It is that time of year again... the North Carolina Baseball State Playoffs.  In total, we will be following 8 state tournaments, each a single elimination format (in 2024 -- seriously -- still single elimination!?!?).  In the preview below will be up to date brackets with expected schedules, plus thoughts and picks from our Prep Baseball Scouting Staff.

NCHSAA 3A Tournament Preview

WEST REGION BRACKET

WEST REGION SCHEDULE

1st Round: Tuesday May 7, 2024
2nd Round: Friday May 10, 2024
3rd Round: Tuesday May 14, 2024
4th Round: Friday May 17, 2024
West Region Finals: Best of 3 May 20 - 25, 2024

WEST REGION TOP SEEDS

#1 East Rowan
#2 West Henderson
#3 North Davidson
#4 South Point

CINDERELLA STORY - WEST REGION

From our team of scouts, a look at the bracket to see if any teams outside the Top 10 seeds could make a run.

Brandon Hall, NC/Mid-ATL Scouting Director:

This is an interesting bracket as I do not think there is a ton of seperation between top seeds and lower seeds.  The biggest thing has been consistency through the year.   Teams that have really challenged themselves with their schedule could see a couple of regular season losses really pay off in the post season.  Keep an eye on #24 Carson, who always tend to play well late.  #21 Oak Grove made an unexpected run last year and knows how to navigate the bracket. They are matched up with No. 12 East Lincoln who can score runs. Look out for the winner of that 1st round matchup.  Also Ledford at No. 11.  Their pitching needs to hold up, but they are a club that can score on anyone that is on the bump.  pay 

Patrick Johnson, NC Asst Scouting Director:

West Bracket is for grabs as any team can win any night. Most teams have that top arm to control a game but lack of depth on the mound will be the deciding factor in who takes control. Look for Hibriten to make it a tough game in the first round against AC Reynolds. If Ledford and Fred T. Foard can pull off first round wins, the winner of the second round match up could make a deep run to the Finals. 

Zach Boraski, NC Asst Scouting Director:

This is a challenging bracket as the field of 32 alot will depend on matchups. I like Ledford not many lineups are as deep espically in 3A. They will have the ability to put on runs on high end arms. Tuscola has had a really good season, playing some good competition. A couple extra innings can only help, building on the experience and in playoff baseball experience is key.

SCOUTS PICKS - FINAL FOUR & WEST REGION CHAMPION

Brandon Hall:

No. 1 East Rowan vs. No. 3 North Davidson
No. 2 West Henderson vs. No. 12 East Lincoln

Region Championship 
No. 1 East Rowan vs. No. 2 West Henderson

Region Champion
No. 2 West Henderson

Patrick Johnson: 

No. 2 West Henderson vs. No. 6 Fred T. Foard
No. 1 East Rowan vs. No. 4 South Point

Region Championship
No. 1 East Rowan vs. No. 2 West Henderson

Region Champion
No. 1 East Rowan

Zach Boraski:

No. 1 East Rowan vs. No. 4 South Pointe

No. 2 West Henderson vs. No. 3 North Davidson

Region Championship 
No. 1 East Rowan vs. No. 2 West Henderson

Region Champion
No. 1 East Rowan

EAST REGION BRACKET

EAST REGION SCHEDULE

1st Round: Tuesday May 7, 2024
2nd Round: Friday May 10, 2024
3rd Round: Tuesday May 14, 2024
4th Round: Friday May 17, 2024
West Region Finals: Best of 3 May 20 - 25, 2024

EAST REGION TOP SEEDS

#1 JH Rose
#2 West Johnston
#3 Cape Fear
#4 Terry Sanford

CINDERELLA STORY - EAST REGION

From our team of scouts, a look at the bracket to see if any teams outside the Top 10 seeds could make a run.

Brandon Hall, NC/Mid-ATL Scouting Director:

No. 16 First Flight has a true ace in Isaac Miles.  Do they hold him for a potential round 2 matchup with JH Rose? Williams is getting healthy on the bump and could see their late season surge continue in the tournament.

The bottom half of the East Region is wide open... Throw away all the seeds... Most of these games from round 1 on could go in any direction.

Patrick Johnson, NC Asst Scouting Director:

No. 15 CB Aycock could be the team in the east that surprises everyone makes a deep run. No. 16 First Flight is a team that has showed flashes of brilliance throughout the year and can beat anyone on any give day. 

Zach Boraski, NC Asst Scouting Director:

The East has a bunch of diverse teams who will be tough outs for everyone. I think First Flight is the true cinderella story if the pitching matchups can work out for them. They can mix and match enough to make each game incredible tough for opponets.  I think Harnett Central may also be able to win a few games. A gritty group who is learning how to win at the right time. South Central is also hot and battled tested with the split conference playing some of the top teams in 4A.

SCOUTS PICKS - FINAL FOUR & EAST REGION CHAMPION

Brandon Hall:

No. 9 Lee County vs. No. 4 Terry Sanford
No. 15 CB Aycock vs. No. 3 Cape Fear

Region Championship
No. 9 Lee County vs. No. 3 Cape Fear

Region Champion
No. 3 Cape Fear in 3 games

Patrick Johnson: 

No. 1 JH Rose vs. No. 4 Terry Sanford
No. 3 Cape Fear vs. No. 15 CB Aycock

Region Championship
No. 1 JH Rose vs. No. 15 CB Aycock

Region Champion
No. 1 JH Rose in 2 games

Zach Boraski:

No. 1 JH Rose vs. No. 4 Terry Sanford
No. 2 West Johnson vs. No. 14 South Central

Region Championship
No.1 Rose  vs. No. 2 West Johnson

Region Champion
No. 1 Rose in 2 Games

SCOUT PICKS - NCHSAA 3A STATE CHAMPION

Brandon Hall:

I think the West is deep and more talented top to bottom than the East but as we get to a three game set with the trophy on the line, pitching matters most. West Henderson won the tournament last year and returned a majority of their staff, with expectations on how they would manage their innings and roles.  I will take West Henderson in 2 games.

Patrick Johnson:

3A West and East brackets are loaded with talent but the West region is deeper and tougher and will produce the the State Champion in East Rowan. I like their depth on the mound and the tough outs 1-9 in the lineup. 

Zach Boraski:

Pitching Depth and a gritty lineup its hard not taking Rose with all the experience around that program.  They will have enough pitching depth for 3 games with a stockpile of arms. I will take Rose in 3 Games.