nw3a-4a

Was reading in the St. Sthephens-Alexander thread and saw a couple post of how tough this conference is. So here's a thread for it.
I agree that this may be the toughest conference in the state. In 4A you have Alexander a power year in and year out with several state championships. With the feeder programs here will always be one of the best teams in the state. Watagua may not be a state contender every year but always has a strong team that competes well. they usually start slow as they can't get in much practice early because of the weather up there but later in the season they always get stronger and beat some good teams the second time around. South Caldwell who a few years ago had a very strong program for several years looks to be getting back up to par with some new talent and I know their feeder schools were very good this year winning the conference against Alexander. In 3a St. Stephens and Fred T Foard have both had strong teams for the last several years making the playoffs every year and having some good runs there. They both look good for this year again as by the showing of ST. at Alexander this week and by Foard beating St. also speaks well for them. Hickory is not up to par with the others but that is our only weak team. Hibriten who has been a strong 2A team is in as a 3A for the first time. I know they have a really good team right now who can compete with every team in the conference. I also know they are a small school, Not sure why they are in 3A but I think in the long run they just won't have the numbers to compete in this conference when the group of kids they have now graduate. But for this year and next they will be in the mix. Should be a fun conference and come playoff time they should all be tested and ready

 

Central-d

Well said central-d agree with you, really strong conference. Our (St Stephens) #1 goal is to win NW 3A/4A conference but we know AC is the team to beat there. Our 2nd goal is to get to Raleigh and win State. I must say our coaches did a great job of scheduling this year beside all the strong teams in our conference (6 of the 7 teams will make play-offs) we schedule 2 games against North Iredell who will make a strong run in play-offs, Lake Norman who everyone knows is very strong. Also we play Bandys who really didn't show there true team against AC (they had I think 6 girls that played Basketball and went far in the play-offs). They haven't even practiced together. Also we play East Rutherford twice who always has a good team. Another team we play toward the end is West Wilkes. I really think this schedule win or lose will make us a stronger team and we will be ready to make that run to Raleigh (We've been so close the last 2 years).

There has been alot of talk about about all the Home-Runs, my opinion you want see many HR in our conference. You rarely see a ball down the middle of the plate, everything in, out, up, down.

 

It can't help but make you better facing good competition and pitching. Just think about it. In our conference this year alone the teams will face these girls twice; AC-Wilkerson, Shubert-Foard, Oakes-Hibriten, Wakefield-St. Stephens, Hall-SC. All of these girls can bring it up to 60 or better with movement. And all of their teams have good players behind them.

 

I have to agree with both of you.. This has to be the Best conference in the State. I'm pretty sure you can't find 5 pitchers in "ANY" Conference like these 5. Maybe in Charlotte area but thats it. This is going to be fun this year.

 

I also agree with everything said. I have seen all 5 of these girls and all are very good pitchers. Thing is all but Wakefield will be back next year. Really good teams in this conference with the exception of hickory. Should be a fun year.

 

I can't wait for Tuesday to get here!!!

 

That would be 6 pitchers if you count the other pitcher at AC that throws 61- 63 mph breaking ball . She pitches JV.

 

St. has one who pitches hard with movement.A great backup for Wakefield and she is only a fr.

 

Props to the kids, coaches and parents and the feeder system of this conference. Sounds like the best place to be in order to gear up for a run at the state championship.
Am I hearing this right? Is the pitching dominance so powerful that it negates the hitters in the conference?
And next question, I see 3A/4A....explain to us at TBR what that means as a conference etc.
Thanks, and props to you guys for sure!

Good Luck, and hope to see ya'll in Raleigh.

FishPal

 

Yea there are 5 really good starting pitchers in this conference and a couple reserves that would start on a lot of high school teams. As for the 3a/4a question. It is a split conference with 3 4a teams and 4 3a teams. One of the worst ideas ever for the nchsaa. I hate split conferences