstone of Northwood basketball.
“Defense travels,” he said. “Even if we’re not having a great shooting night, we can rely on our defense to keep us in the game.”
This season, the Chargers have employed a variety of defensive looks, including zones and presses, to keep opponents off balance. It’s a strategy born out of necessity and adaptability.
“Every year is different,” Brown explained. “Last year, we were primarily a man-to-man team. This year, we’ve had to switch it up based on our personnel.” The key is to steal a few possessions here and there, which can make all the difference in a close game.
Preparing for the Playoffs
As the regular season progresses, the Chargers are focused on fine-tuning their game in preparation for the playoffs.
“We’re always looking for ways to improve,” Brown said. Whether it’s taking care of the basketball, finishing around the rim, or tightening up our defense, there’s always room to grow.
The team’s non-conference schedule, which included tough matchups against top-tier opponents, has been invaluable in preparing for the challenges ahead.
“Those early games showed us what we’re capable of and what we need to work on,” Brown said. Playing on the road in a hostile environment, like Northwood did against Washington, was a great learning experience. Brown said it felt like a playoff game, and that’s exactly what they wanted.
The Drake Powell Effect
One of the most talked-about players to come out of Northwood in recent years is Drake Powell, now a freshman at UNC. Powell’s success at the collegiate level is a testament to the foundation laid at Northwood.
“Drake is a complete player,” Brown said. “He’s always been a great defender, and now he’s becoming more confident offensively. Watching him grow has been incredible.”
Powell’s journey has also shone a spotlight on Northwood basketball, thanks in part to the documentary The Prince of Pittsboro, which chronicled his high school career.
“I thought the documentary was very well done,” Brown said. “It showed not just Drake’s journey but also the culture we’ve built here at Northwood. It’s a reminder that we’re about more than just basketball—we’re about building relationships and helping players grow as individuals.”
Looking Ahead: Goals for the Season
For Coach Brown and the Chargers, the ultimate goal is clear: a state championship.
“We want to add to the legacy,” Brown said. “Every team that comes through here has the opportunity to leave its mark, and this group is no different. We’re focused on winning a conference championship, securing a good playoff seed, and ultimately competing for a state title.”
But beyond the wins and losses, Brown’s primary focus remains on the players and their growth.
“The relationships with the kids are what make coaching so rewarding,” he said. “Seeing them grow, not just as players but as people, is what it’s all about.”
Northwood basketball is a testament to what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and a shared vision. As the playoffs approach, the Chargers are ready to add another chapter to their storied legacy.
Watch the LiveStream Replay on YouTube – ChathamNC Sports Roundup – 1.16.25 by Merlin AI
Chatham Sports Update: Coach Matt Brown Discusses Northwood Basketball, Upcoming Games, and Local High School Athlete Highlights.
00:11 Coach Brown discusses Northwood basketball and upcoming high school games.
- Coach Brown highlights key games like Northwood versus Chatham Central and discussions on power rankings.
- The conversation covers player leadership transitions from a strong senior class to current team leaders.
02:24 The team has developed strong leadership through experience and commitment.
- Players like Isaiah and Chad have improved over time by embracing their roles and learning from practice.
- Senior leadership has been crucial in building team culture, aided by experienced coaching staff.
06:53 Team aims for continuous improvement and maximizing player potential.
- Coaching emphasizes the importance of rebounding and individual player performance, aiming for double-doubles.
- Regular practice film reviews ensure players understand areas for improvement and maintain motivation for success.
09:08 Early non-conference games helped define team strengths and weaknesses.
- The team learned early on what strategies worked and needed adjustment based on competition.
- Experiences like the challenging road trip prepared players for high-pressure playoff scenarios.
13:25 Coaching strategy involves adapting defensive tactics based on personnel changes.
- The team shifted from a straight man-to-man defense to a more varied approach due to different player dynamics this year.
- Emphasizing the importance of defense, the coach believes that surprising opponents with diverse defensive looks can secure crucial game advantages.
15:44 Team’s versatility enhanced by key players’ contributions.
- Beau has emerged as a crucial playmaker, averaging 7-8 assists per game and approaching 1,000 career points.
- Josiah adds depth with his defensive skills and outside shooting, complementing other offensive threats on the team.
20:18 Team preparation and focus on improving skills for upcoming games.
- Players are encouraged to stay committed, as long-term dedication leads to improvement and success.
- Coaching strategy emphasizes focusing on team strengths and defensive tactics against strong opponents.
22:22 Strategic tip-off decisions help gain advantages in games.
- Allowing the opponent to win the tip-off can lead to more possessions for our team.
- This tactic shifts the focus of the opposing team to our strategies, giving us an advantage.
26:24 Discussion on player exposure and Indiana basketball memories.
- The importance of providing exposure for young athletes to progress to higher levels.
- Personal anecdotes about playing in packed gyms in Indiana, highlighting the unique basketball culture.
28:36 Drake’s performance and progress at UNC is improving significantly.
- Drake is gaining confidence offensively, shown by his increased shooting and scoring in recent games.
- Coaching staff has effectively adapted their strategy, allowing for better team performance and individual impact.
32:27 Coaching impacts student-athletes’ lives beyond basketball.
- Tommy’s engagement and Sebastian’s commitment to faith illustrate personal growth among former players.
- The coach reflects on their passion for basketball and the joy of seeing students improve.
34:40 Drake’s documentary highlights his character beyond basketball.
- Drake’s involvement in the documentary was significant, showcasing his dedication and personality.
- The documentary, ‘Prince of Pittsboro’, has received substantial viewership, indicating its impact.
38:36 Discussion highlights with coaches and game coverage insights.
- Coaches express appreciation for the coverage of student athletes in Chatham County.
- Upcoming basketball games are previewed, emphasizing community involvement and support.
40:32 Chatham County basketball teams had mixed results last week.
- Woods Charter boys won against Triangle Math and Science, while Chatham Charter boys lost to Southern Wake Academy.
- Chatham Charter girls dominated Southern Wake Academy, and Woods Charter girls lost to Triangle Math and Science.
44:22 Chatham Central girls compete passionately against Northwood with a focus on fast-paced play and rebounding.
- Coach Adrian Albright emphasizes a fast style of play and strong rebounding to enhance team performance.
- The upcoming game against Northwood presents a crucial opportunity for both teams to showcase their skills.
46:12 Weekly sports roundup featuring basketball and wrestling highlights.
- Chatham Central hosted a senior night wrestling meet, with Northwood winning both boys matches.
- Jordan Matthews is set to host its first wrestling invitational, followed by the Mid Carolina conference tournament next week.
49:43 Chatham Central sports updates and upcoming events discussed.
- Due to weather, the track meet was canceled, impacting upcoming events.
- Chatham Central versus Northwood game is scheduled, with more coverage to follow.