North Carolina High School Basketball Rankings: On3 Composite Top 25 Teams - Nov. 22

As winter approaches, another North Carolina high school basketball season starts. While hundreds of teams will compete for a shot at their respective state tournaments, the top 25 teams on the North Carolina On3 Composite Ranking will gain the most attention from college scouts and basketball fans.

Here’s where the state’s best teams are in the early season rankings. Unsurprisingly, having five teams in the nation’s top 100 proves the deep talent pool in the ‘Tar Heel State.’

The On3 Composite High School Basketball Team Ranking is a proprietary algorithm that compiles rankings listed in the public domain by respected High School media and data companies. It includes Massey, Max Preps, Cal Preps, ESPN, and SI, creating the industry’s most comprehensive and geographically balanced High School Team Ranking.

1. North Mecklenburg

Despite Isaiah Evans’ departure, the Vikings will start their campaign as North Carolina high school basketball’s top-ranked team. This position mainly rides on its status as the defending North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) Class 4A state champions.

Ashton Pierce, the nation’s ninth-best combo guard, will be one of their main contributors this season. The 29th-best team in the country will start their title defense against Phillip O. Berry Academy on Dec. 5.

2. Christ School

The Greenies have won their first four games this season by an average margin of 28 points. In their latest victory against Carmel Christian, Dacen Petty scored 14 points, and Tyler Jones added 11. Madden Collins and Mikey Wilkins combined for 21 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists. The 37^th-best team in the nation can extend its winning streak to five by defeating Combine Academy on Nov. 22.

3. Lake Norman

The Wildcats started their campaign with a 69-28 victory over North Lincoln. Appalachian State commit Tre McKinnon led the way with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and two steals. Meanwhile, Clemson commit Trent Steinour finished with 18 points, 15 rebounds, two steals, and three blocks. The 73^rd-best team in the United States can sustain the momentum by defeating Mount Tabor on Nov. 26.

4. Central Cabarrus

While the Vikings started their 2024 North Carolina high school basketball campaign with a loss to Butler, there are some positives from that game. Cayden Smith had 17 points, five rebounds, and two blocks, while Infinite Morrow added 14 points, ten rebounds and five blocks. The 95^th-best squad in the land can bounce back with a victory over Hickory Ridge.

5. New Hanover

The Vikings are hoping for a different ending this season after losing to North Mecklenburg in the 2024 Class 4A state championship game. The Wilmington-based squad hopes to hoist their 15^th state title to erase that defeat. New Hanover starts its quest for that crown when it faces Jack Britt on Nov. 25.

6. Combine Academy

The Goats remain undefeated after their 90-76 victory over Caldwell Academy. Combo guard Yohance Connor paced Combine Academy with 28 points, while Auburn commit Kaden Magwood contributed 23. Josiah Parker finished with 22 points to help the Goats clinch their fourth consecutive victory. A tough challenge awaits Combine Academy as they face second-ranked Christ School in their next assignment.

7. Moravian Prep

The Lions’ tune-up game against Virginia’s Oak Hill Academy validates their contender status for the 2024 North Carolina high school basketball season. They’re looking at another strong finish this year after going 18-2 last season. Moravian Prep is poised to win as many, if not more, games because of their top talent like South Carolina commits Eli Ellis and Hayden Assemian. The Lions begin their season against Grace Baptist Academy on Nov. 26.

8. Davidson Day

The Patriots’ recent loss to Winston-Salem Christian snaps their four-game winning streak. Despite the defeat, University of North Carolina commit Isaiah Denis led Davidson Day with 22, while sophomore Lincoln Vinson added 18. Before that loss, the Patriots were triumphant against Burlington School, Gaston Christian, Millbrook, and Berean Baptist Academy. Davidson Day can bounce back by defeating Myers Park on Nov. 23.

9. Chambers

The Cougars started their campaign with a 73-67 victory over Hickory Ridge. Markus Kerr paced Chambers with 22 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Malik McCotter added 18 points, four rebounds, four assists, and four steals. Tarris Bouie was a defensive menace with three blocks to go with 13 points, five rebounds, and three assists. The Cougars will face Burlington School on the 23^rd.

10. Providence Day School

The Chargers’ four-game winning streak ended with a 58-54 loss to Burlington School. Before that setback, they defeated Wesleyan Christian, Legion Collegiate, Grace Christian, and JSerra Catholic. Julian Johnson, Zeke Battier, Osvaldo Haynes, and Trajan Thompson have spearheaded Providence Day’s charge through five games. However, they can rediscover their winning ways by defeating Combine Academy on the 23^rd.

Teams 11-25 in the North Carolina High School Basketball Early Season Rankings

11. Greensboro Day School
12. Winston Salem Christian School
13. Concord Academy
14. Farmville Central
15. Forsyth Country Day School
16. Myers Park
17. 1 of 1 Academy
18. Weddington
19. Mount Tabor
20. The Burlington School
21. Richmond Senior
22. Reidsville
23. Northside Christian Academy
24. High Point Christian Academy
25. United Faith Christian Academy