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 2A 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 Wayne Country Day (23-4)
#2 Greenfield School (13-5)
#3 Rocky Mount Academy (12-4)
#4 Faith Christian School (13-7)

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:

Outside of the No. 1 seed, I think this tournament is wide open.  There could be several higher seeds get hot at the right time.

Look for Westchester Country Day to make noise from the #5 seed.  Ryan Engle on the bump and in the lineup can provide quick and explosvie results.  Plus this club got a taste of the championship series last year.

JD Mace give Burlington Christian a true ace to lean on... Can they set him up properly for a deep run?

Patrick Johnson, NC Asst Scouting Director:

Ryan Engle and West Chester Counry Day are the clear pick to be the underdogs that make a run, coming off of a run at the championship last year and the power on the mound and in the box, I dont see another team fitting the role. 

Zach Boraski, NC Asst Scouting Director:

The top team is pretty set with Wayne Country day however a couple teams should be able to make a run to get to them. A lot of dominant arms that will be able to shut down lineups in this bracket.  I could see Rocky Mount Academy making a run to the finals.

SCOUTS PICKS - FINAL FOUR

Brandon Hall:

Wayne Country Day vs. Westchester Country Day
Rocky Mount Academy vs. Burlington Christian Acad

Patrick Johnson: 

Wayne Country Day vs. Westchester Country Day
Rocky Mount Academy vs. Burlington Christian Academy

Zach Boraski:

Wayne Country Day vs. Westchester Country Day
Rocky Mount Academy vs. Greenfield

 

SCOUT PICKS - NCISAA 2A STATE CHAMPION

Brandon Hall:

Wayne Country Day has done everything in 2024 to set themselves up for a state championship.  They are my pick to finish the journey.  They have a ton of depth on the mound and in the box, even missing one of the top players in the entire state.  The scary part is this roster is has a ton of  youth mixed in with the veterans.

Patrick Johnson:

West Chester Country Day is playing tough and hitting stride at the right time, with a power arm on the mound and depth in the box. 

Zach Boraski:

Wayne Country Day is the favorite and will likely be a heavy favorite. They have enough depth to mix and match and not over use anyone in the early rounds. A tough non conference schedule that has challenged them will only help them through the playoffs.