NCHSAA: Early 3A Favorites

<!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">The NCHSAA regular season is right around the corner as PrepHoopsNC takes a look at some early favorites in the 3A ranks to take home the state title.</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em>There's no better time to sign up for PrepHoopsNC! Get 30% OFF payment on your first billing cycle with offer code: <strong>JAYANDERSON30</strong>, sign up <a href="https://prephoops.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>TODAY</strong></a>!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Central Cabarrus Vikings</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1154633' first='Chase' last='Daniel'], [player_tooltip player_id='1158774' first='Carson' last='Daniel'], [player_tooltip player_id='1743939' first='Desmond' last='Kent Jr'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2213545' first='Joshua' last='Dalton'] are the leading names for one of the top teams in the 3A ranks that went unbeaten this past season at 32-0. The Daniel twins should be ready to run the offense with two college prospects on the floor in Kent and Dalton. They'll be a tough squad to beat once again as they have the potential to make it back-to-back state titles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Northwood Chargers</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Northwood High lost just three games including their loss in the state finals to Central Cabarrus this past season. UNC commit [player_tooltip player_id='1115509' first='Drake' last='Powell'] is back and ready to lead once again for the Chargers and a healthy [player_tooltip player_id='1144259' first='Fred' last='Whitaker'] returns as well as they should be a terror for opposing backcourts to deal with.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ben L. Smith Golden Eagles</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ben L. Smith High has a formidable backcourt duo in [player_tooltip player_id='2053614' first='Tayshawn' last='Mann'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1947989' first='Gage' last='Lattimore'] and the addition of [player_tooltip player_id='1786703' first='Jaylon' last='Bumpass'] should give them added firepower. Look for the Golden Eagles to surprise a few teams as a contender in the 3A West after a 27-4 record in 2022-23.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Northern Nash Knights</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Northern Nash was a top squad in the 252 area and despite a few losses, their newcomers should help make them a contender once again. [player_tooltip player_id='1154635' first='Randall' last='King'] leads the charge while 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='1948021' first='CJ' last='Rosser'] should turn heads given his size and versatility. The Knights went 28-3 in 2022-23.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Southern Durham Spartans</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Top 2025 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1225444' first='Jackson' last='Keith'] and unsigned sharpshooting senior [player_tooltip player_id='1454624' first='Camren' last='Daniels'] are back and looking for vengeance in the 3A East after going 22-7 this past season. Keith looks stronger and more athletic heading into his junior season as he looks to lead the Spartans to success in 2023-24.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->