Nearly two weeks ago, we put out some predictions for the NCISAA playoffs. That article offered a brief look at each classification, picking a favorite and darkhorse contender from each. Fast-forward to now, and we’ve reached the final stage of determining who will ultimately win it all. Before looking at the upcoming games, let’s see how we’ve fared thus far:
1A:
Prediction- United Faith
Darkhorse- Victory Christian
2A:
Prediction- The Burlington School
Darkhorse- Greenfield
3A:
Prediction: High Point Christian
Darkhorse: Greensboro Day
4A:
Prediction: Christ School
Darkhorse: Providence Day
As we all know, the high school playoffs represent the period where any team can prevail at any given time. Records, reputations, and everything else goes out the window. The basketball is rolled out and we watch who comes out of the cage fight victorious. So many factors and variables determine how to win games. The most talented team doesn’t always win, as evidenced by decades of athletics at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels. Let’s dive into each classification, moving onto 4A (skipping 2A since their semifinal games will be played tonight):
The largest classification in North Carolina, 4A has unfolded as predicted with the third-seeded Christ School and fifth-seeded Providence Day meeting in the championship contest. In all honesty, it’s unclear if either team should be labeled as a favorite. Both teams have a ton of talent, quality coaching, and a balanced on-court attack.
The Greenies of Christ School have found great success following last year’s title. They graduated two key seniors but quickly replaced their production with the likes of Zymicah Wilkins, Madden Collins, and Mason Collins. Add in returning pieces like Keenan Wilkins, Jamari Briggs, Bryson Cokley, Lleyton Thomas-Johnson, and several useful role players, and it’s easy to see why this group has maintained their status among the top teams in the state.
On the other side, Providence Day will make their first title appearance under Coach Johnson. They’ve quietly been one of North Carolina’s better teams this season. Guys like Deuce Haynes, Trajan Thompson, Nick Hailey, Jonah Lawrence, Julian Johnson, and various others have stood out for this group. For what it’s worth, that group of five ranges from 6-foot-5 to 6-foot-8, giving the Mustangs a dynamic that most rosters cannot realistically match. While this should also be a close matchup decided by five or fewer points, it’s difficult to bet against the reigning champs. Prediction- Christ School.
