In a heart-stopping game at the Lawrence Joel Memorial Coliseum, North Mecklenburg secured a place in the 4A boys basketball championship game by defeating Lake Norman in an exhilarating overtime battle. The star of the game, Isaiah Evans, displayed remarkable skill and composure as he delivered a heroic performance when it mattered most.
With just 40 seconds remaining in regulation, Evans single-handedly saved North Mecklenburg’s chances of claiming the state title by contributing four crucial points to force the game into overtime. In the extra period, Evans once again rose to the occasion, scoring a basket to take the lead and then sealing the victory with two flawless free throws.
The Vikings will now face off against the undefeated New Hanover for the highly anticipated 4A boys basketball championship on Saturday, although the time for the championship game is yet to be announced.
Lake Norman, the second seed in the West, initially took the lead in the game with a driving runner off the backboard by Trent Steinour. However, Evans swiftly responded with a game-tying jumper just before the buzzer, ensuring that North Mecklenburg remained in contention. The game eventually went into overtime with the score tied at 57-all.
Throughout the thrilling encounter, the lead changed hands multiple times, creating an intense and captivating atmosphere. Second-seeded Lake Norman managed to stay ahead for the majority of the fourth quarter, but an impressive comeback by North Mecklenburg, led by Evans, saw the underdog team earn a hard-fought victory.
Isaiah Evans, a standout player committed to Duke University, delivered a stellar performance, contributing 30 points on 12-of-32 shooting. However, he was not alone in his efforts, as Trey Maxwell and Chadlyn Traylor provided invaluable support by shouldering the early scoring load, ultimately leading the Vikings to a memorable win.
On the other side, Lake Norman showcased a formidable offensive display, with a quartet of scorers demonstrating their skills on the court. The 7-foot big man Trent Steinour led the charge with 14 points and an impressive 15 rebounds, complemented by noteworthy contributions from Josh Yates, Tre McKinnon, and Santana Lynch.
With this victory, North Mecklenburg has earned the opportunity to compete for the illustrious 4A boys basketball championship. As the team prepares to face New Hanover in the title game, basketball enthusiasts eagerly await what promises to be an intense and thrilling showdown between two formidable contenders.