North Carolina State Tournament: Exceptional Teams

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Southeast Alamance is a talented team led by their junior class. [player_tooltip player_id='573557' first='Shaniya' last='Paylor'], [player_tooltip player_id='1219576' first='Clara' last='LaChapelle'], and Inysia McIver are exceptional players who push the basketball and score in bunches for the Stallions. Paylor is a complete player who scores, defends, and has elite court vision when the ball is in her hands. LaChapelle is a force on the glass who collects over 8 rebounds per night for her squad.  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seaforth is a deep and talented team. They score a lot of points and are led on offense by Gabrielle White, [player_tooltip player_id='622019' first='Katherine' last='Leonard'], and [player_tooltip player_id='302217' first='Peyton' last='Collins']. Each player is averaging in double figures during the 2024-2025 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>North Wilkes does what it takes to win basketball games. They are strong defensively, and they take care of the basketball. The Vikings do not hurt themselves. They attack the glass, play terrific defense, and are efficient on offense. They are currently riding a 22-game winning streak. [player_tooltip player_id='1222742' first='Meredith' last='Tomko'] and [player_tooltip player_id='690097' first='Ralee' last='Bare'] are two tremendous guards who excel for their team in the big moments.  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>East Burke has an outstanding senior guard in [player_tooltip player_id='564664' first='Braelyn' last='Stilwell']. She is a dynamic player who has a fantastic feel for the game. Stilwell has a tremendous outside shot and deep range from behind the three-point line. She can also attack the hoop and score or get to the foul line. This season, Stilwell has averaged over 6 free throw attempts per contest for the Cavaliers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Perquimans is led by senior point guard Lailana Marie Harris. She is an impactful player who can take over a game on offense or on defense. She leads her team in points per game, assists per game, and steals per game.  The Pirates are an exceptional defensive team that creates multiple steals each game. Crishya Sellers is a fabulous defender who creates over 5 steals a night due to her quickness and anticipation skills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>East Bladen is a high-scoring team who are led by seniors NeNe Ward, Laila Smith, and [player_tooltip player_id='924468' first='Ariel' last='Cromartie']. Ward leads the way with over 19 points per game. She can get to the rim or the free throw line, and Ward is a tremendous passer with elite vision. Smith is a fantastic rebounder who owns the glass in each contest for the Eagles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bishop McGuinness goes as [player_tooltip player_id='499724' first='Adelaide' last='Jernigan'] goes. She is an amazing athlete and leader who is also very skilled on the basketball court. She can drain the deep outside shot or attack the rim and get to the foul line after an “and one” opportunity. This season, Jernigan has connected on 50% of her shots from the field, 40% of her shots from three, and 78% of her free throw attempts. She is a knockdown shooter primed for the biggest stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cherokee is fun to watch. They create scoring opportunities through their defensive pressure over and over again throughout any game. Winners of 27 straight, Cherokee is led in scoring by [player_tooltip player_id='413356' first='Whitney' last='Rogers'], [player_tooltip player_id='621988' first='Cecily' last='Swimmer'], and Aaliyah Rogers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->