Third Round
The playoffs continue as we now head into the third round of games. There are PLENTY of interesting matchups to watch here, as we get into the really exciting part of the NCHSAA playoffs. We break down the matchups and what to watch for.
Matchups
1 Wilson Prep vs. North Duplin
12 North Edgecombe vs. 4 Southern Wake
3 Voyager vs. 11 Bertie
7 Pamlico County vs. 2 Washington County
1 South Stokes vs. 8 Eastern Randolph
5 Thomasville vs. 4 Piedmont Comm.
3 Bishop McGuinness vs. 11 Murphy
23 Mountain Island vs. 2 Corvian
Must-See Games
12 North Edgecombe vs. 4 Southern Wake
Both teams are playing at a high level and both teams can really score the ball well, so I’m expecting this game to be an offensive showing that could be up for grabs. North Edgecombe seems to have things rolling right now and would love nothing more than to secure another road victory
1 South Stokes vs. 8 Eastern Randolph
South Stokes has been rolling along this season, continuing to have an impressive year as the No. 1 seed. But what makes this game more interesting than many would assume is Eastern Randolph’s offensive capabilities. They will have their work cut out for them, but they have been really strong in scoring and bringing a balanced offensive game.
23 Mountain Island vs. 2 Corvian
Hard to believe but Mountain Island has now won two straight road games and seems to be clicking right now. But they go up against a team that has been strong in Corvian Comm., who has already beaten them twice this season. They will need everything they can get to if they want ANOTHER road victory.
Players to Watch
2027 Christian Jones (Mountain Island): This is a freshman who has been playing at a high level, leading his team in a big way as he has been averaging an impressive 22ppg, including several big performances. If this team wants another road victory in the playoffs, he is going to have to have a HUGE game.
2025 Timothy Brower (Eastern Randolph): He has a tough battle in the third round, but Brower can step up big and continue his team’s success offensively. He has been averaging 21ppg, knocking down shots from outside, and being a consistent creator, but he may have to have his best game on the road to walk out with a win.
2025 Zymiere Dempsey (Bertie): This is a 6’3 prospect to watch for; not only has he been a force both offensively and defensively for his team, but he is coming off an impressive 36-point performance in his last game. This Bertie-Voyager is a game to watch, and Dempsey could be the guy that ultimately determines the outcome.
Second Round
The first round of games is complete, and several teams continue their season while others unfortunately came to an end. There were several tight games in the first round and now we take a look at the second-round games, with quite a few topics to look at.
Matchups
1 Wilson Prep vs. 17 Northside-Pinetown
25 East Bladen vs. 9 North Duplin
5 Chatham Central vs. 12 North Edgecombe
13 Northampton Co. vs. 4 Southern Wake Academy
3 Voyager vs. 14 SE Halifax
6 West Columbus vs. 11 Bertie
7 Pamlico Co. vs. 23 Bear Grass Charter
15 Vance Charter vs. 2 Washington Co.
1 South Stokes vs. 17 North Stokes
8 Eastern Randolph vs. 24 Mountain Heritage
5 Thomasville vs. 12 Carolina International
20 North Rowan vs. 4 Piedmont Comm.
3 Bishop McGuinness vs. 19 College Prep & Leadership
27 Christ the King vs. 11 Murphy
7 South Stanly vs. 23 Mountain Island Charter
13 Swain Co. vs. 2 Corvian Community
Most Interesting Games to Watch
5 Chatham Central vs. 12 North Edgecombe
This is a very intriguing matchup here in the 1A Division. They match up well, the stats line up between these two teams, and they have some strong leaders leading the charge. North Edgecombe is led by Dontevious Whitaker and Chatham Central has Reid Albright, both of whom have been consistent scoring threats as well as strong presences on the boards.
1 South Stokes vs. 17 North Stokes
There is nothing like a matchup between two familiar teams, even though South Stokes has owned the matchups this year. In the three games they played, South Stokes was able to make a statement in each. Teams separated by just 30 minutes or so, this should be a big-time crowd, but North Stokes will need a lot to go right to knock off the No. 1 seed.
13 Northampton Co. vs. 4 Southern Wake Academy
Chris Crudup and Southern Wake Academy have been strong this season, racking up 20+ wins and looking to continue the ride into the third round. This is a group that shares the ball really well, brings a balanced and experienced group to the court and can make plays on both sides. But Jiyoun Williams, Jamari Blake, and Torrey Harris lead a strong trio charge that looks to surprise many on the road.
Players to Watch:
2027 RJ Moore (Corvian): Only a freshman and one that many may not know about yet, Moore has been leading the charge at Corvian and this could be an opportunity to open more eyes his way. The 6’4 prospect can score consistently and really shows that he can knock down shots from behind the arc (58 made 3’s).
2025 Reid Albright (Chatham Central): The junior has been off the charts this season, being a big-time stat stuffer for his team. Whether it has been scoring (22.9ppg), rebounding (9.3rpg), finding teammates and setting them up (4.9apg), or his defensive presence (4.3spg), Albright does it all and could put on a show in the second round.
