Realignment In the NCHSAA: A Look at the 5A Contenders

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Recent expansion and realignment in the state of North Carolina has created a bigger talent pool to work with in the NCHSAA basketball ranks. Take a look at the 5A programs who should turn heads on the NCHSAA stage in 2025-26.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>USE CODE</em><strong><em> anderson30</em></strong><em> for 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION!</em><a href="http://www.prephoops.com/subscribe/?coupon=anderson30"> Subscribe</a> today!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Huss</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2194796' first='Jaleel' last='Smith'], Zaiyir Phillips and [player_tooltip player_id='2500074' first='Antonio' last='Worthy'] should have the Huskies right back in the thick of things in 2025-26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hickory</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2373737' first='Jordan' last='Powell'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2390569' first='Hayden' last='Hillman'] are two rising junior names who should continue to lead the Red Tornadoes in the NCHSAA 5A ranks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Smoky Mountain</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2382797' first='Custer' last='Prenger'], [player_tooltip player_id='2146900' first='Ace' last='Prenger'] and Ben Brown have a lot to prove in 2025-26 for the Mustangs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">North Davidson</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2399387' first='Coen' last='Miller'] and Miller Mcknight are their senior leaders but [player_tooltip player_id='2887134' first='Spencer' last='Berrier'] should really help them elevate with his play at the lead guard spot</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Person</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rockets went 23-8 this past season and made a deep run in the NCHSAA 3A Playoffs; they've got a young, up-and-coming group of prospects on the rise given their defense-first pedigree</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">North Surry</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Knights are a force out West; [player_tooltip player_id='2320780' first='Ben' last='Heavner'] and Ty Chandler are due to grow into bigger roles as they move into a bigger NCHSAA classification</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">East Lincoln</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mustangs went 20-9 this past season with [player_tooltip player_id='2709258' first='Jaxon' last='Dollar'] and Grant Lawless returning looking to do a whole lot more damage on the NCHSAA 5A stage</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rockingham County</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cougars are a well-coached group; Nick Rumbley, [player_tooltip player_id='2884625' first='James' last='Thomas'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2887195' first='Ladarius' last='Dillard'] are a few names to keep an eye out for with them</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hunt</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2299981' first='Na'sir' last='Hines'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2948315' first='Tyler' last='Pridgen'] will be a backcourt to be reckoned with in 2025-26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Southeast Alamance</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2382790' first='Jerry' last='Sims'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2779397' first='Donnie' last='Fairley'] are another young duo to keep an eye on in the 336 area</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->