Panthers into 2A conference with Brevard, Chase;
Warriors would renew rivalries with Bandys, Maiden, N-C
By CHRIS HOBBS
HobbsDailyReport.com
CHAPEL HILL – Patton and West Caldwell were the only area high schools moved in the second draft of the next statewide realignment, released Thursday by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA).
Patton was shifted from a 1A/2A conference (1As Avery, Draughn, Mitchell County, Mountain Heritage and 2As Madison, Black Mountain Owen, Patton and West Caldwell) to a 2A league with Brevard, Chase, East Rutherford, Hendersonville, Polk County and R-S Central.
West Caldwell, grouped with Patton in the previous 1A/2A league, was moved to a 2A conference of Bandys, Bunker Hill, East Burke, Lincolnton, Maiden, Newton-Conover and West Lincoln.
The 1A/2A league that Draughn remains in added Rosman (1A).
In 3A, none of the three leagues first recommended for schools currently in the Northwestern 3A-4A were revised nor was anything changed for 4A schools currently in that conference.
An all-3A conference would have East Lincoln, Fred T. Foard, Hickory, North Iredell, North Lincoln, St. Stephens, Statesville and West Iredell. East Lincoln, Fred T. Foard, North Lincoln and West Iredell are moving up from 2A.
A six-team 3A/4A league would have 3As Ashe County, Freedom and Hibriten with 4As Alexander Central, South Caldwell and Watauga.
McDowell is shown leaving the Northwestern 3A-4A for a 3A-4A of 3As Enka, Asheville Erwin and North Buncombe. The 4As are McDowell, A.C. Reynolds, Asheville and Asheville Roberson.
REVIEW ALL OF THE SECOND DRAFT: https://www.nchsaa.org/schools/schools-main-page/conferences/realignment-information
KEY DATES REMAINING
Jan. 21 —Deadline for schools to appeal the second draft in writing, using the defined submission process, including concerns, suggestions/solutions. Appeal only if a school has been changed or affected by the initial draft changes due to the pandemic; all appeals to the committee will be virtual.
Jan. 27-28—Realignment Meetings by ZOOM are held, one for the East and one for the West. Appealing schools will have an opportunity to address the second draft:
- Eastern Webinar on January 27 & Western Webinar on January 28
- Details of the format will be shared closer to the dates.
Feb. 3—Realignment Committee meets and considers making further adjustments to conferences.
Feb. 4—Committee issues the third draft.
Feb. 10 (if necessary)—Deadline for final appeals to Realignment Committee. Must be received in writing at NCHSAA by this date. For schools whose conference membership has been altered somehow from previous drafts.
Feb. 17 (if necessary)—Final appeals to Realignment Committee. Realignment report then submitted to the Board of Directors.
March—NCHSAA Board of Directors hears any final appeals based on procedural errors. (Exact date TBD) Board votes on 21-25 Realignment Plan
Aug. 1—New 2021-25 Alignment begins
