As a final bow on the 2023-24 athletic season, we’re looking back on 24 athletes from the class of 2024 who certainly left their mark.

Some set records. Some won championships. Some distinguished themselves by how many sports they had all-state potential in. Others were so dominant at one sport that they won’t soon be forgotten. It’s a diverse group of seniors — with nearly every sport accounted for — that led the way this year and throughout their storied careers.

Below, we’ll start with No. 24 of our seniors who defined the class of 2024 seniors and work our way to No. 1.

But first let’s give some shoutouts to even more talented and accomplished seniors from this class:

Toasting the honorable mentions

The two who forged their own path: Terry Sanford’s Skylar Young and Orange’s Katie Wolter had to go a different route. For Young, a UNC softball recruit, she chose to play on the school’s successful baseball team. She had three hits in seven at-bats this year (.429) including a line drive single in Game 1 of the 3A East regional final. For Wolter, she chose to play on the school’s boys lacrosse team since there was no girls’ team. The Elon women’s recruit earned the starting goalie position for one of the state’s best 3A programs and helped the Panthers to a state runner-up finish this year after making it to the regional final the year before.

The record-setters who just missed: Hough’s Nolan Hauser will graduate as the national career leader in field goals. His next kicks will be at Clemson. Fuquay-Varina’s Gates Hinton exits with the state’s longest championship discus throw ever recorded. East Davidson’s Abby Connolly scored more than 200 goals and is among the top 10 all-time in girls soccer history. In swimming, Orange’s Katie Belle Sikes owns the state record in the 50 free and has five individual state titles.

Those in crowded fields: Perhaps in any other senior class, these athletes would’ve made the list. But that’s a tough ask for the talent that was around in boys basketball — where 2,000-point scorer Juke Harris of Salisbury (a Wake Forest recruit) and fellow Power 5 recruits like Myers Park’s Sir Mohammed (Notre Dame) and Bishop Boswell (Tennessee) and Cannon School’s Austin Swartz (Miami) were part of a special group. The same could be said in volleyball, where Green Level’s Asia Thigpen, Middle Creek’s Sally Perez and Ashe County three-sport standout Paige Overcash were part of a loaded senior class.

Two who left early: Ardrey Kell’s Taylor Suarez was a three-time HSOT all-state player in girls soccer and was the Gatorade Player of the Year as a junior. She graduated in the fall of her senior year to enroll at Florida State, missing her senior year. Seaforth’s Jarin Stevenson is another three-time HSOT all-state player and Gatorade Player of the Year as a junior. He graduated in the summer to enroll at Alabama, where he played meaningful minutes off the bench to help the Crimson Tide to the Final Four.

The four-time HSOT all-state selections: Cardinal Gibbons’ Taylor Alexander made all of our first four all-state teams and will go down as one of the best defenders in NCHSAA girls lacrosse history. The Marquette recruit made three first teams and won three state titles. Providence Day tennis player Shaurya Bharadwaj, a Penn recruit, was a four-time first teamer and one of the highest rated boys tennis players to participate in N.C. high school athletics over the last decade. Brevin Wilson of Cannon School, heading to UNC, is the only four-time boys lacrosse all-state player. Christ School’s Dawson Reeves made the HSOT all-state team 11 times in all with five first team selections: six times overall in outdoor track, once in indoor track, and was a four-time selection in boys cross country.

And now, on to No. 24…

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No. 24 — Connor Kruse, Orange

No list can leave off a player that rewrites the record books the way Connor Kruse did. He exits Orange for Lenoir-Rhyne, a D2 power, with the N.C. High School Athletic Association career record for points (532) and the single-season record for assists (130). And his individual success only complemented the program’s rise into one of the best 3A programs in the state. The Panthers reached the regional final during Kruse’s junior year then captured it his senior season before finishing runner-up in its first title game appearance.

Connor Kruse by the numbers:

• U.S. Lacrosse All-American
• 3-time HSOT all-state (first team as a senior, second team as a junior, third team as a sophomore)
• Set NCHSAA record for assists in a season (130)
• Set NCHSAA career record for points in a career (532)
• Career W-L: 67-13 (24-2 as a senior)
• freshman year — 24 goals, 17 assists, 47 GBs
• sophomore year — 77 goals, 62 assists, 107 GBs
• junior year — 69 goals, 81 assists, 113 GBs, 27 TAs
• senior year — 72 goals, 130 assists, 115 GBs, 29 TAs
• career totals — 242 goals, 290 assists (532 points)

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No. 23 — Jadyn Davis, Providence Day

Davis might be higher if his first two seasons had been in North Carolina. After transferring back to Providence Day from Catawba Ridge in South Carolina (he was at Providence Day as an eighth-grader) he won two NCISAA state titles and helped Providence Day become one of the most formidable teams in the state. The Michigan recruit threw 43 touchdowns in both of his varsity seasons with the Chargers, compared to just 15 interceptions.

