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 3A Tournament Preview

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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 Grace Christian (Sanford) (16-7)
#2 Hickory Grove Christian (16-8)
#3 Greensboro Day (18-5-1)
#4 Gaston Christian (15-4)

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:

Looking at the bracket, the #5 seed High Point Christian club jumps out to me as a team that has played well of late and expects themselves to play deep into this tournament.  In the end, I think the bracket plays to chalk with the top 4 seeds being able to setup their rotation via the byes they receive.

Patrick Johnson, NC Asst Scouting Director:

With the way the byes play out in the tournament I think it is going to be hard for a lower seed to make a deep run against the top ranked teams. 

Zach Boraski, NC Asst Scouting Director:

I think the top 2 seeds will like meet up in the finals, however I see Cary Christian making a run getting them into the final 8 with a possible upset chance pushing them into the final 4.

SCOUTS PICKS - FINAL FOUR

Brandon Hall:

Grace Christian vs. Gaston Christian
Greensboro Day vs. Hickory Grove Christian

Patrick Johnson: 

Grace Christian vs. Gaston Christian
Greensboro Day vs. Hickory Grove Christian

Zach Boraski:

Grace Christian vs. Gaston Christian
Greensboro Day vs. Hickory Grove Christian

SCOUT PICKS - NCISAA 4A STATE CHAMPION

Brandon Hall:

Top end talent may favor the #1 seed Grace Christian.  Overall depth and experience in this tournament, certainly favors the #2 see Hickory Grove Christian.

Then you look at Gaston Christian and Greensboro Day, the only two schools in NC to beat the top two teams in the Prep Baseball Power 25.  Both teams are scrappy with very talented players at the top of the roster.  I expect these semi-finals to be wild and stressful, but I give the edge to the host teams.

Grace Christian vs. Hickory Grove Christian

The depth of Hickory Grove Christian on the bump allows them to win game 3 of the series.

Patrick Johnson:

Hickory Grove has depth and is playing well but I see the Top talent on the mound and at the plate of Grace Christian carrying them to series win in 3 games. 

Zach Boraski:

Grace Christian has the best arm and the best hitter, but I think Hickory Grove has the most depth top to bottom. Experiance plays a huge factor in my pick,

Hickory Grove Christian in 3