The NCHSAA Brackets were released on Sunday night, which you can find here (Click Link). With the matchups released, it is always fun to take a look at a few intriguing battles that will be taking place in the first round of the playoffs. Here are a few we are looking at in the 2A.
Lake Norman Charter vs West Stanly
Get a good chance to look at the Lake Norman Charter program, who has won 20 games and have a nice mixture of experience and talent. Donovan Atwell, only a sophomore, leads the way with 18 points per game. They welcome in West Stanly who is coming off a well-fought battle against Forest Hills, who is the No. 1 seed.
West Caldwell vs. North Lincoln
West Caldwell is an intriguing No. 12 seed, winning 22 games this season and averaging nearly 74 points per game. They have the offense that can create trouble, led by a ton of seniors including Anthony Isbell (averaging 22 points, 6 rebounds per game). They welcome in North Lincoln that won 10 games in the South Fork Athletic Conference and shouldn’t be looked past.
Madison vs. Patton
Two teams with seniors and both have won over 17 games. Patton hits the road behind Holsclaw and Rigsbee, looking to capture some of the late magic that allowed them to finish the season going 6-2 and winning their conference tournament. Madison stumbled in their last game and will be hoping to get back on track at home in a tough first-round matchup.
Hertford Co. vs. Thomasville
Solid matchup to keep an eye that will have two young prospects to watch in sophomore Keondre Rodgers (Hertford) (averaging 14 points per game) and Janhri Luckey (Thomasville) (averaging 10 points per game). Hertford won 6 of their last 7, with their only loss coming vs. First Flight on the road and then getting revenge in the conference championship. Thomasville is a competitive team and have won their last three road games.
Other games to watch:
Smoky Mountain vs. Salisbury
Shelby vs. Wilkes Central
Atkins vs. South Point
R-S Central vs. North Forsyth
First Flight vs. Wheatmore
Southwest Edgecombe vs. Ledford
Kinston vs. East Duplin