As the high school basketball season across North Carolina continues to heat up, Class 8A has quickly emerged as a competitive and talent-rich classification in the state. From seasoned contenders with championship expectations to surging programs finding their stride at the right time, the title race is beginning to take shape. With league play intensifying and postseason implications growing by the week, Phenom Hoops takes a closer look at the teams positioning themselves for deep playoff runs — and the programs that could shake up the landscape as the race for a state title unfolds.
Top 3 Title Contenders:
West Forsyth 18-0
Apex Friendship 19-2
West Charlotte 15-3
Could Make a Title Run:
Leesville Road 15-4
Ardrey Kell 15-5
Hoggard 15-5
Myers Park 13-6
Panther Creek 14-7
Hough 14-5
Others to Watch:
Rolesville 13-5
Willow Spring 14-4
Chambers 12-8
Laney 13-8
East Meck 14-7
Wakefield 14-6
Broughton 12-8
When you look at the top three teams, these seem to have clearly made a lot of noise this season and would be ones to watch for sure. West Forsyth sits undefeated and has been making yet another statement this year, as they have been able to cruise in some but also have been battle-tested. West Charlotte is a team that has a ton of talent, but they are still young in areas, and this may all be new, but there is no doubt about it that this team has what it needs to take home a title. And then you have Apex Friendship, who has been racking up the wins and brings a balanced offensive attack and will look to put it all together in the playoffs.
This is an interesting classification because even though there are true contenders, there are teams that could easily make a run as well. Leesville Road, Ardrey Kelll, Hoggard… all have been strong this season, and one could see a path in making a run. Myers Park is a talented team that could rack up the wins late into the season. Panther Creek has proven they can win big games and make a run, as well as Hough. And when it comes to other teams to watch, there are a few teams to watch, but I would say East Meck would be a very sneaky team to keep an eye on.