High School Sports in North Carolina just witnessed history as N.C. State recruit Paul McNeil Jr. from Richmond Senior High School broke a 74-year-old N.C. High School Athletic Association boys basketball record. McNeil scored an incredible 71 points in a 118-52 win over Lee County, surpassing the old record set in 1950 by Clayton’s Bob Poole.

This remarkable achievement places McNeil among an elite group of players, with only nine others having scored more than 60 points in a single game. The list includes JamesOn Curry of Eastern Alamance, David Smith of North Surry, Janari Hill of Jones, Cam Hamilton, Jeff Ward, Isaiah Evans, Chris Paul, and John Byrne. Curry holds the title of NCHSAA’s all-time career leading scorer, while Chris Paul is recognized as one of the best NBA point guards of all time.

McNeil’s outstanding performance saw him reach 35 points at halftime and 56 through three quarters, setting a new career-high and solidifying his place in high school basketball history. With this feat, McNeil has cemented his legacy as one of the most talented and prolific players in North Carolina high school basketball.

His remarkable display on the court has garnered widespread attention and admiration, marking a significant moment in the state’s high school sports history. As McNeil and other talented players continue to make their mark on the basketball scene, the future of high school basketball in North Carolina looks promising and filled with potential.