Jadyn Davis by the numbers:

• All-American Bowl selection (2023)
• 2-time HSOT all-state (first team each time)
• career W-L record: 24-2 (only Providence Day years)
• Back-to-back NCISAA D1 champ
• junior year — 221-of-325 passing (68%), 3,425 yards, 43 TDs, 6 INTs; 2 rushing TDs
• senior year — 204-of-288 passing (70.8%), 3,370 yds (259.2/game), 43 TDs, 9 INTs; 3 rushing TDs
• career totals (at Providence Day) — 425-of-613 passing (69.3%), 6,795 yards, 86 TDs, 15 INTs; 5 rushing TDs

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No. 22 — Tyler Mason, Mount Airy

Tyler Mason was not the typical smalltown star running back. He didn’t break records in rushing yards because the Granite Bears were so dominant that he didn’t need to play as many snaps. But he certainly showed why he’s going to Virginia Tech when he did take those handoffs. Mason ended his career with a 13.1 yards per carry average and finished top-10 in state history in total touchdowns. He averaged about one touchdown for every four carries in his high school career. He also played basketball his first three years, averaging 11.9 points per game.

Tyler Mason by the numbers:

• MVP of back-to-back 1A championship games (2022, 2023)
• Top-10 in NCHSAA total touchdowns in a career
• Member of back-to-back 1A state champions
• freshman year — 133 yards rushing, 3 TDs (five games)
• sophomore year — 1,367 yards rushing (20 TDs), averaging 13.4 yards per carry; 3 punt return TDs
• junior year — 2,309 yards rushing (49 TDs), averaging 13.3 yards per carry; 3 special teams TDs; 42 tackles and 3 INTs on defense
• senior year — 2,213 yards rushing (39 TDs), averaging 13.0 yards per carry; 31 tackles, 1 INT, 1 INT TD on defense
• football career totals — 459 carries, 6,022 yards rushing, 13.1 yards per carry (111 TDs), 120 total touchdowns; 93 tackles, 4 TFL, 5 sacks, 5 INTs, 2 INT TDs; six special teams TDs (5 punt returns, 1 kickoff)
• basketball career totals — 760 points, 195 rebounds, 102 steals

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No. 21 — Charlotte Bell, Cuthbertson

When a girls track and field program experiences the success that Cuthbertson has had, it’s hard for one athlete to stand out from the rest — all those titles over the last decade cannot be won without depth, after all. But if there was one athlete that helps put a name and face on the Cavaliers’ incredible run, it has to be Charlotte Bell. Bell, who will run next year at Georgetown, had a hand in nine state championships, quite a few incredible relay performances, was on HSOT all-state teams 13 times with 10 of them on first team, set two state records by herself and another relay record, won seven individual titles, and even helped set national records in relays.

Charlotte Bell by the numbers:

• Helped team win nine team titles in her career — three apiece in cross country, indoor track & field, and outdoor track & field
• 3-time HSOT all-state in cross country (one first team selection)
• 5-time HSOT all-state in indoor track & field (four first team selections)
• 5-time HSOT all-state in outdoor track & field (all first team)
• Set the NCHSAA outdoor overall state record in the 1600 (4:38.92)
• Set the NCHSAA indoor overall state record in the 1600 (4:44.74)
• Helped set the NCHSAA outdoor overall state record in the 4-by-800 relay (9:01.84)
• Helped set national records in track & field at various postseason invitationals
• Member of three NCHSAA team cross country team titles; three NCHSAA outdoor track & field titles; and three NCHSAA indoor track & field titles
• 5 total individual NCHSAA titles in outdoor track & field (800 three times, 1600 twice)
• 2 total individual NCHSAA titles in indoor track & field (1600 twice)
• Finished top-10 in the 4A cross country championships twice

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No. 20 — Blanca Thomas, Charlotte Catholic

Girls basketball players as tall and as skilled as Blanca Thomas do not come around very often. That combination will make the name one N.C. basketball fans don’t soon forget — though it would be hard to forget when she’s playing for the Tar Heels next year. Thomas helped the Cougars to a final 16 finish her first year, then three straight 4A West regional finals. Catholic broke through her senior year, finishing runner-up in the championship game. Thomas finished her career by reaching the 1,000 mark in both points and rebounds while also averaging 3.8 blocks per game over four years. Her 57 career double-doubles accounts for more than half of her career games.

