A dozen high school baseball teams from western North Carolina entered the second round of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association playoffs this week, and seven of them are still alive after two days of competition.
Title Defenses and Surprising Upsets
Roberson opened its state‑title defense with a dominant 6‑0 victory over Northern Guilford, showcasing the depth of the western talent pool.
Pisgah, meanwhile, survived an early scare from North Surry, edging the visitors 7‑6 in a back‑and‑forth contest that kept its championship hopes alive.
Hayesville moved into the third round with a 9‑2 win over Swain County, while Asheville High rolled past Ragsdale 15‑5, Reynolds shut out Piedmont 3‑0, and Polk County powered past Owen and Walkertown to stay alive.
Andrews continued what many expect to be the best season in program history, advancing after a 6‑4 triumph over Robbinsville, whereas Brevard’s run ended in the second round with a 6‑2 loss to Lake Norman Charter and West Henderson fell 5‑3 to Hickory.
NCISAA Quarterfinal Action
Christ School added a notable chapter to the local story, reaching the quarterfinals of the NCISAA 4A playoffs with a 10‑2 victory over Charlotte Country Day School before bowing to Charlotte Christian School.
With the third round looming, coaches and players alike are focusing on maintaining momentum, tightening pitching rotations, and capitalizing on timely hitting as the remaining western teams chase state titles.