NCISAA 2A Contenders

<p><em>The 2A brackets is absolutely loaded with talented teams and players so you have to be excited about what potentially be a very interesting playoffs. So which teams do we feel have the chance to take home a state championship this year? Let’s take a look!</em></p> <p><strong><em>Northwood Temple</em> </strong>returns to the state playoffs as the defending champs and is the #1 seed in the East with a record of 22-7. The Eagles return Star Junior Guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="848062" first="Jaquantae" last="Harris"]</strong> but have added Sharp Shooting Guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="838033" first="Brady" last="Rankin"]</strong> and outstanding Senior Forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1105922" first="Julian" last="Williams"]</strong> who has been an absolute beast in the paint and on the boards. The Eagles have a very good chance to repeat due to the fact that they have size and numerous guards that can step up at any moment. </p> <p><em><strong>The Burlington School</strong></em> made it all the way to the state championship last season and have added some new pieces that could potentially help them get over the hump. One of those player is Senior Guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="838021" first="Jamarii" last="Thomas"]</strong> who has been one of the best Guards in the state this season, putting up big time numbers consistently. Although they have had some last season struggles, they have played a tough schedule and are battle tested. A player that could be the X factor for them is Sophomore Guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="854913" first="Jakel" last="Powell"]</strong> who has shown his potential to be a special player.</p> <p><em><strong>Wayne Country Day</strong></em> comes in at the #3 spot and they have a chance simply because they have the size and one of the best overall guards in the state. Columbia University signee <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="533552" first="Jaden" last="Cooper"]</strong> can go for 30/40 points at any given moment and Unsigned Senior Forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="838050" first="Vante" last="Hutcherson"]</strong> has the potential to be a top big on the court when he is locked in. </p> <p><em><strong>Davidson Day</strong></em> could very well be the surprise team as they currently sit at the #4 spot on the West side of the bracket. They enter the playoffs on a 21 game winning streak being led by Junior Guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="848076" first="Donovan" last="Atwell"]</strong> and Sophomore Guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="854899" first="Trey" last="Horton"]</strong> who are both considered top shooters in the state. </p> <p><em><strong>Trinity Academy of Raleigh</strong></em> is another team that hasn’t played a high amount of games but they are a team that’s very dangerous. They feature one of the top players in the Class of 2023 in Wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="944974" first="Jakwon" last="Moore"]</strong> who has played at a high level the past few seasons. They don’t have a ton of games under their belt this season but that’s part of what makes them a very dangerous team. </p>