Mideastern conference could “be over as we know it” with new Big 32 format

NCHSAA unanimously voted this week to increase classifications in high school sports. Read how that affects Wilmington area high schools

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) – The NCHSAA is making more changes to high school sports.

In Tuesday’s Board of Directors meeting, a Big 32 model was brought to life. This will pit the 32 largest schools in our state into one classification, regardless of East and West.

Classifications are determined based off a schools Average Daily Membership (ADM) number. From this year’s enrollment numbers, both Laney and Hoggard will fall into the Big 32 model. The committee ideally would like just two classifications per conference but recognizes that’s not possible in some parts of the state, like for the Mideastern.

Playoff formats are still in the work.