1A Conference Predictions

[EXWFAN]

Conference rundowns across the state. Three rivers is done on 2a board.

 

[ObserveAndReport]

In the SMC, it has been Cherokee and Hayesville, then everyone else the past few years. I think both of those teams will still be very good, but they will have more competition from the rest of the league this year.

Cherokee graduated a PG who signed with WCU, and I'm hearing a high scoring wing transferred, plus they got a new coach, so they have question marks. But their new coach is a proven winner, and they still have plenty of talent returning.

Hayesville lost probably 80% of their roster to graduation, including an App State signee who was 4-time POY in the league. However, I can't remember the last time they weren't near the top of the league, so I wouldn't bet against them. Plus their one returning starter is a Division I-bound point guard, which is a great piece to rebuild around.

Rosman finished third last year and lost a high scoring guard, but return the other two pieces of a "Big 3" from last year, so I am not expecting a huge drop off. Swain was an upstart team last year, and has pretty much everyone back, so I expect their turnaround will continue.

Murphy has been in the cellar the last few years, but made a great coaching hire in the offseason. There are always good athletes in the hallways there, and I'm expecting with the new coach--who had great success with the Hiwassee Dam girls the past few years--that their success will match up more with the type of athletes at the school.

Andrews also has a new coach and a lot of returners, so they could be much improved. I think there is a big question mark there with a good point guard who suffered an injury during football season, but if he returns at full strength and they get consistent performances from a wing who can really shoot it (last year he had 40 in some games, and 4 in others), they could be tough.

I expect a lot of parity in the league this year and for the conference race to be a lot of fun to watch, although it might be a year away for a lot of the teams in terms of being able to make deep playoff runs.

 

[Chute Boxe Hero]

I think Kestrel Heights will be the best team in the North Central Athletic. They return quite a bit including a good point guard in Javier Rogers.

As for who challenges them, I'm not sure. Voyager lost a ton, Darius McGhee has taken his talents to Blue Ridge, VA, and it also looks like River Mill lost a bit (they do return a good player in Malik Singletary though).

 

[bulldog nation2014]

Uwharrie Charter Conference will be between Albemarle and North Stanly with Queens Grant and UA battling for 3 and 4. (Note: depending on what QG gained in the off season)