Prep Baseball Report

Power 25 Release: Monday March 23, 2026


Brandon Hall
NC / Mid-ATL Director of Scouting

North Carolina Power 25 Update

March 23, 2026

As the 2026 season continues to take shape, the latest update to the Prep Baseball NC Power 25 reflects nearly a month of results, head-to-head matchups, and deeper evaluation across the state.

With most teams now firmly into conference play, separation across the rankings is beginning to take form. This update incorporates current records, key wins, notable losses, and movement from previous polls, providing a clearer picture of where teams stand entering the next phase of the season.


Teams on the Rise

Several programs made notable jumps in this update, backed by strong recent play and quality wins.

  • Wake Forest continues its upward trend after entering the rankings last update, now sitting at 8-1 with wins over Apex Friendship, Seaforth, and Grace Christian.
  • South Central has climbed steadily, remaining unbeaten at 8-0 while building momentum in the eastern part of the state. Big test await later this week.
  • West Stanly (9-0) has turned an early ranking debut into continued upward traction with consistent results. They have made statements with wins at Covenant Day and over West Rowan.
  • Cardinal Gibbons (8-1) has played a very tough schedule and seemed to thrive. The lineup has depth and the pitching staff has a bonafide ace.

These teams are capitalizing on early opportunities and turning strong starts into upward movement within the Power 25.


New to the Rankings

This update again highlights the depth across the state, with teams continuing to play their way into the Power 25 conversation.

  • North Lincoln is coming off a 3A State Championship run, but needed to replace front line arms and bullpen depth. Early on, the Knights have answered every challenge. Parker Williams has “ace” stuff. The lineup has depth and has piled on quality at-bats early in 2026.
  • Lincoln Charter is off to a 11-0 start with wins over Sun Valley and at East Lincoln. Pitching has keyed early success but the offense has shown quick strike ability throughout the early spring.
  • Alexander Central (9-1) offers a unique blend of skill across several different grad years. Jude Carter gives them a top of the line starter. They will climb if the bullpen depth begins to solidify.

Teams on the Verge

Several programs remain just outside the Power 25 but continue to build strong cases for inclusion.

  • East Rowan (9-1) has been a yearly contender. They have built some early depth on the mound. The roster depth will be tested in the coming weeks.
  • Terry Sanford (7-2) was looking to replace several key cogs from 2025 and the early returns are positive.
  • Jordan (6-2) owns a quality win over Wakefield and continues to compete well.
  • Reagan (8-2) struggled out of the gate but seems to have found some consistency with their bats in recent weeks.
  • Topsail (7-2) has played a strong schedule. With Rhett Britt leading the way, the Pirates can matchup their #1 with anyone. The depth of the roster has come into play early, giving Topsail a nod toward a position in the Power 25 in the near future.

With conference play intensifying, these teams will have direct opportunities to break into the Top 25.


Tested Early: Strength of Schedule Showing

One of the defining themes of this update is how teams have handled challenging early schedules.

  • DH Conley (9-1) continues to hold a top position with wins over Wake Forest and a split with Cardinal Gibbons
  • Cardinal Gibbons (8-1) owns one of the strongest resumes in the state, including wins over DH Conley and Charlotte Christian.
  • Charlotte Christian (11-3) has faced one of the toughest schedules, earning multiple ranked wins while absorbing competitive losses. The Knights travelled last week playing against a national slate of teams.
  • Cuthbertson (3-3) has experienced swings in results, following a marquee series win with a series loss, reflecting the volatility of early competition.

These results reinforce that who you play—and how you perform in those games—matters as much as overall record.


Holding Steady at the Top

While there has been movement throughout the poll, several teams have continued to perform at a high level and hold their ground.

  • Metrolina Christian Academy (10-0) has looked how a power should look when taking on the schedule provided - dominant. The first big test of the year comes later this week.
  • Wesleyan Christian Academy (8-0) has two big wins over Charlotte Christian and TC Roberson. The schedule will pick up in quality and consistency in the coming weeks.
  • Laney (7-2) has two quality losses in Topsail and West Forsyth. The Bucs have worked to play a strong schedule and have looked like the team expected to compete deep into 2026.

These teams have paired consistency with production, keeping them firmly in the championship conversation.


North Carolina Power 25 Rankings

March 23, 2026 (Movement from March 9)

Rank Team Record Movement
1 DH Conley 9-1
2 Wesleyan Christian Academy 8-0
3 Metrolina Christian Academy 10-0 ▲1
4 Charlotte Catholic 8-2 ▲2
5 Charlotte Christian 11-3 ▲2
6 Cardinal Gibbons 8-1 ▲3
7 Laney 7-2 ▼4
8 JH Rose 8-0
9 Myers Park 10-2 ▲1
10 Corinth Holders 7-2 ▲1
11 Wakefield 6-2 ▲1
12 South Central 8-0 ▲5
13 Cuthbertson 7-3 ▼8
14 Wake Forest 8-1 ▲6
15 Marvin Ridge 7-4 ▲4
16 TC Roberson 5-4 ▼3
17 West Forsyth 7-2 ▼3
18 Providence 10-1 ▲7
19 North Lincoln 8-0 NEW
20 Weddington 5-4 ▼5
21 West Stanly 9-0 ▲3
22 Gaston Christian 6-1 ▼4
23 East Rutherford 8-1 ▼2
24 Lincoln Charter 11-0 NEW
25 Alexander Central 9-1 NEW

Key:
▲ = Moved Up
▼ = Moved Down
— = No Change
NEW = Not Ranked in previous poll


Looking Ahead

With conference play now fully underway, the next stretch of games will play a major role in shaping the Power 25.

Series results, pitching depth, and lineup consistency will continue to drive movement as teams battle for positioning heading into April.

🔗 Follow the full rankings and updates here:
https://www.prepbaseballreport.com/North-Carolina-Power-25

As the season progresses, expect continued movement as teams define themselves across one of the deepest high school baseball landscapes in the country.


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