Four EC2A teams reached state playoffs

Ayden-Grifton’s Emily Dykes will play a pivotal role in the Chargers’ upcoming playoff run. Ayden-Grifton has reached the NCHSAA fourth round in each of the last two seasons. Photo by William ‘Bud’ Hardy / Neuse News

The Eastern Carolina 2A Conference has four teams in the NCHSAA 2A playoffs, which start Saturday.

Ayden-Grifton and West Craven will be at home in the first round. The Chargers won their third consecutive EC2A title — second with an undefeated slate — and received the No. 3 seed in the East. Ayden-Grifton faces No. 30 Roanoke Rapids and has made it to the fourth round of the playoffs the past two years.

West Craven has the No. 11 seed and will go in with a wave of momentum. The Eagles have won 13 of their last 14, including a win over South Lenoir to solidify their spot. West Craven hosts No. 22 Trinity.

The Blue Devils are looking to win their first playoff game since 2017, but will have to do it on the road. South Lenoir received the No. 20 seed and will take on No. 13 Midway. The teams have only one mutual opponent — Wallace-Rose Hill — but both won twice in straight sets.

North Lenoir is the fourth team to make it to the NCHSAA playoffs and received the No. 26 seed. The Hawks face No. 7 Croatan with hopes to win their first postseason match since 2015. Both teams played West Craven — Croatan won in straight sets before the Eagles’ strong run while North Lenoir fell in four sets twice.

Ayden-Grifton's match will be at noon while North Lenoir and South Lenoir will play at 2 p.m.