The North Carolina High School Athletic Association boys’ basketball playoffs began this week with Tuesday games that ended after press time. It starts a journey that will end with the regionals and state championships, March 10-15 at Wake Forest’s Lawrence Joel Coliseum. Here’s a look at the top two seeds in each of the state’s four classes.
1A East: Washington County
The Panthers are 18-3 on the season but just 6-2 so far in February. That includes a loss to Bertie in the conference tournament in their most recent outing. Bertie, and Martin County, who won in overtime three weeks ago, may have found the blueprint to get past Washington County—slow the game down and play physical with scoring leader Brandon Carter. The senior, who averages 23.7 points, went to the line 16 times against Martin and fouled out after taking just five shots against Bertie. Washington also leans on junior Christian Phelps, one of the best rebounders in the state.
1A West: Bishop McGuinness
The Villains are riding a 17-game winning streak after going undefeated in conference play for the third straight year. They bring a 24-2 mark into the tournament and are looking to add to a trophy case that includes six state titles, including the 2009 and 2019 championships. McGuinness is led by senior guard Nicholas Graves, who is a triple-double threat and hit the game-winning three-point play in the Villains’ last outing—the only game closer than double digits so far this month.
2A East: Farmville Central
The more things change in class 2A, the more they stay the same. Farmville returns as the top seed in the East, and the Jaguars have played West top seed Reidsville for the title the last two seasons. Farmville Central will look to add a ninth state title banner to the crowded gym rafters. That includes five N.C. championships since 2019. This year’s edition of the Jags is 20-4 and riding a 13-game winning streak. Farmville is led by senior guard MJ Williams, an Eastern Kentucky signee.
2A West: Reidsville
The Rams return to the top seed in the west. Reidsville and Farmville Central have played for the last two 2A championships, with each winning one. The Rams took last year’s title, their fifth, dating back to 1924. Reidsville had a perfect season last year and enter the tournament at 25-0 this time around. They’re led by a pair of juniors—point guard Dionte Neal and center Kendre Harrison (an Oregon commit) and senior guard Johnniyus Sharpe (a USC-Aiken signee).
3A East: Swansboro
For the second straight season, Swansboro enters the NCHSAA playoffs with just one loss and a top seed. This year, the Pirates are 21-1 and on a nine-game winning streak. Teams have struggled to contain Swansboro’s three-headed attack of seniors Tayvion Tangiora, Jermaine Cunningham and Jonah Holt. All three are averaging more than 16 points, 5 rebounds and 2.8 assists and each is shooting more than 50% from the field. Holt appears recovered from a January injury that sidelined him for a few games.
3A West: Ashbrook
The Green Wave seeks their first state title after finishing runner-up twice, in 1977 and 2015. Ashbrook likely wrapped up a top seed with a win in the Big South 3A tournament, their first conference tourney title since 2016, to go with the first regular season crown since 2015. The Wave is 23-3 but has won 21 of the last 22 games. They are led by senior guard Issac Byers Jr., who is averaging 20 points. Junior Jayden Armstrong is also among the leaders in 3A in assists.
4A East: New Hanover
The Wildcats have 14 state titles in their history but only two in the last half century—2007 and 2012. They finished state runners up last year, when they also entered as the top seed in 4A. After opening the season 4-2, New Hanover has run off 21 straight victories. Only one team over that winning streak has come within single digits of the Wildcats. They are led by seniors Rodmik Allen (17.2 points, 5.7 assists) and Nolan Billings (10 points, 6 rebounds). Fans might also recognize the name of senior CJ Kornegay, son of former NC State player Chuck.
4A West: Lake Norman
The Wildcats’ last title was in 2010, but Lake Norman is loaded and ready to snap that drought this season. A pair of senior three-star recruits lead the team—center Trent Steinour (a Clemson signee) and shooting guard Tre McKinnon (App State). Junior Nick Arnold (14 points, 6.1 rebounds and a team high 5.1 assists and 2.5 steals) is no slouch, either. Lake Norman enters on a 16-game winning streak, with a 25-1 record.
