NCHSAA 4A East Regional Final Preview
May 22, 2018
The NCHSAA State Tournament has reached its best of 3 scenario as each of the four classifications begin their Regional Finals this week. As we prepare for the Regional Finals, we will take a look at each team and how they may expect to advance to a State Championship series.
Game Schedule
Game 1: Apex at Fuquay-Varina -- Tuesday May 22 at 6:00p
Game 2: Fuquay-Varina at Apex -- Thursday May 24 at 5:00pm
Game 3 if necessary: Apex at Fuquay-Varina -- Friday May 25 at 7:00pm
A Look at Apex
Record: 17 – 8
South Wake 4A Conference: 4 – 6 (5TH)
Path to the Regional Final
Round 1: Hoggard (10 – 0)
Round 2: Ashley (10 – 6)
Round 3: Pine Forest (8 – 1)
Round 4: Garner (4 – 2)
Key Players
CJ Conrad 2018, OF - Winthrop commit
Cam Roof 2018, Inf - Winthrop commit
Cameron Mason, 2018, LHP - Towson commit
Sam Highfill 2019 Inf/RHP - NC State commit
Zach Michael 2019, OF - NC State commit
What Has To Happen to Advance
Apex has a well-balanced team with pitching depth, strong defense and enough offense to reach the state championship series. After finishing fifth in the SWAC and facing Fuquay Varina who finished second in the same conference, Apex must perform in the regional as they have in the first four rounds of the playoffs. The Cougars will rely on the top of their order to produce during the series. Some pressure may be on the coaching staff to pull the right strings and get the right arm to the bump in the right situation… there are options, but the decisions on those options could be a separator.
A Look at Fuquay Varina
Record: 18 – 10
South Wake 4A Conference: 6 – 4 (2nd)
Path to the Regional Final
Round 1: Southview (14 – 4)
Round 2: Green Hope (3 – 0)
Round 3: Middle Creek (3 – 2)
Round 4: Sanderson (4 – 0)
Key Players
Kyle Mott RHP, 2018 – Pitt CC commit
Austin Johnson, RHP, 2018 – Wingate commit
Garrett McCraw RHP/OF, 2019
Lane Rhodes C, 2019
Joe Arnett RHP, 2019
Brandon Shelton MIF, 2019
What Has To Happen to Advance
Fuquay Varina much like their opponent Apex has pitching depth, plays strong defense, and can put together enough offense to win. These teams are in the same conference and Fuquay won 2 of 3 games played in the regular season. These teams are very familiar with each other and the team that makes the fewest mistakes has a good chance to win this regional. Arms will have to lead the way… Mott, McCraw, and Johnson will need to keep the Tigers in game so their opportunistic offense can have time to take advantage.