Blanca Thomas by the numbers:

• 3-time HSOT all-state (two-time first teamer)
• W-L record: 91-19
• One of about 35 players with more than 1,000 career rebounds
• freshman year — averaged 18.3 points, 13.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 6.8 blocks per game
• sophomore year — 14.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.1 steals, 2.8 blocks
• junior year —16.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 4.2 blocks
• senior year — 18.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, 2.1 assist, 1.3 steals, 3.2 blocks
• 2 triple-doubles, 57 career double-doubles (in 106 games)
• career totals — 1,766 points, 1,168 rebounds, 182 assists, 115 steals, 403 blocks; averaged 16.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.1 steals, 3.8 blocks

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No. 19 — Mary Bonner Dalton, Myers Park

When it came to her signature event, there was no one like Mary Bonner Dalton. The Myers Park senior crushed the longest distance events repeatedly in her career, winning three indoor titles and three outdoor titles in the 3200, setting the state record in both seasons. In cross country, she smashed the field at this year’s state championships, winning with a time of 16:54.06 that was around 50 seconds faster than second place and also broke the course record. All told, it’s hard to imagine another athlete topping Dalton’s career first-team selections, earning 12 of them with one second-team selection (her freshman cross country year). She never finished lower than seventh in the cross country championships, which is why Notre Dame recruited her to run there next season.

Mary Bonner Dalton by the numbers:

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No. 18 — Drew Waller, West Cabarrus

When West Cabarrus opened in the fall of 2020, few could have predicted the school’s biggest splash four years later would come in the form of a player who bucked a statewide trend. Drew Waller could have used any number of reasons to not play high school soccer — everyone else is doing it, it might not be fun to lose a lot in those first two years, what if a club coach gets angry — but he did it anyway and got all the rightful accolades. The Gatorade and N.C. Coaches Association’s POTY had 43 goals as a senior, leading the Wolverines to a 17-7-1 record. The 6-foot-2 forward committed to UNC before his senior year began — and it’s hard to find the last time an ACC recruit chose to play his senior year. For that alone, he stands apart from the rest. Waller also played two years of varsity tennis for the Wolverines at No. 1 singles

Drew Waller by the numbers:

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No. 17 — Kage Williams, Robbinsville

If Kage Williams restarted his wrestling career tomorrow, and every single career match went the exact same way as it had these past four years, he’d actually have one more win. As the second four-time wrestling champion on this list, Williams missed being undefeated for his career by a year. That’s because his only “loss” was him being injured before the championship final of a Christmastime tournament. That year, not showing up to a tournament final due to injury was treated like a forfeit. Now, it would not be counted against him. So, if you’d want to put an asterisk next to that career mark of 169-1, you could make the case easily. Williams was not just a talented wrestler who will take his talents to Appalachian State (and wrestle for coach JohnMark Bently, another four-time NCHSAA champ), he was also a standout for Robbinsville’s traditionally strong football program, rushing for 1,007 yards and 14 touchdowns as a sophomore and making 11 tackles for loss as a senior.

Kage Williams by the numbers:

• 1A championship MOW (2024)
• Career team W-L: 143-23 (102-12 in dual-team wretling, 41-11 in football)
• 1A team tournament championship (2024)
• Four-time HSOT all-state (three-time first teamer)
• 169-1 career record
• Four-time NCHSAA individual champ (one of 14 ever)
• 41-0, 190-pound title as a senior
• 61-0, 182-pound title as a junior
• 38-1, 195-pound title as a sophomore
• 29-0, 182-pound title as a freshman
• football career stats — 1,780 yards rushing, 27 TDs; 24 receptions, 333 yards, 3 TDs; 184 tackles, 21 TFL, 10 sacks, 1 INT, 1 INT TD on defense

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No. 16 — Laynie Smith, Chapel Hill

There are a lot of numbers that can show just how special Laynie Smith’s year was, but you only need one: 1,000. She’s one of just two athletes in the state who can say has 1,000 career kills in volleyball and 1,000 career points in basketball (the other is Ashe County senior Paige Overcash). Smith was good enough to go Division I in either, but the Under Armour All-American (one of three in this class) will play at Illinois this fall.

Laynie Smith by the numbers:

• Under Armour All-American in volleyball
• Two-time HSOT all-state in basketball (second team as a junior and senior)
• Two-time HSOT all-state in volleyball (first team as a junior and senior)
• career W-L: 114-44 (57-10 in volleyball, 57-34 in basketball)
• freshman year volleyball (at East Chapel Hill) — 37 kills, 3 aces, 27 blocks
• sophomore year volleyball (at East Chapel Hill) — 311 kills (4.8/set, 47.0 kill%), 26 aces, 47 blocks
• junior year volleyball — 309 kills (4.1/set, 60.5 kill%), 11 aces, 33 blocks, 54 digs
• senior year volleyball — 352 kills (5.3/set, 64.6 kill%, 49.9 hit%), 41 aces, 33 blocks, 75 digs (1.1/set, 3.4/match)
• volleyball career totals — 1,009 kills, 81 aces, 140 blocks
• freshman year basketball (at East Chapel Hill) — averaged 13.6 points, 11.2 rbounds, 1.9 assists. 2.5 steals, 3.7 blocks
• sophomore year basketball — DNP
• junior year basketball — 22.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 3.5 steals, 3.5 blocks
• senior year basketball — 18.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 3.3 steals, 2.5 blocks
• basketball career totals — 1,263 points, 600 rebounds, 258 assists, 213 steals, 203 blocks (65 games); averaged 19.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.2 steals, 3.1 blocks

