Last night, the third round of NCHSAA high school playoffs took place. While multiple outcomes were expected, there were several close, highly competitive games on display. Regardless, we have the last eight teams remaining in the 4A playoffs:
West
(#5) North Meck vs. (#1) Myers Park
(#2) Lake Norman vs. (#11) Chambers
East
(#3) Green Level vs. (#2) Richmond
(#1) New Hanover vs. (#12) Panther Creek
Although this classification is loaded every year, it feels like this grouping is as talented as we’ve seen in recent seasons. Let’s take a brief look at each squad, looking at the East…
Green Level
Between their coaching staff and roster construction, it feels like Green Level has quietly been one of the more dominant teams in the state. Isaac Ericksen garners most of the attention, but their cohesive grouping of Israel Eatman, Tye Cain, Trey Manhurtz, and Trevor Manhurtz has allowed them to enjoy their best season under Coach Green—and it isn’t even close. Going 29-1 and earning the third seed speaks volumes to the loaded nature of this classification.
Richmond
After Paul McNeil returned back to his original high school, it felt like everything fell directly into place for the Raiders. Though he consistently puts up video-game numbers, guys like Javian Drake, Jamarion Wall, Braylon Barfield, and Ahaiver McDonald have each turned heads in their own regard. The coaching and overall understanding of roles is a massive part of what makes this group so successful.
New Hanover
Given their pure dominance throughout the entire high school season (30-0), it feels like New Hanover hasn’t received an appropriate amount of attention. In 30 games, they’ve had only five games with a single-digit winning margin. That’s incredibly uncommon. Rodmik Allen has shined as a leader all season long, but their core of Nolan Billings, CJ Kornegay, Zeus Batts, and Parker Crittenden each stand out as difference-makers for this group.
Panther Creek
As we stated in our preview of their third-round game, Panther Creek is simply a team that cannot be counted out. Their highly balanced roster of Chris Uwayo, Logan Ware, Cameron Hunter, Ja’Tez Ward, Zy’Vaughn Puckett, and Greg Ehlinger is naturally problematic for opponents. Add in their coaching and ability to beat teams in a variety of different ways, and they should continue to be a difficult matchup for whoever they face.
