We say it is NEVER too early to be looking at teams before the season, as we continue to talk about some of the top storylines heading into the season around North Carolina. One storyline that I will have my eyes on will be the Golden Lions out of Shelby, and if they can continue to build upon the success they were able to create last year.
Rewinding to last season, Shelby had an incredible season and one to certainly be proud of. The Golden Lions finished 20-8 overall on the season, 13-1 in conference play, which earned them the top spot, an 11-game win streak towards the end of the season, and battling hard in the playoffs before falling to Bandys last year. I would certainly have to say that would be a memorable season for the program, but can they repeat the same success?
Diving into what the roster may look like this upcoming season, Shelby may have only lost two players from last year’s team in 2025 Grady Morgan and 2027 Omari Whiteside. Now both were huge pieces to the team’s success, but this is a team that also returns talent behind them and experience. 2028 Tee Hollifield was the top guy early for this team, nearly averaging a double-double at 11.6ppg and 9.1rpg. 2026 Lorenzo Roseboro and 2026 Lan Farmer were two other key juniors last year who provided quality minutes. And then after that, this was a team made up of several other juniors and sophomores that will all be returning, all will have another year under their belt, and will be looking to take the next step in their development.
The Golden Lions of Shelby not only bring back experience, but they bring back firepower, a team that averaged 66 points per game last year and proved that they can compete with several teams out there. With the talent returning, Shelby may be brewing up another special season. Are they the real deal? We shall see but let’s just say the recipe for success is on the table, and they should be a team to have your attention all season long.