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No. 15 — Truitt Manuel, West Henderson

Truitt Manuel’s future is in baseball, where he’s committed to N.C. State. But there was no better three-sport male athlete in the state over the last four years — a four-year varsity starter who helped lift all three programs. He stood out on the mound, earning three HSOT all-state honors over his career and winning the 3A state championship as a junior. The Falcons went 27-5 with him that season and had three straight 20-win seasons. He was a role player in basketball, helping turn around a program that struggled in his first two seasons, and stood out in football. He was a two-time all-state selection in football, hauling in 21 receptions in a single game as a sophomore. He ended with 310 receptions (with 93 in a season his junior year) for 4,278 yards and 56 touchdowns, but also stepped up on defense, special teams, and even at quarterback. The Falcons finished the regular season undefeated in each of his last two seasons. And, lastly, if you want to hear why Manuel continued to play all three sports, you’ll love his answer in this interview we had with him this May.

Truitt Manuel by the numbers:

• Three-time HSOT all-state in baseball (second team as a senior, first team as a junior, third team as a sophomore)
• Two-time HSOT all-state in football (first team two-way player as a senior; second team as a junior)
• 3A state baseball championship as a junior
• Career W-L: 156-78 (76-21 baseball, 51-41 basketball, 29-16)
• freshman year football — 427 yards rushing (1 TD), 506 yards receiving (3 TDs)
• sophomore year football — 36/75 passing (48.0%), 394 yards, 3 TDs/5 INTs; 59 carries, 292 yards, 3 TDs; 87 reeptions, 985 yards (11.3/rec, 89.5/game), 10 TDs
• junior year football — 93 receptions, 1,391 yards, 27 TDs; 60 tackles, 4 TFL, 5 INT, 8 PBU, 1 FF on defense
• senior year football — 32 carries, 262 yds, 1 TD; 89 receptions, 1,396 yds, 16 TDs; 47 tackles, 6 INTs, 2 PD, 3 FF on defense; (special teams) 28 punts, 40.6 avg, 5 inside 20
• football career totals — 725 yards rushing (4 TDs), 310 receptions, 4,278 yards receiving (56 TDs)
• sophomore year baseball — 0.75 ERA, 78 Ks in 37.1 IP
• junior year baseball — .376 BA, 38 hits, 37 RBIs, 9 doubles, 1 triple, 5 HRs, 24 runs, 9 SBs; 0.61 ERA, 120 Ks in 68.2 IP, .153 OBA
• senior year baseball — 1.00 ERA, 100 Ks in 49 IP
• freshman year basketball — averaged 4.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.9 steals
• sophomore year basketball — 6.4 points, 7.0 rebounds
• junior year basketball — 8.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists
• senior year basketball — 11.8 points, 5.3 rebounds
• career basketball totals — 455 points, 407 rebounds, 142 assists, 109 steals

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No. 14 — Joslyn Hamilton, Rolesville

It’s not an exaggeration to say that Joslyn Hamilton almost won the 4A outdoor track & field championships by herself. She didn’t score all the points, of course, but winning three individual titles set her team up to pull off the win and earn MVP honors. In total, she made the HSOT all-state team 11 times across indoor and outdoor seasons, in different events. Hamilton was also named Gatorade Player of the Year after her big senior spring season. She has committed to South Carolina next year.

Joslyn Hamilton by the numbers:

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No. 13 — Kiki Horne, Millbrook

There were a lot of powerful hitters in the class of 2024 from North Carolina. But one rose above the rest (and the net) more. Kiki Horne’s junior season is one that will be remembered for some time in the high school volleyball scene. She smashed 522 kills (an astounding 5.7 per set) to help the Wildcats to the 2022 4A championship. When the lights were brightest, she put together a magical performance, breaking the NCHSAA record for the most kills in a championship match with 27 in a 3-0 win. She finished her career with 1,355 kills (4.6 per set) and committed to UCLA.

Kiki Horne by the numbers:

• Under Armour All-American
• Two-time HSOT all-state (both first team as a senior and junior)
• NC Gatorade POTY as a junior (2023)
• HSOT Honors Volleyball POTY (2023)
• 4A state championship MVP as a junior; NCHSAA record-holder for kills in a championship match (27)
• Career W-L: 83-12 (29-1 as a junior)
• freshman year (at Clayton) — 126 kills, 25 aces, 98 digs
• sophomore year — 315 kills (3.7/set), 47 aces, 235 digs (2.8/set)
• junior year — 522 kills (5.7/set), 44 aces, 220 digs (2.4/set)
• senior year — 392 kills (4.8/set), 48 aces, 263 digs (3.2/set)
• career totals — 1,355 kills (4.6/set, 47.4 kill %), 164 aces, 816 digs (2.8/set)

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No. 12 — Cobb Hightower, East Rowan

It was a dream year for Cobb Hightower. He went out a 3A state champion, a three-time first-team HSOT all-state selection, and ended up a professional baseball player. Hightower was committed to UNC but plans changed after the San Diego Padres drafted him 88th overall in the third round of the MLB Draft. He is the state record-holder in career runs (156) and third in hits (163). His four years at East Rowan were special, going 95-16 overall, winning the title as a senior, reaching the fourth round as a junior, third round as a sophomore, and the final 16 as a freshman.

