The first-round matchups are in the books and now we take a look at the games that should highlight the second-round games. Going down each division, here are just a few games that stood out to us coming this Thursday.
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1A Bracket:
Henderson Collegiate vs. Pender
Pender hits the road and senior Jajuan Carr will have his hands full. Carr is regarded as one of the top guards in his class but also keep an eye on Jakwon Moore, who is coming off a 32-point performance in the first round. They will take on Javonte Waverly, Kalib Mathews, and others, who started their playoffs off with a convincing win over River Mill (87-28).
East Surry vs. Winston-Salem Prep
Both teams secured a convincing first-round win and this should be a highly anticipated matchup. Jefferson Boaz may be the top player in the 1A and certainly will be a focal point once again for East Surry. But Winston-Salem Prep is a veteran team led by Troy Mills and Stephen Minor and they can get it done on both ends of the court.
2A Bracket:
Goldsboro vs. First Flight
If you are wanting offense, this may be the game for you. The 8 vs. 9 seed, both of these teams know how to put points on the board. Goldsboro is coming off a 96-point performance and is led by Xavion Atkinson; they also have an intriguing freshman in 6’4 Ta’Korrie Faison who is averaging 14 points, seven rebounds. They will go up against Dylan Blake, who continues to break records throughout his career.
Currituck County vs. Ledford Senior
Both teams pulled off upsets in the first round and now, one will advance to the third round to potentially face Washington or Farmville Central. Both coming in with 11 losses on the season, this is a classic underdog type battle between the two to advance.
3A Bracket:
Parkland vs. Cox Mill
Parkland isn’t a regular 18 seed, winning 20+ games this year and winning their conference tournament. They took care of business vs. West Rowan. Camian Shell has been off the charts for Parkland, averaging 21 points but they will have their hands full on the road against Cox Mill who is 11-0 and averaging nearly 80 points per game.
J.H. Rose vs. Southern Durham
Rose has been a program that many may not know of but have been super productive. Earning a 23-3 record this season, they are led by two intriguing sophomores in Aaron Murphy (19.3ppg, 8.4rpg) and Alkevion Waller (14.5ppg). They are welcoming in high-flying Ricky Council and Southern Durham, who can get out in transition and put opponents on a highlight reel.
Mount Tabor vs. Tuscola
Mount Tabor got pass Ashbrook with a nine-point win and now heads into the second round, welcoming in Tuscola and Nate Brafford, who is averaging 35 points per game this season. Will he and his teammates have enough to pull off the upset on the road'
4A Bracket:
Millbrook vs. Panther Creek
Throughout the year, Millbrook was considered the top team around the area but after falling late to Leesville Road twice, they find themselves at the No. 7 seed. They welcome in a team not far down the road in Panther Creek, led by Daylen Berry and Armon Muldrew, two guys that are experienced and tough. They already have a game under their belt but will they have enough to take down Millbrook on the road'
Page vs. Olympic
Possibly the best performance in the first round came from Page, traveling to Myers Park and securing the 83-58 win. Now, they head back to the Charlotte area once again looking to make another statement vs. No. 2 seed Olympic. Josh Banks and Trevon Williams kick off their playoffs at home and can make a big statement to start off.
Hickory Ridge vs. Grimsley
The Whirlies used a dominating win vs. McDowell to advance and hit the road, taking on a young but rising team in Hickory Ridge. Ahmil Flowers is looking to make a statement for Grimsley and continue their run but Hickory Ridge has a rising star in Caleb Foster, along with others, that are hoping to keep their terrific season alive.