PBR Scouts of North Carolina have been on the road and pouring through box scores over the 1st two weeks of the North Carolina High School season getting to know the players and teams in 2023. Below, we update the North Carolina Power 25.

The May 8th release of the Power 25 represents the end of the regular season with the playoff schedule beginning on Tuesday May 9th for the NCHSAA and the NCISAA.  This is our 1st Power 25 of the year with just 1 week of games, but our staff felt like it was important to have an updated Power 25 heading into the state playoffs.

For the first time in 2023, New Hanover takes over the top spot in the Power 25.  The Wildcats have had a fantastic year and they continue to roll off wins in a very competitive conference.  Behind the Wildcats we see Wake Forest HS, nationally ranked for 3 weeks now and looking to continue that trend.  New to the rankings this week are Hickory Ridge, their 1st time in the Power 25 in 2023, and West Forsyth, returning to the rankings after a very hot end that saw the Titans sweep East Forsyth in conference play.

Inside the rankings below, North Carolina Director of Scouting gives some insight on each team in the rankings, defending or explaining the rational for teams being slotted as they are.  With the depth of talent in North Carolina, there is plenty of room to debate which teams should be in, or out, of the Power 25.

PBR Scouts will continue to follow all of the action daily through our Inside the Box blog as well as being on the road and in person to see as many teams from across North Carolina as possible.

 

PBR NC Power 25 - May 8, 2023: End of Regular Season Release

 

Rank	Team		Record (05.07.23)	Previous Rank
1	New Hanover		21-2	5
	+ Click here for more The Wildcats are playing at a high level riding their 13 game win streak into the postseason. A program that has a history of post season success has everything needed to add another trophy to the case.
2	Wake Forest		19-4	2
	+ Click here for more The Cougars won 16 straight before a loss in the conference tournament to Millbrook. They started the year at #1 and have the pieces to end there.
3	Pinecrest		21-4	4
	+ Click here for more The Patriot lineup is loaded with speed and pop and have proven themselves as legitimate State Title contenders. They have an advantage when they play at home, their biggest question is can they limit the walks in the playoffs.
4	Middle Creek		19-4	3
	+ Click here for more A loaded lineup has been key to their success this year. It will be interesting to see if the bats stay hot in the one and done format or can their pitching staff can put zeros on the board if the bats go quiet for a night.
5	East Forsyth		20-4	1
	+ Click here for more The Eagles have lost 3 in a row to finish the season. Can they regain their midseason form before its to late? Their pitching staff gives them a chance to make a run in the West.