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 Swansboro vs. 9 First Flight
5 South Central vs. 4 Seventy-First
3 Southern Durham vs. 11 East Wake
7 Northern Nash vs. 2 Westover
1 Hickory vs. 8 Piedmont
5 Crest vs. 4 Southern Guilford
14 Ben L. Smith vs. 6 East Henderson
7 AC Reynolds vs. 2 Central Cabarrus
Must-See Games
5 South Central vs. 4 Seventy-First
This is a very interesting matchup between two teams that have had extremely strong seasons and bring balance to the court. I would say this feels like a toss-up type of game, and this should be a packed house. South Central is an experienced team that has several guys involved offensively, led by 2024 Ean Behm. But Seventy-First is right there, with a roster full of juniors, along with 2024 Mylon Campbell leading the charge.
5 Crest vs. 4 Southern Guilford
Crest has been putting together a strong season, and when you dive into their roster and what they have shown this season, they are strong offensive team that has plenty of players being able to step up and lead the charge; extremely balanced offensive team. But Southern Guilford is a team that has been able to get it done all season long, led by its strong duo of Jucqarie Love and Jamias Ferere.
14 Ben L. Smith vs. 6 East Henderson
We talked about Ben L. Smith being a dangerous team and now they sit here in the third round in hopes of making even more noise. They will go up against a strong East Henderson group, led by Caiden Brewer who has been doing it all season long. But again, East Henderson will have to slow down Kenny Miller, Gage Lattimore, Jaylon Bumpass, and several others, as this is a team that can mix it up in an array of ways.
Players to Watch:
Tayvion Tangiora (Swansboro)
This 6’6 junior has been incredible this season in leading Swansboro, and will be looked upon again to step up. WIth his blend of length and skill set, along with his impact in so many areas, Tangiora is quickly becoming a name to check out more. He will be going up against some good size against First Flight, especially Kaleb Spencer and company. But he has been clicking at the right time this season.
Corban Woodard (East Wake)
East Wake is an interesting team but they will have their hands full against Southern Durham. They have weapons to use against them, but I’ll have my eyes on a freshman in 2027 6’4 Corban Woodard. He has been a key piece in averaging nearly 12ppg, 6rpg, and 1.2spg, and they will need every bit of him to step up and bring a strong unit on the road.
Ari Fulton (Westover)
Fulton has been off the charts this year, and has shown that he can be a force all over the court. Westover continues to look strong and Fulton has been the main reason. Now they welcome in an intriguing team in Northern Nash, but if Westover is looking for the ultimate prize, Fulton will have to continue to play at a high level.
Second Round
The first round of games is complete, and several teams continue their season while others unfortunately come 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 Swansboro vs. 17 JH Rose
8 North Brunswick vs. 9 First Flight
5 South Central vs. 12 White Oak
13 Jacksonville vs. 4 Seventy-First
3 Southern Durham vs. 14 Croatan
6 Southern Lee vs. 11 East Wake
7 Northern Nash vs. 10 Orange
15 Hunt vs. 2 Westover
1 Hickory vs. 16 North Lincoln
8 Piedmont vs. 9 Freedom
5 Crest vs. 12 Ashbrook
20 Robinson vs. 4 Southern Guilford
3 Central Davidson vs. 14 Ben L. Smith
6 East Henderson vs. 22 Northwest Cabarrus
7 AC Reynolds vs. 10 Asheboro
18 Huss vs. 2 Central Cabarrus
Most Interesting Games to Watch
5 South Central vs. 12 White Oak
This is an interesting matchup to watch in my eyes. South Central has been tremendous with a 21-3 overall record and really brings a balanced attack that gets everyone involved. But White Oak is a team that I believe could be a sleeper, but they will need their leaders in Benbow Jr. Noel, and Jackson to step up in a big way. They have the firepower to go on the road and secure a win.
7 Northern Nash vs. 10 Orange
I find this game very interesting to watch, especially with this being a game showcasing some tremendous young talent to watch out for. 2026 Cole Cloer is proving to be one of the top players in his class, as he is averaging 25ppg. But they also have 2026 Kai Wade and 2026 Mason Robinson that could shine. Northern Nash has a strong guard duo in seniors Mallory and King, but 2027 CJ Rosser Jr. is a rising name to watch out for.
5 Crest vs. 12 Ashbrook
This will be the third time these two teams have met up, with Crest winning both of them. The second game was a close one in the end, and Ashbrook has to figure out how to find better success on the road this time. But these two teams get after it offensively, and Ashbrook has been known to create some havoc defensively at times while Crest has been strong on the boards.
3 Central Davidson vs. 14 Ben L. Smith
Central Davidson is a team many may not know a lot about but they have been racking up the wins as they sit at 25-2 overall. They bring a team mentality, and this is a game that could be a good judgment for this team, as Ben L. Smith brings toughness and talent, led by 2025 Kenny Miller, 2024 Gage Lattimore, 2024 Jaylon Bumpass, and others. Smith for sure has the talent to secure the win, but will have to do so on the road.
Players to Watch:
2025 Mason Dobie (First Flight): First Flight is a program we have known for some time now and know that they can put up points offensively. They will have to hit the road for their second-round game, and Dobie is going to have to step up in a big way. He has been strong offensively in averaging 22ppg and can knock down shots from the outside. But they will also have to get it done defensively.
2025 Kellen Karr (North Lincoln): North Lincoln will have their hands full against the No. 1 seed in Hickory, as this will be the fourth time these teams have met up this year. Karr, who leads the team in all statistical categories, is a unique prospect with his size and overall impact on the court. But he will have to have his best game on the road to continue his season.
2025 Issac Byers Jr. (Ashbrook): Byers leads his team in a lot of ways, having a tremendous season in which he is averaging 20ppg, 5.7rpg, and 4.2apg while also being pesky on defense in which he is averaging 3.3spg. He will need to be the clear leader and make his presence felt on both ends in hopes of securing a win.
