NCHSAA- The Preliminary Brackets for the NCHSAA 1A State Playoffs have been released, and 4 Smoky Mountain Conference teams will see postseason action.

The Hayesville Yellow Jackets won the regular season SMC championship and therefore were awarded the highest seed of all of the SMC teams, and will head into the playoffs as the fifth seed in the West.

Murphy, even though they came in third in the SMC behind Swain, finished with a higher RPI rating and therefore got the higher seeding as they enter the playoffs as the 15th seed.

Swain County just missed out on a home game as they were awarded the 17th seed, and Hiwassee Dam will also be on the road as they were one of the final five to make the State Playoffs as the 28th seed.

1st Round Matchups

#5 Hayesville vs #28 Hiwassee Dam

Some familiarity in the first round here, as the two SMC foes will get to meet for the 3rd time this season. The Jackets swept the Eagles by a combined score of 31-2 in the regular season.

#15 Murphy vs #18 Bishop McGuinness

Murphy had a full head of steam after going to Hayesville and coming away with a victory, but since then they’re on a three-game losing skid. The Bulldogs can’t get out of their own way, committing 12 errors over their final three games.

#16 South Stanley vs #17 Swain County

The Maroon Devils just missed out on a home game and will find themselves on the road in round 1 due to some early season struggles. Swain has gotten hot at the right time though and this could be a favorable matchup in round 1.