The NCHSAA has released preliminary playoff brackets for baseball and softball state playoffs. The organization scheduled official brackets for release later Monday.
The release of preliminary brackets allows schools to review them for potential errors before the final versions are published. Schools were given deadlines Monday afternoon to submit any questions or report discrepancies to the NCHSAA.
The first round of the baseball and softball state playoffs is set for Tuesday. Games are scheduled to be played at the higher seeded team's home field. Winners advance to the second round on Friday.
Subsequent rounds continue the following week. Third round games are scheduled for May 13, followed by fourth round games on May 16. These games will also occur at the higher seed's site.
Regional championships will feature a best-of-three series format. This round is slated for May 20-24. The higher seed hosts two games, with the lower seed hosting one game if the series requires three contests.
The state championships also use a best-of-three series format. Baseball state championships are scheduled for May 30 and 31 at Ting Park in Holly Springs and the Burlington Athletic Complex. Softball state championships will take place at UNC-Greensboro and Duke on the same dates.
As teams prepare for the postseason, attention turns to standout players across the state. In the Gastonia and Shelby areas, over 60 players have been identified as ones to watch during the NCHSAA and NCISAA playoffs.
Pitchers like Parker Anderson from Cherryville and Wyatt McSwain from Crest have posted low earned run averages. Hitters such as Talon Dalton of Cherryville and Evan Myers from Lincoln Charter enter the playoffs with high batting averages and run production. Numerous other players from schools like East Gaston, North Gaston, and Stuart Cramer are expected to impact the postseason.
Similarly, the Jacksonville area features players poised to lead their teams in the NCHSAA softball playoffs. Kailei Dawsey of Dixon and Makenzie Goin from Richlands are key pitchers with strong strikeout numbers.
Offensive players like Richlands' LeNayah Jackson and East Duplin's Karsyn Parker have demonstrated hitting prowess throughout the season. Jacksonville area players from Swansboro and White Oak also provide notable talent entering the bracket.
The NCHSAA recently finalized playoff formats and new mercy rules ahead of spring sports postseason play.
