NCHSAA 1A&2A 3rd Round Top Matchups
Kinston vs Roanoke Rapids: Clearly as the #1 seed Kinston comes in as the favorites but if you think this game is going to be an easy win, then you may want to guess again. Roanoke Rapids features some nice talent and will need to get off to a good start to build early confidence, if they can do this then things could possibly get interesting.
First Flight vs Southwest Onslow: It’s not too often that you see a team with a #23 seed, hosting a home game in the second round of the playoffs but that is the situation we have here. Both teams defeated higher seeded teams in the first round and come into this matchup with some momentum. However First Flight is the favorite in this one with a team full of shooters ready to fire away we can expect a lot of threes from: Dylan Blake, Jordan High and Reese Jones.
East Carteret vs Ocracoke: This matchup has a chance to be a really good one, Ocracoke features one of the most underrated seniors in the state in Guard Liam Caswell. He has scored it at a high level and continues to show why he is worthy of more offers than what he already has. East Carteret has a solid squad overall and is a team that has been battle tested this season and years prior.
Riverside vs West Columbus: This could end up being one of the more entertaining 1A matchups of the day as these teams feature players that can flat out play. Riverside HS is led by Senior Jadakis Bonds who is one of the top facilitators and on ball defenders at the PG spot in the state. While West Columbus is led by Mr. Double/Double himself, Jake Brownlee who has put together his fair share of bigtime games and highlights.
Northside-Pinetown vs Research Triangle: The 11th seeded Panthers dismantled North Edgecombe in the first round by 17 points. Sophomore Guard Rashod Smith put together another stat filling performance with 37 points and 12 assist. If Pinetown wish to advance they will need another big time performance from Smith as they take on the #6 seeded team.