North Lincoln girls’ basketball forfeits 17 games. Can Knights make playoffs?
Coming into this week, North Lincoln’s girls’ basketball team was ranked No. 3 in the N.C. 5A statewide rankings, and the Knights were among the favorites to win a state championship.
The Knights’ path to a state title now appears to be far more difficult, if it exists at all.
North Lincoln has apparently forfeited 17 wins, according to its updated MaxPreps stats page, one of the determining sources of information in the N.C. High School Athletic Association’s playoff selection and seeding algorithm.
According to a Charlotte Observer source, the forfeits are a result of using an ineligible player, who was reportedly competing in a fifth season of high school basketball, a violation of NCHSAA rules.
The Knights’ MaxPreps page now shows a record of 3-21, including Thursday’s 68-52 win over Bandys.
Efforts to reach North Lincoln school officials were unsuccessful.
Lincoln County Schools spokesperson Shanti Clancy responded to an email request for information from The Observer.
“At this time,” Clancy said in her email response, “the matter is under review. We are actively working with school administration and the appropriate athletic governing bodies to gather accurate information and ensure that all policies and procedures are followed. Because the review is ongoing, we are not able to provide additional details at this time. Our priority is to ensure a thorough and fair process for all students and staff involved.”
Clancy said the school system would provide an update as additional information becomes available.
The NCHSAA will announce postseason pairings Saturday afternoon, based on a computer algorithm.
In the 5A class, 48 teams will make the playoffs and then be split in an eastern and western bracket based on geography.
Heading into the Bandys game, North Lincoln was ranked No. 49. It moved up to No. 43 after the win.
This story was originally published February 19, 2026 at 6:49 PM.
