Bowman was named the 2A West Region MVP Sunday after a 19-point, 8-rebound performance to help the Cavaliers advance to the state title game. Bowman hit a shot with a little over a minute to play to give North the lead for keeps in an exciting 58-56 win against previously unbeaten Smoky Mountain.

North will play East champion Kinston in the state championship game Saturday at 2:30 at Reynolds Coliseum. Bowman, a senior, is 11 points away from 1,000 for his career heading into his final game.