Season ends for top-ranked Lake Norman boys’ basketball team after rules violation
The Lake Norman High School boys’ basketball season has come to an abrupt conclusion after the school self-reported a rules violation.
The Wildcats, which are the top-ranked team in The Observer’s Sweet 16 poll and the N.C. Statewide 4A poll, were set to face Myers Park in the third round of the NCHSAA playoffs Tuesday evening.
Lake Norman athletic director Jay Keener told The Observer he discovered the ineligible player while checking spring sports eligibility.
“I tried to talk to the team first,” Keener said. “I worked with my administration and staff all day, but it just couldn’t be resolved. The ones it affects are the guys working the hardest. In 21 years as a public educator, as a teacher, a coach, athletics director, today was probably the hardest day that I’ve had just from my seat.”
Lake Norman (27-1) reached the state semifinals last year and is nationally ranked again this season. The Wildcats were the favorites to win the 4A state championship. A source told The Observer the player in question was taking at least some classes off campus, which led to Lake Norman having difficulty in tracking his eligibility.
In an email, Lake Norman principal Bill Shapcott said the school was working closely with the NCHSAA in an effort to strengthen eligibility verification processes.
“Our priority is to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship and accountability in our athletic programs,” Shapcott wrote in the email. “While this situation is challenging for everyone involved, we must adhere to NCHSAA guidelines”
Shapcott said anyone who purchased tickets for Tuesday’s game would be eligible for a refund.
Myers Park, which started the season 1-7, is going to Friday’s Elite 8 round to play Chambers, which beat Independence Friday.
“I heard it prior to the game, but I really didn’t want to listen to it,” Chambers coach Brian Frasier said of the Lake Norman news. “I hate it for a team to get kicked out of the playoffs and I know (Lake Norman) coach (Grant Hodges). He does a great up there and I hate it for him.”
Myers Park coach Andrew Glover said he was shocked by the news.
“My heart breaks for Lake Norman,” first-year Myers Park coach Andrew Glover said. “What a phenomenal year they had, 27-1, and we were looking forward to battling with them. ... I hate we can’t go up there and play. We wanted to play the No. 1 team in the state and see what we could do. But our guys are pretty excited to be in another Elite 8, especially after starting 1-7 and having people count us out. So to be where we’re at now is pretty insane.”
— Correspondents Richard Walker and Andrew Stark contributed
This story was originally published March 4, 2025 at 5:00 PM.