Cobb Hightower by the numbers:

• MLB Draft pick
• Three-time HSOT all-state selection (all first team)
• Coaches Association’s 4A POTY (2024)
• Career W-L: 95-16 (34-2 as a senior)
• 3A state champion as a senior
• NCHSAA record holder for career runs (156); third all-time in hits (163)
• freshman year (15 games) — .380 BA, 19 hits, 6 RBIs, 3 doubles, 15 runs
• sophomore year — .429 BA, 45 hits, 25 RBIs, 9 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HRs, 35 runs
• junior year — .515 BA, 51 hits, 44 RBIs, 9 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HRs, 44 runs
• senior year — .462 BA, 48 hits, 48 RBIs, 10 doubles, 2 triples, 9 HRs, 62 runs
• career totals — .455 BA, 163 hits, 123 RBIs, 31 doubles, 4 triples, 17 HRs, 156 runs, 55 stolen bases

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No. 11 — Lucca Battaglini, Durham School of the Arts

Swimmers break state records every year, but it’s rare for someone to graduate with four NCHSAA records in four different events. But Lucca Battaglini did just that. As a junior, he set new NCHSAA marks with 3A titles in the 50 free and 100 fly. Instead of defending those marks, he swam two different individual events as a senior — the 100 free and the 100 back — and did the exact same thing, setting new state marks in each. He also won the 50 free and 100 fly as a sophomore. Battaglini will be swimming in the ACC next year at Cal as a six-time NCHSAA champion and three-time Most Outstanding Swimmer award winner.

Lucca Battaglini by the numbers:

• Three-time Most Outstanding Swimmer of the championship meet (2022, 2023, 2024)
• HSOT Honors Boys Swimmer of the Year (2023)
• Six-time HSOT all-state (all first team selections)
• Holds four of the nine individual state records — the 50 free (19.47), 100 fly (46.94), 100 free (42.60), and 100 back (47.30)
• Six 3A state championships — the 50 free twice, the 100 fly twice, the 100 free once, and the 100 back once

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No. 10 — Ellie Garrison, Wheatmore

You wouldn’t think that one of the state’s all-time scoring marks would fall when a class lost most of their freshman year with pandemic restrictions. But Garrison didn’t just break an all-time record, she shattered it. The NCHSAA’s all-time leader in goals and points broke the mark her senior year. As a junior, she broke another state record with 96 goals. Her career wasn’t just about records either, as she and others lifted the Warriors into a powerhouse. Wheatmore went undefeated her sophomore year en route to the 2A title and made it back to the title game her junior year. Along the way, Wheatmore won 49 straight games and broke the state record for goals in a season twice (195 her sophomore year, 203 in her junior year). All told, Garrison played in three 2A West regional finals, two state title matches, and advanced to the final 16 her freshman year. Her record-breaking right foot will be heading to Appalachian State next year.

Ellie Garrison by the numbers:

• Three-time HSOT all-state selection (all first team)
• NCHSAA record holder for goals in a season (96 as a junior) and career (277) as well as single-season points (209) and career (611).
• 2A state champion as a sophomore
• Career W-L: 77-7 (25-0 as a sophomore)
• freshman year — 29 goals, 5 assists (in 12 games)
• sophomore year — 77 goals, 23 assists
• junior year — 96 goals, 17 assists
• senior year — 75 goals, 12 assists
• career totals — 277 goals, 57 assists; 12/12 on PKs

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No. 9 — Drake Powell, Northwood

You can’t tell the story of how special the class of 2024 was in boys basketball without Drake Powell. The McDonald’s All-American’s all-around game made him arguably the best “two-way” player in the state — able to score at will when called upon but, perhaps more invaluably, guard any position. He didn’t need to shoulder as much of the scoring load as you might think a UNC recruit would need playing 3A and 2A basketball (the Chargers dropped from 3A to 2A after his junior year). Powell was, like all top basketball players, asked to leave his home school multiple times. But his love of Northwood was evident, often attending games in other sports to support his classmates. He even played baseball as a sophomore. In his four years at Northwood, the Chargers made it to two state finals (as a freshman and a junior) and the fourth round twice.

