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 4A 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 TC ROBERSON
#2 CUTHBERTSON
#3 MYERS PARK
#4 REAGAN

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:

There are a number of double-digit seeds that could disrupt the brackets.  The West is very tight in terms of talent from top to bottom.   Weddington will not flinch in a 2nd round matchup with TC Roberson. West Forsyth has depth in the order and a true ace, with another arm developing his ace stature. Charlotte Catholic has played a very tough schedule and may be rolling into the tournament off the best conference tourney run. South Meck has Cam Bagwell, a SR RHP that can neutralize lineups very quickly.

Patrick Johnson, NC Asst Scouting Director:

Plenty of teams have a solid number 1 that can beat any team but its the depth on the mound and in the lineup that will make the difference. West Forsyth has the hitters to support their true ace. Charlotte Catholic seems to be hitting stride at the right time. Watauga plays tough with solid pitching and hard outs in the box. Look for Alexander central to pull off a first round upset against South Caldwell. 

Zach Boraski, NC Asst Scouting Director:

Anything can happen and any team can get hot. Momentum is key in the playoffs and the ability to make the routine play will come in big. The West is very talented with some big names at the top. Marvin Ridge has a chance to play spoiler due to arm depth and a legit middle of the order hitter in Nico Soul. West Forysth wont shock me with the mound depth and talent they have, could keep games very tight.

SCOUTS PICKS - FINAL FOUR & WEST REGION CHAMPION

Brandon Hall:

No. 10 South Meck vs. No. 14 Charlotte Catholic
No. 1 TC Roberson vs. No. 4 Reagan

Region Championship

No. 4 Reagan vs. No. 10 South Meck

Region Champion
No. 4 Reagan in 3 games

Patrick Johnson: 

No. 10 South Meck vs. No. 4 Charlotte Catholic
No. 1 TC Roberson vs. No. 12 West Forsyth

Region Championship
No.1 TC Roberson vs. No. 10 South Meck

Region Champion
No.10 South Meck in 3 games

Zach Boraski:

No. 3 Myers Park vs. No. 2 Cuthbertson
No. 1 TC Roberson vs. No. 4 Reagan

Region Championship

Myers Park No. 3 vs No. 4 Reagan

Region Champion

No 4. Reagan

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 Ashley
#2 Wake Forest
#3 DH Conley
#4 Pinecrest

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:

The seeding of the East Region seems a little jumbled to me.  I can see No. 11 Leesville Rd, No. 10 Hoggard, and No. 12 Wakefield making runs and undervalued clubs.  One team, and game, to watch is No. 3 DH Conley vs. No. 30 Cary.  Typically a 3 seed may be able to hold some pitching to get to the 2nd round.  If Collins Black is on for Cary it can be a long night for anyone he is facing.  

Patrick Johnson, NC Asst Scouting Director:

No clear cut top team in the east region, Collins Black could knock off NO. 3 DH Conley in the first round. Look for No. 11 Leesville to make a run and No. 25 Apex Friendship with another first round upset. 

Zach Boraski, NC Asst Scouting Director:

The East Region has been a difficult region to predict as no one as taken full control.  I think No 10. Hoggard has a great chance to make a deep run, a legit ace on the mound with good depth in the middle of the field.  Apex has an Ace in Smelcer who can matchup with anyone, along with a diverse lineup if the bats get hot look out.

SCOUTS PICKS - FINAL FOUR & EAST REGION CHAMPION

Brandon Hall:

No. 7 Corinth Holders vs. No. 3 DH Conley
No. 5 Pinecrest vs. No. 1 Ashley

Region Championship
No. 3 DH Conley vs. No. 4 Pinecrest

Region Champion
No. 3 DH Conley

Patrick Johnson: 

No. 7 Cornith Holders vs. No. 11 Leesville
No. 1 Ashley vs. No. 4 Pinecrest

Region Championship
No. 7 Cornith Holders vs. No. 1 Ashley

Region Champion
No. 7 Cornith Holders

Zach Boraski:

No. 10 Hoggard vs. No. 3 DH Conley
No. 4 Jordan vs. No. 1 Ashley

Region Championship
No. 3 DH Conley vs. No. 4 Jordan

Region Champion
No. 3 DH Conley

SCOUT PICKS - NCHSAA 4A STATE CHAMPION

Brandon Hall:

Reagan is deep on the bump and in the box.  They dropped a game in their conference tourney that may have allowed them some time to get healthy and catch thier breath while prepping for the start of the playoffs. As the No. 4 seed they get a one game shot at TC Roberson if the brackets hold and that rematch from spring break should be a great one.

In a 3 game set where their depth can take over, I like Reagan to win the 4A Championship.

Patrick Johnson:

No. 10 South Meck is loaded with senior experience and a legitimate Ace in Cameron Bagwell. Experience means alot when it comes to playoff baseball and South Meck has that advantage. 

Zach Boraski:

In a year where nobody has ran away as the best team in the state, these two schools have been near the top the entire way.  I think Reagan has the best shot in a 3 game series with the pitching depth the have. I like Reagan to win the 4A Championship.