Power 25: April 20th Update

April 20, 2026
Brandon Hall
NC / Mid-ATL Director of Scouting

North Carolina Power 25 Update

April 20, 2026

As the 2026 North Carolina high school baseball season enters the final stretch of the regular season, the latest Prep Baseball NC Power 25 reflects a pivotal point in the year.

With updated records through April 20, teams are no longer building resumes—they’re defining postseason paths. Conference races are tightening, and separation across the Top 25 is becoming more pronounced with each series.

A Look at the Top 10

The Top 10 continues to feature programs that have consistently won series, handled strong schedules, and proven themselves against ranked competition. These are the teams most likely to shape the state championships picture.

No. 1 DH Conley (18-1)
Arguably the most complete resume in the state with wins over Wake Forest, Cardinal Gibbons, Terry Sanford, South Central, and JH Rose. Proven against top competition.
No. 2 Charlotte Christian (21-5)
One of the most battle-tested teams in North Carolina, owning wins over Grace Christian, Weddington, TC Roberson, Myers Park, and Metrolina Christian, along with a strong out-of-state showing.
No. 3 Charlotte Catholic (18-3)
Has taken control in conference play with sweeps of Weddington and Sun Valley, showing the depth that put the Cougars at the top of the Preseason Rankings.
No. 4 Wesleyan Christian Academy (15-3)
Balanced and consistent with quality wins over Charlotte Christian, TC Roberson, and Grace Christian.
No. 5 Metrolina Christian Academy (21-3)
Continues to stack wins with one of the top records in the state, staying firmly in the championship mix. The schedule has ticked up in the last couple of weeks. Look for MCA to rise to the challenge and finish strong.
No. 6 Myers Park (18-3)
Continues to validate its rise with wins over Reagan, West Forsyth, Apex Friendship, and a sweep of Hough.
No. 7 Wake Forest (15-2)
A steady riser with wins over Seaforth, Apex Friendship, and Grace Christian, building a strong overall profile. Possibly the most complete offensive team in the state.
No. 8 Providence (21-1)
One of the most efficient teams in the state, highlighted by a key win over Marvin Ridge and a strong spring break showing. Big week coming as they play 2 with Ardrey Kell.
No. 9 Laney (13-5)
Battle-tested with wins over Myers Park, Hough, and New Hanover, continuing to compete against high-level opponents. The talent on the coast will have the Bucs tested for the post-season.
No. 10 Marvin Ridge (14-6)
Has found rhythm with key series wins over Sun Valley, Cuthbertson, and Weddington, plus a win over Metrolina Christian. Lost their first 3 games of the year, all quality losses, and has rebounded to go 14-3 since.

This group continues to separate itself through schedule strength, depth, and proven wins—all indicators of teams built for postseason runs.

Teams Moving Up

Several teams made impact jumps in this update, fueled by strong performances and quality wins.

Providence (▲8 to No. 8 | 21-1)
One of the biggest movers in the state, combining a dominant record with a key win over Marvin Ridge and strong play in a SC Spring Break tournament.
Reagan (▲9 to No. 12 | 17-2)
A major jump backed by consistency and continued success in conference play. Has recovered in a big way from a slow start to the year.
Charlotte Christian (▲3 to No. 2 | 21-5)
Climbs into the No. 2 spot behind one of the deepest resumes in the state. Taking on all comers, the offense is explosive and doing damage from 1 to 9.
Wake Forest (▲2 to No. 7 | 15-2)
Continues to rise steadily, adding quality wins and showing balance across the roster. Look out if you do not have an out-pitch ready to go against this lineup.
Cuthbertson (▲4 to No. 11 | 17-4)
Highlighted by wins over Charlotte Christian, Providence Day, and a sweep of Weddington, showing high-end capability. A team that knows how to win in the post-season.
Alexander Central (▲2 to No. 23 | 19-2)
Continues to build momentum with wins over St. Stephens and South Caldwell. They have answered every challenge and have seen depth build in their pitching staff.
Ardrey Kell (NEW to No. 24 | 20-2)
Breaks into the rankings with a strong record and a notable win over Marvin Ridge. Big week ahead with 2 games vs. No. 8 Providence.

These teams are capitalizing on recent momentum, series wins, and improved consistency, making them dangerous heading into the postseason.

Teams on the Verge (26–32)

Just outside the Power 25, several teams are trending toward inclusion with strong resumes.

East Rowan (18-3) – Strong recent stretch, including results against quality competition. Harrison Ailshie is a Player of the Year candidate.
Topsail (16-4) – Owns wins over Terry Sanford and Laney, proving it can compete at a high level. The lineup is showing signs of improved depth.
Hickory Ridge (17-2) – Consistent performer with a strong overall record. Key matchup with West Stanly coming on 4/22.
North Stanly (18-3) – Continues to stack wins and build a case. Youthful lineup that is maturing quickly.
South Caldwell (16-4) – Quality wins over St. Stephens and Lincoln Charter. Senior laden lineup puts a lot of pressure on opponents.
Holly Springs (14-4) – Battle-tested with opportunities ahead. Three arms that have shown an ability to dominate on the front end.
Stuart Cramer (15-4) – Consistent results, including competitive series play. They are really good when their ace is on the mound.

With key matchups ahead, this group remains firmly in position to break into the Top 25.

Full Power 25 — April 20, 2026

(Movement from April 6 rankings)

DH Conley (18-1) —
Charlotte Christian (21-5) ▲3
Charlotte Catholic (18-3) —
Wesleyan Christian Academy (15-3) —
Metrolina Christian Academy (21-3) ▼3
Myers Park (18-3) ▲1
Wake Forest (15-2) ▲2
Providence (21-1) ▲8
Laney (13-5) ▼2
Marvin Ridge (14-6) ▲1
Cuthbertson (17-4) ▲4
Reagan (17-2) ▲9
JH Rose (14-5) ▼3
South Central (14-3) —
Corinth Holders (14-5) ▼3
West Forsyth (16-4) —
TC Roberson (13-6) —
Cardinal Gibbons (12-5) ▼12
West Stanly (19-1) —
Grace Christian (16-4) —
North Lincoln (18-2) ▼3
Gaston Christian (16-2) ▲1
Alexander Central (19-2) ▲2
Ardrey Kell (20-2) NEW
East Rutherford (18-2) ▼1

*Click Here to go to the North Carolina Power 25 page.

Looking Ahead

With the postseason approaching, the focus now shifts to:

Conference championships and seeding battles
Pitching depth for playoff series
Consistency in high-leverage games

The next update will continue to track how teams perform as the road to a state title sharpens across North Carolina.