Drake Powell by the numbers:

• McDonald’s All-American
• Three-time HSOT all-state (two-time first team, second team as a sophomore)
• Career W-L: 93-14
• freshman year — averaged 11.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 2.3 steals, 1.1 blocks per game
• sophomore year — 16.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.6 assists
• junior year — 18.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.2 blocks
• senior year — 17.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 2.2 steals, 1.2 blocks
• 23 career double-doubles
• career totals — 1,744 points, 718 rebounds, 218 steals, 110 blocks; averaged 16.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 2.1 steals, 1.0 blocks

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No. 8 — Jonathan Paylor, Cummings

Jonathan Paylor wasted no time in making an impact in football as well as track & field. While Cummings has a strong history in both sports, the Cavaliers were struggling on the gridiron with eight straight years of finishing .500 or below before Paylor’s arrival. During his four years, Cummings went 30-12-1 with two conference titles. He did it in all facets too — by ground (30 rushing TDs), by air (27 receiving TDs) and in special teams (5 return TDs) — which is why he was a prized recruit for N.C. State. Some top football players put track & field to the side by their senior year, but Paylor ended his career with a 2A outdoor title in the 400, giving him three straight in that event. He won seven individual championships total (five in outdoor, three in indoor).

Jonathan Paylor by the numbers:

• Four-time HSOT all-state selection in football (first team as a senior, second team as a junior and freshman, third team as a sophomore)
• HSOT all-state indoor track as a sophomore (second team)
• HSOT all-state outdoor track as a junior (third team)
• Two-time 1A/2A indoor track state champion in 300 (as a sophomore and junior)
• Five-time 2A outdoor track & field champion: won the 400 three years in a row, won 100 and 200 as a sophomore.
• freshman year — 36 receptions, 851 yds (121.6/game, 23.6/rec), 12 TDs; 60 rush, 438 yds (62.3/game, 7.3/rush), 4 TDs
• sophomore year — 68 carries, 655 yards (9.6 ypc, 59.5/game), 5 TDs; 42 receptions, 936 yards (22.3/rec, 85.1/game), 7 TDs
• junior year — 77 carries, 1,054 yards, 17 TDs; 27 receptions, 725 yards, 5 TDs; 2 return TDs; 3 INTs
• senior year — 169 carries, 2,378 yds (14.1/car, 198.2/game), 30 TDs; 25 receptions, 381 yds, 3 TDs; (defense) 75 tackles, 2 INTs, 4 PD; (special teams) 1 KOR TD, 2 PR TDs
• career totals — 4,525 yards rushing (30 TDs); 2,893 yards receiving (27 TDs); five interceptions and 100 tackles on defense; two career punt returns and three kick returns for TD

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No. 7 — Zoie Shuler, Robbinsville

Zoie Shuler may have made this list as a track and field star. She definitely would’ve made it as just a softball star. But by being dominant at both, she ensured that she was one fo the best all-around athletes in her class. The Robbinsville star’s best sport is softball, where she — like No. 2 on this list — is committed to Tennessee. She broke the state record for runs in a single season as a senior with 68 — a notable achievement for anyone who didn’t get the bonus of playing 2-3 extra games in the state championship series. For her career she had 159 hits, 123 RBI, 31 home runs, and batted .568, . At one of the state’s smaller 1A schools, Shuler dominated the 1A class, winning four 1A/2A indoor titles (the long jump and triple jump twice) and seven 1A outdoor titles (the high jump twice, triple jump and long jump three times each). And don’t think these marks were just “good for 1A” either — she made the HSOT all-state team, which is determined by best championship mark regardless of classification, six times with two first-team marks.

Zoie Shuler by the numbers:

• Three-time HSOT all-state in softball (two-time first team, third team as a sophomore)
• Three-time HSOT all-state in outdoor track (one first team, one second team, one third team)
• Three-time HSOT all-state in indoor track (one first team, two-time second team)
• 7 total 1A outdoor track and field titles (sophomore year — long jump and triple jump; junior year — long jump and triple jump; senior year — long jump, triple jump, high jump)
• 4 total 1A/2A indoor track and field titles (sophomore year — long jump, junior year — long jump and triple jump; senior year — triple jump)
• Holds 1A outdoor track & field record in the triple jump (39-9.25) set her sophomore year
• Career W-L in softball: 76-14
• NCHSAA record holder for runs in a season (68); third all-time in career runs (197)
• Third all-time in career triples (22)
• freshman year softball — .500 BA, 23 hits, 18 RBIs, five doubles, two triples, 3 HRs, 27 runs, 15 SBs
• sophomore year softball — .571 BA, 40 hits, 44 RBIs, 8 doubles, 7 triples, 7 HRs, 45 runs, 21 SBs
• junior year softball — .595 BA, 47 hits, 30 RBIs, 10 doubles, 6 triples, 10 HRs, 56 runs, 36 SBs
• senior year softball — .593 BA, 48 hits, 31 RBIs, 7 doubles, 7 triples, 11 HRs, 68 runs, 44 SBs, 27 BBs
• career stats — .568 BA, 159 hits, 123 RBIs, 30 doubles, 22 triples, 31 HRs, 197 runs, 117 stolen bases

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No. 6 — Zamareya Jones, North Pitt

From the moment she played her first high school game — a 17-point, eight-assist performance in a 62-point win, wearing her trademark glasses — Zamareya Jones established that she was going to be set apart from other high school players. She was fearless, flashy, and forceful. She broke the 2,000-point mark and was named a McDonald’s All-American, one of just a few from ENC. Her four-year efforts culminated in a state championship as a senior, a storybook ending to seasons that ended with trips to the final 16, round of 32, and the East regional final in her first three seasons. She’ll be suiting up for N.C. State next season, just like the next person on this list.

