High School Sports

Nine rising stars in NC high school sports aiming for collegiate glory

Stories by Charlotte Observer journalists, with AI summarization

A new class of NC high school athletes is illustrating the connection between perseverance, elite performance, and future collegiate opportunity. Standouts like Isaiah Evans and Cash Hunter emphasize long-term development, resilience, and a grounded approach to stardom. Major tournaments and evaluation events, such as the Queen City Senior Bowl and local showcases for college recruiters, signal an evolving recruitment ecosystem where live assessments supplement traditional scouting.

Rising stars across sports — from undefeated tennis champion Jack DiMenna to Harvard lacrosse commit Brandon DeBerardinis — reinforce a theme of excellence cultivated through consistency and leadership. In women's basketball, increasing visibility of top talent highlights progress toward equitable recognition and collegiate placement for female athletes.

North Meck’s Isaiah Evans begins to celebrate the team’s victory over Chambers after sinking two free throws in the closing seconds of action on Friday, February 17, 2023. North Meck defeated Chambers to win the Queen City boys conference championship at Hough High School in Huntersville, NC. By JEFF SINER

NO. 1: A DREAM FULFILLED. NORTH MECKLENBURG’S ISAIAH EVANS IS THE BEST PLAYER OF A GENERATION

Though he’s still in high school, North Mecklenburg McDonald’s All-American Isaiah Evans has been named as top player of the 40-year Sweet 16 era | Published April 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by Langston Wertz Jr.

AL Brown lineman Chaz Knox leads his team in defensive drills at the high school football Prospect Day recruiting showcase at Hickory Ridge High School By Kelly Hood

NO. 2: TOP PREP FOOTBALL PLAYERS SHOWCASE TALENTS TO COLLEGE RECRUITERS: ‘A GREAT OPPORTUNITY’

More than 25 college football coaches were recruiting in Cabarrus County on Tuesday. | Published May 1, 2024 | Read Full Story by Shane Connuck

Providence High School tennis player Jack DiMenna was the 2024 N.C. 4A state singles’ champion.

NO. 3: MEET THE ALL-OBSERVER BOYS’ TENNIS TEAM, THE BEST PLAYERS IN THE GREATER CHARLOTTE-AREA

Here are the top boys’ high school tennis players in the region. Meet The All-Observer team | Published June 11, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jay Edwards

Independence High School basketball player Kam Kitchen, a top 10 recruit in North Carolina commits to to The University of Virginia to play basketball on June 5, 2024. By Preston Jenkins

NO. 4: MEET THE TOP WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL RECRUITS IN NORTH CAROLINA, THE HS CLASS OF 2025

As the 2023-24 school year ends, here are the top 25 women’s college basketball recruits in North Carolina among rising high school seniors. | Published June 12, 2024 | Read Full Story by Langston Wertz Jr.

East team’s linebacker Frank Brewer (25) of Charlotte Catholic celebrates with linebacker Jayden Olden (30) of Monroe after scoring a touchdown against the West team During the Queen City Senior Bowl at Olympic High School in Charlotte, NC on December 13, 2023. The West beats the East in the Queen City Senior Bowl with a final of 21-14.

NO. 5: QUEEN CITY SENIOR BOWL HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL ALL-STAR GAME ROSTERS: WHO MADE THE TEAMS?

Rosters for the 2024 Queen City Senior Bowl have been released, featuring top Charlotte-area high school football seniors. Game to be held on Dec. 21. | Published October 28, 2024 | Read Full Story by Langston Wertz Jr.

South Meck’s Cash Hunter (2) breaks several tackles and runs for the 1st down. South Meck would host the Providence Panthers on Friday November 8, 2024. By jonathan aguallo

NO. 6: SOUTH MECK’S CASH HUNTER, OBSERVER FOOTBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK, FOUGHT PAIN ALL SEASON

Playing through an injury he suffered in preseason, South Mecklenburg’s Cash Hunter ran for 1,000 yards, became Observer player of the week. | Published November 19, 2024 | Read Full Story by Langston Wertz Jr.

Jadyn Davis is named Mr. Football during a ceremony for Providence Day’s early college signees Charlotte, N.C., on Friday, December 8, 2023. By Khadejeh Nikouyeh

NO. 7: WHO WILL BE NAMED MR. FOOTBALL, NC’S TOP HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER IN 2024? MEET THE FINALISTS

Here are the 10 finalists for the N.C. Mr. Football award, which will be named during the week of the NCHSAA high school state championships. | Published November 28, 2024 | Read Full Story by Langston Wertz Jr.

Lake Norman’s Brandon DeBerardinis (50) embraces Cannon Wigginton (3) after a goal during the first half against Green Level in the 4A Championship game.Green Level and Lake Norman met in the NCHSAA 4A Boys Lacrosse Final at Durham County Stadium on May 17, 2024. By Steven Worthy

NO. 8: THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE SEASON PREVIEW: PLAYERS, TEAMS TO WATCH

Get a look at the top teams, top performers and top storylines for the upcoming Charlotte-area boys’ and girls’ high school lacrosse seasons. | Published February 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Steve Lyttle

Lake Norman lacrosse player Brandon DeBerardinis is a two-time all-state pick By Courtesy Lake Norman High School

NO. 9: HARVARD COMMIT BRANDON DEBERARDINIS HOPES TO CONTINUE BOYS’ LACROSSE SUCCESS AT LAKE NORMAN

With players like all-state star Brandon DeBerardinis, Lake Norman has become a state power. The Wildcats aim for a seventh state championship appearance this year. | Published February 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Richard Walker

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.