NC High School Basketball Crowns Champions in Expanded Format

0:00Local headlines in two minutes or less, you're tuned in to Durham News Today. North Carolina High School basketball wrapped up its season with final statewide polls for both girls and boys across eight classifications. Top teams held steady at number one in most divisions, like Mallor Creek Girls in 8A and West Charlotte Boys in 8A. Crowds packed the arenas for games that often came down to the final seconds, including West Charlotte's boys sinking a basket with just zero point. Six seconds left to beat hoggard. Several squads celebrated their first state titles ever, such as seven Durham Boys in 7A, Mallor Creek Girls in 8A, Queens Grand Boys in, 2A, and North Lincoln Girls in 5A. Others ended long title droughts, like North Mecklenburg Girls in 7A, who hadn't won in decades. Teams like hoggard made deep playoff runs for the first time since 1970. This year marked the debut of eight classifications statewide, doubling last season's count and opening doors for more schools to advance far.

1:02Officials noted it brought fresh excitement, with playoff newcomers and deeper tournament paths drawing passionate fans who either loved the action or tuned in for the upsets. In the rankings, standouts included Grace Christian, topping the NCISAA girls, Greensboro Day leading NCISAA boys, mating girls undefeated in foray, and Kingston Boys number one in 3A. Lower classes saw powerhouses like Cherokee Girls in 2A and Vance Charter Boys in one, a hold the top spots. The expanded format shook things up positively, creating more Cinderella stories and rivalries. Fans and coaches are already buzzing about next season's matchups. Thanks to our sponsor for helping bring you this episode. Headphones in a pillow, simple idea, surprisingly addictive, S-O-L-I-SoliPillow.com.