NCISAA 3A: Early Favorites, 1st Edition

<h5>The NCISAA Conference schedule is almost upon us. Here’s a look at some early favorites in the NCISAA 3A Early Favorites, 1st Edition. </h5> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h5>High Point Christian Academy 13-3</h5> <p>High Point Christian Academy has won eight games and counting as they head into conference play. Unsigned seniors <strong>Ethan Smith</strong> and [player_tooltip player_id="1240916" first="Thomas" last="McIntosh"] are double-double machines and 2023 guard [player_tooltip player_id="1241703" first="Darius" last="Kane"] is an electric guard to keep an eye on with this group. 2024 guard [player_tooltip player_id="1363415" first="Darius" last="Caldwell"] is also one to watch with his ability to attack off the perimeter/wing. They’ll kick off their conference schedule tonight on the road with a contest against Westchester Country Day. </p> <h5>Asheville School 9-3</h5> <p>Asheville School is a squad to keep an eye on as the conference schedule approaches. They’re off to a 1-0 start in the NCISAA Carolinas Conference with 2023 big man <strong>Gus Yalden</strong> leading the way for them on both ends of the floor. He’s a versatile forward with high major offers and interest already that’s coming back from an injury quite nicely. <strong>Kaiden Holdbrook</strong> and <strong>Michael Mora</strong> are two other 2023 names to keep an eye on with this group as well. </p> <h5>Cape Fear Academy 9-3</h5> <p>Cape Fear Academy has quietly put together a 9-3 record with unsigned forward [player_tooltip player_id="577859" first="Chatham" last="Lambiotte"] and 2023 wing/forward [player_tooltip player_id="1176150" first="Vytas" last="Nausedas"] as a few names to keep an eye on. They’ve won three games in a row and they hold a road victory over Wayne Country Day School back on Dec. 7 as they head into conference action. They’ve got a few more non-conference games though with John Paul II Catholic (1/12), Raleigh Christian (1/17) and Southeastern Christian Academy (1/18) left on the schedule. Look for them to be a top squad at the NCISAA 3A level when playoffs arrive.</p> <h5>SouthLake Christian Academy 14-8</h5> <p>SouthLake Christian Academy is off to a 3-1 start in conference action already with a recent victory over Westminster Catawba Christian this past Friday under their belt. They’ve won four of their last five contests with [player_tooltip player_id="1008878" first="Micah" last="Handlogten"] (Marshall) and 2023s [player_tooltip player_id="1363365" first="Christian" last="Monroe"] and [player_tooltip player_id="1363364" first="Larson" last="Gazzaway"] leading the way. Handlogten is a presence inside and out that can knock down shots on the perimeter and protect the rim. Gazzaway is quite the slasher and rim-protector as well. Monroe is a floor general that controls the pace and sets the tone with his shooting ability as well. </p> <h5>GRACE Christian School 13-11</h5> <p>Don’t let their record fool you as they’ve won six of their last seven games, with losses to Greensboro Day School, Greenfield School and Wayne Country Day to name a few of the tougher opponents they’ve scheduled. They’re a fairly new group that’s learned to gel at the right time with 2023 [player_tooltip player_id="815617" first="Julien" last="King"] and unsigned senior Gary Williams Jr. leading the way for them. 2024 [player_tooltip player_id="854906" first="Quasim" last="Oden"] is also one to keep eyes on at the point guard spot, dishing out 3.1 apg. They’ll face Cary Christian tonight in their first conference game of the season looking to start off on the right foot. </p>