Following tonight’s slate of games, the Final Four in all the NCHSAA classifications will be set. Although this new, seemingly unnecessary realignment for public school programs appeared to be a direct money ploy at first, it’s actually made for some highly entertaining playoff games. In turn, we will take a closer look at each of the upcoming semifinal matchups as they are determined, moving on to 7A…
Norh Meck (1) v. Mooresville (2)
Given the proximity of these schools, talent on both sides, and potential championship matchup on the horizon, there should already be a ton of excitement surrounding this contest. Like clockwork, the Vikings of North Meck find themselves in a position to potentially three-peat, something that hasn’t occurred in the public-school sector in over a decade (Kinston 2012-15). Despite their lack of yearly statistical information, folks should know who the leaders are. Guys like Ashton Pierce, DJ Lindsey, ExZavier Young, and Alek Lewandowski do a lot of the heavy lifting for this group. Given their abundance of talent, they certainly have the pieces to win a title.
However, the Blue Devils also have the necessary pieces and chemistry to make something special happen. They’ve only lost two games, a four-point loss to North Meck in November and a six-point loss to Jay M. Robinson (5A Final Four team), and haven’t lost in the 2026 calendar year. This will be their opportunity to get revenge on the Vikings. Mooresville has an array of veteran, college-level pieces leading the way. Jordan Walton runs the team, Nolan Ericson is a lethal shooter, Christian Wilson offers an active inside-out presence, Eian Bailey does all the dirty work, and Taurean McKinnon is a nice utility piece. Additionally, guys like Chase McDonald, Qua Bailey, Carson Schaen, and Tyler Morrison provide solid minutes for this group. Considering their close battle earlier in the season, this game is truly up for grabs. It’s difficult to bet against the machine that is North Meck, but Mooresville seems to have the right recipe for success this season. Regardless of the result, it should be a memorable contest.