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.

NCISAA 4A Tournament Preview

BRACKET

SCHEDULE

1st Round: Tuesday May 7, 2024
2nd Round: Thursday May 9, 2024
Quaterfinals: Saturday May 11, 2024
Semifinals: Tuesday May 14, 2024
Finals: Friday & Saturday, May 17-18, 2024 (Best of 3 Games)

TOP SEEDS

#1 Wesleyan Christian Academy (20-5)
#2 Rabun Gap (19-4)
#3 Metrolina Christian Academy (25-1)
#4 Charlotte Christian (21-7)

CINDERELLA STORY

From our team of scouts, a look at the bracket to see if any teams outside the Top 4 seeds could make a run.

Brandon Hall, NC/Mid-ATL Scouting Director:

I think these brackets play to chalk.  North Raleigh Christian and Covenant Day may be able to match up their aces to see if they can give the high seeds a fit, but I think there is a separation between the top 4 seeds and the rest of field in this bracket.

Patrick Johnson, NC Asst Scouting Director:

Hard to see any upsets happening, the top seeds are very talented and have experience. Anything is possible but I dont see anyone taking out the top 4 teams. 

Zach Boraski, NC Asst Scouting Director:

I dont see many upsets here as the top seeds are too good. This is going to be a bracket of who can take advantage of the most opportunities when they are presented.

SCOUTS PICKS - FINAL FOUR

Brandon Hall:

Wesleyan Christian vs. Charlotte Christian
Metrolina Christian vs. Rabun Gap

Patrick Johnson: 

Wesleyan Christian vs. Charlotte Christian
Metrolina Christian vs. Rabun Gap

Zach Boraski:

Wesleyan Christian vs. Charlotte Christian
Metrolina Christian vs. Rabun Gap

 

 

SCOUT PICKS - NCISAA 4A STATE CHAMPION

Brandon Hall:

The semifinal matchups will be interesting.  Will a team be able to hold their ace for the one game shot to get to the finals... If so, does that give that club a decided advantage on the bump... For Wesleyan Christian, they have 3 true aces and the biggest question will be how they match them up and how quickly a move is made if needed.

Metrolina Christian has shown some depth on the bump to go with a really deep lineup.

I like Wesleyan Christian to get past Charlotte Christian and Metrolina to slide past Rabun Gap.  This could be a fascinating State Championship Series with both clubs having tasted this series recently.

State Champion: Wesleyan Christian in 3 games.

Patrick Johnson:

Metrolina Christian vs. Wesleyan Christian is the Match up that everyone wants to see for the state title. Both teams have top tier arms and strong bats but I am going with Metrolina Christian to pull off a gritty 3 game series win for the state title. 

Zach Boraski:

A matchup everyone is hoping to get Metrolina Christian vs Wesleyan Christian. I think we get it this year and it is not going to disappoint. I think Wesleyan wins the offensive battle, and pitching will be closer than most people think.

Welseyan Christian in 2