Seven Top Prospects In NCHSAA 1A East

We are headed into round two of the NCHSAA playoffs, and we are going to take a look at some of the top prospects in each classification heading into these matchups. Here is a look at 1A and some of the prospects you should be following moving forward.     One of the most physically imposing players in the 1A classification [player_tooltip player_id='1672423' first='Gary' last='Wilkins'] has Vance Charter in the driver's seat as the one seed for the duration of the playoffs. He's a throwback big man that does the majority of his work around the rim where he uses his massive frame, length, and mobility to cause havoc on opposing forwards. If Vanced Charter is gonna use their one seed to make an appearance at regionals or even the state championship, expect Wilkins to continue his dominant run.       One of the few guys in the 1A classification with some big game and playoff experience, brings a dynamic athlete who can score or guard the other team's best player regardless of the position. He's a 6'3 superb athlete that excels at getting out in transition but has made major improvements in half court this season. Wilson Prep is fighting the uphill battle as the number six seed but with Batts at the helm, they'll be looking to play Cinderella.       Southern Wake Academy came up just short of a state championship last season, losing in the final game on a buzzer beater. But after graduating six players, [player_tooltip player_id='1797957' first='Kobe' last='Plata'] and his Lions teammates are back as the number two seed overall in the state playoffs. Kobe is a coach's point guard who controls the tempo of the game while also being the vocal leader on the floor as an extension of the Coach. He does a good job of finishing at the rim and picks his spots offensively very well. To most media members around the state, he's arguably the best point guard left in the 1A classification.       The North Edgecombe Warriors are having their best season since the 19-20 season when they lost in the regional championship. Unlike most teams remaining in the classification they are led by Pierre Hughley, a freshman guard who has shown that he's not afraid of the big moments. He comes into the second round averaging a tad under 20 points per game seven rebounds four assists and two steals a night some of the best numbers for a freshman across any classification. He is a jack of all trades scorer who uses his frame while at the rim to corral rebounds and finish but also doesn't mind stepping out to shoot the jumper and handle the ball when needed.     Northside Pinetown is the number three seed going into round two, they well balanced team with a lot of contributors to their wins but  I believe Moore is the most intriguing prospect. He stands at 6'8 and has a wing skill set offensively while being a rim protector on the other end. He doesn't lead the team in any major category but is in the top 3 for all of them which points to his versatility.        The Neuse Charter boys basketball team is having one of their best seasons to date and they are led by the leading freshman scorer in the state Jeremiah Edwards. He's a versatile scoring big-bodied guard who can score the ball from all three levels. He has had multiple big games that include twelve 30 point performances and one nuclear 48 point performance as well. Edwards is one point shy of breaking the North Carolina record for points scored as a freshman and has only been held in single digits once all season. If Neuse Charter is going to make a deep play offer, expect some big performances from Mr. Edwards.       Coming into round two the 6'4 senior will get a chance to play the team that knocked him out of the regional championship just one year ago and he's coming into the contest averaging 18 points and 13 rebounds per game. He has shown a much improved skill set and has shown some ability to handle the ball and help run the offense for spurts when needed. For the 18 seeded Washington County to pull off the upset expect Phillips to have a massive game.

We are headed into round two of the NCHSAA playoffs, and we are going to take a look at some of the top prospects in each classification heading into these matchups. Here is a look at 1A and some of the prospects you should be following moving forward.