Here are finalists for the NC Mr. Basketball award, the state’s player of the year
Today, The Charlotte Observer is announcing the finalists for the 2025-26 N.C. Mr. Basketball award.
The Observer has handed out the award since the 1984-85 season, giving it to the best boys’ basketball player in the state.
The finalists were chosen by a panel of Observer sportswriters and the co-hosts of its Talking Preps streaming show in consultation with high school and college coaches.
The winner will be named next week during the NCHSAA state championship games in Winston-Salem, and receive a large banner to hang in their school’s gym.
Meet the 2025-26 Mr. NC Basketball finalists
Jyi Dawkins, Ben L. Smith: Dawkins, a 6-foot-4 senior combo guard, averages 32.7 points, 13.1 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 4.3 steals and 1.6 blocks. He has signed with Western Carolina.
Kobe Edwards, Greenfield: Edwards, a 6-2 senior guard, averaged 23.1 points, 6.9 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 2.4 steals for an N.C. private school state champion.
Dionte Neal, Reidsville: Neal, a 5-9 senior point guard, averages 35.5 points, 8.7 assists, 6.4 steals an 4.5 rebounds. Neal has signed with UNC-Greensboro.
Ashton Pierce, North Mecklenburg: A 6-3 senior combo guard signed to Sacramento State, Pierce averages 20 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals.
Jaleel Smith, Hunter Huss: A 6-0 sophomore point guard, Smith already has Power 4 offers. He averages 29.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.3 steals, 4.9 assists.
Previous winners
2024-25: Zymicah Wilkins, Christ School
2023-24: Isaiah Evans, North Meck
2022-23: Isaiah Evans, North Meck
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 (Kinson)
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 Rd.
1999-00: Scooter Sherrill West Rowan
1998-99: Jason Parker West Charlotte
1997-98: Kris Lang Gastonia Huss
1996-97: Jenis Grindstaff 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 Win.-Salem Glenn
1987-88: Kenny Williams Eliz. City N’eastern
1986-87: Henrik Rodl Chapel Hill
1985-86: Robert Brickey Fayetteville Smith
1984-85: Chucky Brown North Brunswick
