Christ School’s Zymicah Wilkins named Mr. Basketball, the best boys’ player in North Carolina
Christ School’s Zymicah Wilkins is Mr. Basketball in North Carolina for the 2024-25 high school season.
A 6-foot-8, 215-pound center, Wilkins is a top 75 four-star national recruit signed to N.C. State. He began his career at R-S Central High School in Rutherfordton, where he was considered the top recruit in state as a sophomore. Wilkins transferred to Christ School, in Arden, before his junior year and helped lead the Greenies to N.C. Independent Schools state championships during the past two seasons.
Christ School, which has won three straight state titles overall, was 26-5 in Wilkins’ junior season and was 28-3 this season. The Greenies are currently No. 19 in MaxPreps’ national ranking.
On a team with three double-figure scorers, Wilkins — led Christ School at 15.6 points per game this season. He also led the team in rebounding (8.0) and blocks (1.0). He was tied for second in steals per game (2.0) and fourth in assists (2.3).
“He’s dominant, very dominant, and he’s very, very skilled,” said Chambers High coach Brian Frasier. Chambers was the only N.C. team to beat Christ School this season. “He’s a tough kid and he seems like the ultimate team player. I think he’s a really special talent.”
The Charlotte Observer has recognized the state’s top high school basketball talent for 40 years. Recent Mr. Basketball honorees have included the first two-time winner, Isaiah Evans, now at Duke, and Cade Tyson, now at North Carolina.
Christ School will receive a banner to hang its gymnasium in Wilkins’ honor.
“He’s so tough and skilled around the basket and he’s got soft hands, I think he’ll do a really good job at the next level,” Frasier said of Wilkins. “He simply has a will to win and a want to be good, and a competitive spirit. He doesn’t want to lose and he plays hard. That’s going to take you a long ways.”
Past winners
2023-24: Isaiah Evans, North Mecklenburg
2022-23: Isaiah Evans, North Mecklenburg
2021-22: Cade Tyson, Carmel Christian
2020-21: Terquavion Smith, Farmville Central
2019-20: Tristan Maxwell, North Mecklenburg
2018-19: Wendell Moore, Cox Mill
2017-18: Coby White, Greenfield School
2016-17: Lavar Batts, Concord Robinson
2015-16: Edrice Adebayo, High Point Christian
2014-15: Brandon Ingram, Kinston
2013-14: Theo Pinson, High Point Christian
2012-13: Isaiah Hicks, Oxford Webb
2011-12: Rodney Purvis, Raleigh Upper Room
2010-11: Terry Whisnant, Cherryville
2009-10: Reggie Bullock, Kinston
2008-09: Mason Plumlee, Arden Christ School
2007-08: Ty Walker, Wilmington N. Hanover
2006-07: Demontez Stitt, Butler
2005-06: Will Graves, Greensboro Dudley
2004-05: Kevin Swinton, Greensboro Dudley
2003-04: Anthony Morrow, Charlotte Latin
2002-03: Chris Paul, West Forsyth
2001-02: Shavlik Randolph, Raleigh Broughton
2000-01: Anthony Richardson, Raleigh Leesville Road
1999-00: Scooter Sherrill, West Rowan
1998-99: Jason Parker, West Charlotte
1997-98: Kris Lang, Gastonia Huss
1996-97: Jenis Grindstaff, Marion McDowell
1995-96: Vincent Whitt, Greensboro Dudley
1994-95: Antawn Jamison, Providence
1993-94: Ishua Benjamin, Concord
1992-93: Jeff Capel, Hope Mills South View
1991-92: Todd Fuller, Charlotte Christian
1990-91: Donald Williams, Garner
1989-90: Rodney Rogers, Durham Hillside
1988-89: Bryant Feggins, Winston-Salem Glenn
1987-88: Kenny Williams, Elizabeth City Northeastern
1986-87: Henrik Rodl, Chapel Hill
1985-86: Robert Brickey, Fayetteville Smith
1984-85: Chucky Brown, North Brunswick
This story was originally published March 13, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
