Prep Baseball is excited to announce its North Carolina Player of the Year Award after the 2024 season generated some incredible individual moments and performances throughout the state. As the spring high school season comes to a close, Prep Baseball is excited to announce one player who emerged ahead of the competition at all levels. This player has been selected not only for their outstanding statistical numbers, but also for their overall effect on their high school program.

COBB HIGHTOWER, SS, EAST ROWAN HS, 2024

Cobb Hightower led the East Rowan Mustangs to the 2024 NCHSAA 3A State Tilte.  A University of North Carolina signee, Hightower put together a very impressive year in the box, on defense manning shortstop throughout the year, and as the closer for the Mustangs.  Hightower hit .462 in 35 games played.  In knocking in 48 runs, Hightower had 9 homeruns, 10 doubls and 2 triples, slugging .856 for the year.  In 142 plate appearances, Hightower earned 36 free bases through walks or hit by pitch, while only striking out 12 times.  His total on base percentage finished at .592 for the year.

Defensively Hightower shined as well.  While the "runs saved" stat is not available at the high school level, Hightower played well above average at shortstop with 73 assists and 35 putouts in 117 chances, fielding .923.  While he did make 9 errors, Hightower's aggressive nature and infectious energy had a profound effect on his teammates and games, seeing that the Mustangs were a team that attacked the opportunity to make a play, all the way to their state championship.

Hightower also made 17 appearances on the mound with a 4-2 record, throwing 19 innings and striking out 25.

Hightower's impressive year at the plate and defensively, as well as leading his team to the NCHSAA 3A State Title has earned him the Prep Baseball 2024 North Carolina Player of the Year.

Hightower has been selected by the staff of Prep Baseball of North Carolina.  The team of Prep Baseball aprea scouts who coverered the high school baseball season throughout the spring selected Hightower amongst a strong group of candidates from across the state. The Prep Baseball staff has been diligently scouting and covering games at diamonds across the state this spring, seeing more than 400 contests in person, to bring parents, athletes and fans the most comprehensive coverage of amateur baseball across the United States. The dedication and coverage allow Prep Baseball a credible way to identify the top athletes each year who best represent the state of North Carolina. 

Cobb Hightower, SS, East Rowan, 2024

+ Hit .462 in 35 total games played
+ 10 doubles, 2 triples, and 9 homeruns
+ Slugged .856 on the year
+ 34 walks and 12 stikeouts in 174 plate appearances
+ Accounted for 110 runs with 62 runs scored and 48 RBI
+ 17 stolen bases
+ 35 putouts and 73 assists from SS on 117 chances
+ Was a part of 10 double plays turned on the year
+ 2024 NCHSAA 3A State Champion with East Rowan HS

Past Winners of Prep Baseball North Carolina Player of the Year

+ 2023 - Luke Stevenson, Wake Forest HS Catcher
+ 2022 - Brooks Brannon, Randleman HS Catcher
+ 2021 - Josh Hartle, Reagan HS Left Handed Pitcher
+ 2020 - COVID Shortened Year - No Award
+ 2019 - Blake Walston, New Hanover HS Left Handed Pitcher
+ 2018 - Owen White, Jesse C Carson HS Right Handed Pitcher
+ 2017 - MacKenzie Gore, Whiteville HS Right Handed Pitcher