NCHSAA Releases First Draft of 2025-2029 Conference Alignments
NCHSAA Releases First Draft of 2025-2029 Conference Alignments
The North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) has taken the next significant step in its 2025-2029 realignment process, releasing the first draft of conferences. This draft introduces the potential groupings for schools within the newly implemented eight-class system, a historic shift in North Carolina high school sports.
While the move to eight classifications was announced earlier this year, the latest development focuses on where schools might compete for the next four years. The draft has sparked conversations across the state as schools review their proposed conferences and prepare feedback to refine the final placements.
Conference Highlights
The draft conferences prioritize geographic proximity while balancing school sizes within each classification. For local programs like Greene Central, North Lenoir, South Lenoir, Kinston, and Jones Senior, the proposals present new opportunities and challenges.
Greene Central, Kinston, South Lenoir (2A/3A Conference)
This proposed conference places Greene Central, Kinston, and South Lenoir alongside Ayden-Grifton, Beddingfield, Farmville Central, and Tarboro. The inclusion of traditional powerhouses like Tarboro and Farmville Central ensures a competitive slate for all teams involved.North Lenoir (4A Conference)
North Lenoir is slated for a 3A/4A conference with Eastern Wayne, Washington, North Pitt, SouthWest Edgecombe, North Johnston, and West Craven. This grouping provides North Lenoir with a mix of familiar rivals and new challenges against larger schools.Jones Senior (1A/2A Conference)
Jones Senior is proposed for a predominantly 1A/2A conference with East Carteret, Lejeune, Pamlico County, Southside, and Northside Pinetown. This setup ensures competitive balance while maintaining travel-friendly matchups.
The Path Ahead
This draft is the first of several steps before finalizing the conferences. Member schools now have the opportunity to provide feedback, suggesting adjustments based on logistics, competitive balance, and rivalries. The NCHSAA’s Realignment Committee will evaluate these suggestions before issuing a revised draft in early 2025.
NCHSAA Commissioner Que Tucker emphasized the importance of this collaborative phase. “The draft is a starting point, not the final word,” Tucker said. “We welcome feedback from our schools to ensure that these conferences best serve our student-athletes and communities.”
Full Draft of Projected Conferences
Here’s a breakdown of the draft conferences, including where local schools are proposed to compete:
2A/3A Conference (Greene Central, Kinston, South Lenoir)
Greene Central (3A)
Kinston (3A)
South Lenoir (3A)
Ayden-Grifton (3A)
Beddingfield (3A)
Farmville Central (3A)
Tarboro (2A)
4A Conference (North Lenoir)
North Lenoir (4A)
Eastern Wayne (4A)
Washington (4A)
North Pitt (4A)
SouthWest Edgecombe (4A)
West Craven (4A)
North Johnston (4A)
1A/2A Conference (Jones Senior)
Jones Senior (1A)
Northside Pinetown (1A)
East Carteret (2A)
Lejeune (2A)
Pamlico County (2A)
Southside (2A)
What’s Next
As the draft conferences circulate, schools are expected to engage with the Realignment Committee to finalize adjustments. The NCHSAA aims to ensure that the final conferences reflect the best possible balance for all member institutions, setting the stage for the 2025-2029 seasons.
With competitive rivalries and new opportunities on the horizon, this first draft of conferences provides an exciting glimpse into the future of high school athletics in North Carolina.
