Top 8 Seeds (Double Bye)
#1 The Burlington School
#2 Greenfield
#3 Fayetteville Academy
#4 Trinity Christian
#5 Davidson Day
#6 Wayne Country Day
#7 Caldwell Academy
#8 Gaston Day
Top Seed
The Burlington School sits on top once again for this year’s bracket, as they continue to rack up one of the toughest schedules on the year and Coach Marshall challenged his team throughout. This is a team that has firepower and depth in several key situations and looks to secure yet ANOTHER state title behind 2024 Zion Walker, 2027 King Gibson, and a plethora of other big-time talents. They have been here before, but it won’t be easy with a deep division.
Top 4 Seeds Look to Challenge
We first want to take a look at the top four seeds with Greenfield, Fayetteville Academy, and Trinity Christian. Greenfield has been here before and took down TBS this year earlier. They have strong, experienced guards as seniors lead this group and 2026 Kobe Edwards has only continued to get better. Coach Salter knows what it takes to win a title as well. Fayetteville Academy is one that I would closely look at as well. This is a team that can be physical and brings depth to the court. They racked up the wins, and all their losses, they were right there for the taking. Jossiah Johnson is such a physical presence, along with big man Derrick Green. Xavier Johnson can be another strong scoring option, bringing a balanced attack. Lastly, there would be no surprise if Trinity Christian would make a run, led by their big man down low with 2026 Justin Caldwell. He has been dominant this season, while 2024 Linwood Rowe and DeVaughn Brown have been tremendous as well. There would be no surprise at all if these teams make a run to a title, that is how deep this division is.
Outside Top 4 Teams to Watch
The team that I would have my eye on is No. 7 Caldwell Academy, as they have been strong ending the season and seem to be turning the corner. They have challenged themselves all year long, and they have a star to lead the way in 2025 Jaylen Cross, who has plenty of talent to put his team on his back and carry them to a title. But this is a team that also has experienced weapons inside and out as well, and it seems to be clicking at the right time.
Championship Game Prediction:
POB Championship Game Prediction: The Burlington School vs. Fayetteville Academy
(PS: This decision was extremely hard, as this could be an EXTREMELY wide-open bracket)
