North Mecklenburg Advances to NCHSAA 4A Regional Final 

It was a repeat performance for North Mecklenburg in the NCHSAA 4A Sectional Final. The season started with a 79-55 win over Independence, and North Mecklenburg once again posted an almost identical 77-54 win to advance to the NCHSAA 4A Regional Final against Olympic. North Mecklenburg jumped out to a 20-15 first quarter lead and never looked back. They were in complete control and continued to put an exclamation mark on their outstanding season.

North Mecklenburg features a balanced scoring attack and play an aggressive man to man pressure defense. The team plays as a cohesive unit providing excellent weak side help. All five starters can step up and be the team's leading scorer any night out. In the win over Independence, North Mecklenburg was led by 6'3 Georgia Tech signee Tristan Maxwell. Maxwell finished with a team high 23 points including three straight 3-pointers in the third quarter. 6'0 Robert Morris signee Trayden Williams had a monster second half scoring 14 of his 16 total points. 6'7 super sophomore Jeremy Gregory enjoyed another double double scoring 14 points and collecting 12 rebounds. 6'5 junior 'glue guy' Chris Ford had another total all-around performance and finished with 11 points while 6'1 unsigned Shamman Artis chipped in nine points. 

For Independence, they lost the services of 6'0 Lee's McRae signee Anthony Allen who left the game early in the first quarter. Allen has been Independence's leading scorer and it was evident that they missed his scoring and senior leadership. 6'5 unsigned senior Nygell Verdier had a monster performance with a game high 29 points. 6'7 junior Omarion Bodrick finished with four points, collected a handful of rebounds and by our count had nine blocked shots. Now, let's take a closer look at the standout players of the game. 

6'3 2020 Tristan Maxwell (North Mecklenburg)

Tristan Maxwell is simply wired to score. He can dial it in from deep and connected on four 3-pointers for the game. He can hit the mid-range and has the ability to finished at the rim. Maxwell has excellent body control and plays extremely well under pressure. He is poised, mature, and is underrated on the defensive end of the court. 

6'7 2022 Jeremy Gregory (North Mecklenburg)

Jeremy Gregory 'quietly' goes about his business. Simply put, he is a walking 'double double' and may be one of the most productive players in the state for his class. With Gregory, you know exactly what you will get each and every outing. He's going to work hard for low post position, has passer friendly hands, nifty footwork, and an uncanny ability to be in position to garnish rebounds on both ends of the court.'

6'5 2021 Chris Ford (North Mecklenburg)

Chris Ford is the team's 'glue guy.' He simply goes about his business in a typical blue-collar fashion. Nothing is ever flashy, but he is always going to pad the stat sheet with rebounds, points, assists, steals, steals, you name it, Chris Ford is always going to be near or around the ball. 

6'1 2020 Shamman Artis  (North Mecklenburg)

One thing is crystal clear, Shamman Artis is blessed with outstanding speed and quickness especially in the open court. We were impressed with his sheer hustle, heart and passion displayed on each and every possession.

6'5 2020 Nygell Verdier (Independence)

Nygell Verdier may just be one of the more intriguing prospects in the North Carolina 2020 class. We're talking about a strong and physical point guard that can score from all three levels. Verdier finished with a game high 29 points and earned an offer from D2 Lander.

6'8 2021 Omarion Bodrick (Independence)

There is not better shot blocker in the state of North Carolina regardless of class or affiliation. We're talking about an agile, mobile and super active defender especially on the defensive side of the court. He has impeccable timing on blocking shots. We counted nine block shots in the game against North Mecklenburg.