The Playoff Preview: NCISAA 1A Division
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The NCISAA 1A State bracket looks much different than previous years with quite a few teams being moved up to 2A but there is still plenty of talented prospects at the 1A level. Let’s take a look at some of…
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Continue ReadingThe NCISAA 1A State bracket looks much different than previous years with quite a few teams being moved up to 2A but there is still plenty of talented prospects at the 1A level. Let’s take a look at some of the state championship contender teams and players to keep an eye on for the tournament.
The Contenders
East #1 Seed Cape Fear Christian finished the regular season with a record of 22-7, playing against some high level talent which included a trip to the Beach Ball Classic and playing in one of the top conferences on the east side of the state. Their schedule included games on the road against Combine Academy, Quality Education and Word of God Christian, so to say this team is battle tested would be an understatement. CFCA features 2022 D1 prospect Cinque Lemon Cinque Lemon 6'4" | SG Liberty Heights | 2022 State NC who is a player that can score, rebound and make plays above the rim at a high level and Guard Tristin Harkins Tristin Harkins 6'2" | PG Pine Forest | 2022 State NC who can run the show at PG but is best known for his sharp shooting ability.
West #1 Seed Victory Christian is another team that has played a tough schedule which should have them prepared well for the state playoffs. VCSS finished the regular season with a record of 18-7 with some of their matchups coming against nationally ranked programs. Junior 6’6 Guard Lewis Duarte Lewis Duarte 6'6" | CG Huntington Prep | 2022 NC is the name to know from this squad, his play this season has only helped his stock rise with MM & HM programs showing high interest and extending offers. Every championship team needs a big time player that can make winning plays down the stretch and he is that guy for Victory Christian.
Young Cinderella Teams
The Greenfield School has a young squad but they have shown that they can compete with all of the best teams in the state. They are a well coached team that plays with energy and if they get a nice rhythm they have a chance to pull of some upsets in the playoffs. One player to keep an eye on is Junior Aaron Murphy Aaron Murphy 6'5" | SF Greenfield | 2022 State NC , he brings an interior presence and some veteran leadership to a young team that is made of mostly freshman and sophomores.
Grace Christian School has a tough matchup with the #2 Seed United Faith Christian but GCS has some young talented players that wont back down from a challenge. Sophomore Wing Jessie Mitchell Jessie Mitchell 6'4" | SG Grace Christian (Sanford) | 2022 State NC is averaging 22 Points & 8 Rebounds while 6’5 Freshman Forward Makyi Butler has been outstanding all season, winning the conference tournament MVP and scoring 18 Points while pulling down 8 Rebounds per game.