Zamareya Jones by the numbers:

• NC Coaches POTY (2024)
• NC Coaches POTY (2023)
• Four-time HSOT all-state selection; three times on first team (second team as a freshman)
• NCHSAA 2A champion as a senior
• career W-L record — 87-18 (29-3 as a senior)
• Top-15 in NCHSAA scoring history
• freshman year — averaged 23.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 2.9 steals per game
• sophomore year — 24.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 4.3 steals, 1.3 blocks
• junior year — 28.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 5.4 steals, 1.2 blocks
• senior year — 25.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.2 steals, 1.6 blocks
• career totals — 2,582 points, 462 rebounds, 607 assists, 437 steals; averaged 25.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 4.4 steals per game
• 33 career double-doubles
• career highs — 55 points (junior year), 15 rebounds (senior year), 15 assists (sophomore year), 13 steals (junior year), 6 blocks (sophomore year)

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No. 5 — Paul McNeil Jr., Richmond

Despite being the state’s first sophomore Gatorade POTY, Paul McNeil Jr. may not have ended up as highly-ranked as Powell or Isaiah Evans, or even the early-graduated Jarin Stevenson. But he left his mark in ways few players can. In a decade where most of the top basketball players seem clustered in a few larger cities at larger schools, McNeil put the Raiders — known more for their football prestige — on the map. As a sophomore, his team was ranked in the top 10 for most of the year and fell in the fourth round. As a junior, he led Richmond to its first appearance in a state title in almost 30 years. As a senior, McNeil Jr. and Richmond were in the East regional final for a second straight year. His scoring prowess was different from Evans, a mix of finishing at the rim and 3-point shooting, and floaters. Like the other basketball players on this list, he was unselfish and racked up assists in the name of winning. He almost left Richmond twice — he even played a few games for a team in California as a junior before coming back home and announced an offseason transfer to Word of God in Raleigh before his senior year that didn’t come fruition — but, by coming back twice, etched his name as one of the most legendary players of this decade. The N.C. State recruit’s name will also be etched in the record book for quite some time. As an almost-exclamation point to his career, he broke the 74-year record for points in an NCHSAA game with 71 of his own.

Paul McNeil Jr. by the numbers:

• NC Gatorade Player of the year (2022)
• NC Coaches POTY (2023)
• Three-time HSOT selection (all on first team)
• Career W-L at Richmond: 87-16
• Top-15 in NCHSAA career scoring
• freshman year (12 games due to pandemic restrictions) — averaged 18.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists. 1.0 steals, 1.0 blocks per game
• sophomore year — 24.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists. 1.7 steals, 1.8 blocks
• junior year — 24.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.2 steals, 1.1 blocks
• senior year — 31.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 2.6 steals, 1.2 blocks
• 952 points as a senior ranks sixth in NCHSAA history and third among seniors
• 71 points in a single game is tops in NCHSAA history
• career numbers — 2,429 points, 863 rebounds, 391 assists, 191 steals; averaged 25.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists per game
• career highs — 71 points (senior year), 20 rebounds (senior year), 11 assists (senior year), 9 steals (senior year), 5 blocks (junior year)

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No. 4 — Cameron Stinson, Mallard Creek

For whatever reason, N.C. wrestling’s ultimate feat — becoming a four-time state champion — became more commonplace over the last few years. There were none in the 2010s, but six four-time champs have been crowned since 2021. But the mystique hadn’t worn off in one important category — a four-time career undefeated state champ. That’s where Cameron Stinson broke through, becoming the first to pull it off since 1997 and just the third to ever do it. Stinson certainly put his streak on the line this year, facing off in a weekend tournament against a South Carolina wrestler who was also entering the bout with a perfect four-year career going. Stinson handed the wrestler his first loss, ensuring Stinson would never have one of his own. In a sport where North Carolina is still an underdog on the national high school scale, Stinson hopes to put the state on the map as he begins his career at UNC. Stinson won his first state title in the state’s smallest weight class, which is the most common division for freshmen to win their first title. However, Stinson moved up one weight class each year, and the results were still the same.

Cameron Stinson by the numbers:

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No. 3 — Isaiah Evans, North Mecklenburg

Perhaps no sport had as much elite-level talent as boys basketball had, as evidenced already by three players in the top 10 of this list. For the first few years, it was a fun debate to have; which one would you pick first — Paul McNeil Jr.? Drake Powell? Jarin Stevenson? — but by March of 2024 the majority of responses you’d get would’ve been Evans. He put an emphatic stamp on his high school career with a state championship at North Mecklenburg. Evans had two signature games that won’t soon be forgotten, both coming in the playoffs. There’s his 62-point performance against Chambers as a junior, which included a buzzer-beating 3 to send the game into a second overtime, and his 48-point outburst to eliminate defending champion Myers Park on the road in this year’s fourth round. “Slim” as he’s nicknamed, will have plenty more chances to come up on the big stage next season at Duke. Evans is also a reminder that waiting your turn can be worthwhile in the end: he played JV as a freshman.

Isaiah Evans by the numbers:

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No. 2 — Emma Clarke, West Rowan

Clarke graduates as the ultimate three-sport athlete and the ultimate teammate. Softball was her best sport — there’s a reason she’ll be going to Tennessee on scholarship — but she played volleyball and girls basketball all four years and was a HSOT all-state selection in all three as a senior (a feat that hasn’t been done by anyone who didn’t run track and cross country). She won two state titles in basketball and West Rowan made playoff runs in all three sports. While some athletes might struggle to go from a star in one sport to a role player in others, Clarke was humble enough to play whatever part in order to win. West Rowan was an astounding 236-53-1 (81.6 win percentage) in her three sports over four seasons.

Emma Clarke by the numbers:

• NCHSAA Female Athlete of the Year (2024)
• HSOT Honors Female Athlete of the Year (2024)
• Made HSOT all-state team five times: three in softball (twice first team, once second team); once in basketball (third team); once in volleyball (third team)
• Tied for second all-time in NCHSAA history for career home runs (43) despite missing games each season with basketball
• Career W-L records: 72-21-1 (softball, 4 years), 88-12 (basketball, 4 years), 76-20 (volleyball, 4 years), 236-53-1 overall
• freshman year softball — .432 BA, 19 hits, 16 RBIs, 7 doubles, 2 triples, 5 HRs, 21 runs
• sophomore year softball — .575 BA, 42 hits, 54 RBIs, 8 doubles, 4 triples, 13 HRs, 39 runs
• junior year softball — .567 BA, 34 hits, 32 RBIs, 7 doubles, 4 triples, 10 HRs, 40 runs, 22 SBs
• senior year softball — .542 BA, 39 hits, 52 RBIs, 6 doubles, 2 triples, 15 HRs, 48 runs, 29 SBs
• softball career numbers (85 games) — .538 BA, 134 hits, 154 RBIs, 28 doubles, 12 triples, 43 HRs, 148 runs, 66 walks, 25 Ks, 72 SBs, .631 OBP, 1.265 SLG, 1.896 OPS
• freshman year volleyball — 72 kills (1.7/set), 28 blocks, 11 digs
• sophomore year volleyball — 206 (2.4/set), 13 aces, 85 blocks, 120 digs
• junior year volleyball — 245 kills (3.4/set, 47.9 kill%); 31 aces; 50 blocks; 118 digs (1.6/set, 4.7/match)
• senior year volleyball — 372 kills (4.7/set, 37.2 kill%, 23.8 hit%); 37 aces; 28 blocks; 311 digs (3.9/set, 13.0/match)
• volleyball career totals — 935 kills (3.2/set), 192 blocks, 621 digs (2.1/set)
• junior year basketball — 9.6 points per game
• senior year basketball — 13.5 points per game

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No. 1 — Sarah Strong, Grace Christian of Sanford

As the No. 1 recruit in the nation, Strong has a case as the best high school girls basketball player the state has produced since Shea Ralph. Like Ralph, Strong is taking her game to UConn. Strong’s game was wholly unique — “a female Jokic” — with the ability to calmly dominate a game in all facets while almost always being the tallest player on the court. Oh, and here’s a fun fact: Strong was a rare highly-recruited girls basketball player who played a second sport. She played defense for the Crusaders’ girls soccer program in her last two years.

Sarah Strong by the numbers:

• Two-time Gatorade Player of the Year (2023, 2024)
• USA Women’s Junior National Select Team
• Naismith HS POTY Trophy (2024)
• McDonald’s All-American
• Four-time HSOT all-state; three-time first-team selection
• freshman year (at Fuquay-Varina) — averaged 25.1 points, 18.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 3.1 steals, 3.1 blocks
• sophomore year — 25.5 points, 17.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 3.8 steals, 3.1 blocks
• junior year — 22.6 points, 13.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 3.4 steals, 2.2 blocks
• senior year — 21.0 points, 16.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 2.8 steals, 1.8 blocks
• career — 2,302 points, 1,628 rebounds, 431 assists, 323 steals, 243 blocks
• 4 triple doubles, 78 double-doubles in 109 career games
• career highs: 45 points (sophomore year), 40 rebounds (sophomore year), 12 assists (sophomore year), 10 steals (sophomore year); 10 blocks (freshman year)
• 3 straight NCISAA championships in girls basketball at three different classes (1A in 2022, 2A in 2023, 3A in 2024)
• 98-11 career record (30-0 senior year)
• 26-11-1 career soccer record; 8 career goals in two seasons

Source: highschoolot.com