Winston-Salem, NC – The Reidsville Rams defeated the Northwood Chargers 71-54 to claim their second consecutive NCHSAA 2A Boys Basketball Championship. The game, held at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem, extended the Rams winning streak to 60 games—the longest active streak in the state.
A crowd of about 8,000 fans filled “The Joel” for the final game of the NCHSAA’s championship week, a thrilling conclusion to a series of 24 games that crowned eight state champions across four classifications. Reidsville (31-0), the defending champions, faced a determined Northwood squad (30-3) making its third title game appearance in five years. The Rams emerged victorious, adding a sixth championship banner to their program’s legacy.
The game was tightly contested in the first half, with Reidsville holding a slim 23-20 lead at halftime. Northwood’s 1-3-1 zone defense frustrated the Rams early, limiting their offense. Senior Cam Fowler led the Chargers with 27 points, including an impressive 10-of-14 from the free-throw line, keeping his team within striking distance.
However, the second half belonged to Reidsville. The Rams exploded out of the break, outscoring Northwood 21-10 in the third quarter to take a commanding 44-30 lead into the final period. Junior Dionte Neal ignited the surge, finishing with a game-high 24 points, including 7-of-9 from the free-throw line, and earning the West MVP honors. Senior Johnniyus Sharpe added 18 points and took home the Charlie Adams MVP award for the game’s top performer, while junior Kendre Harrison contributed 16 points, 11 rebounds, and six blocks.
Northwood fought valiantly to close the gap in the fourth quarter, with Fowler’s scoring and eight rebounds keeping hopes alive. Beau Harvey chipped in 13 points, but the Chargers couldn’t overcome Reidsville’s depth and defensive pressure. The Rams’ lead increased to as much as 17 points, sealing Northwood’s fate in their pursuit of a first state title in their sixth championship appearance.
Post-game, the Rams’ celebration was briefly overshadowed by an incident in which Harrison taunted the Northwood student section with a belt as a prop, a move that may have cost him MVP consideration under NCHSAA rules. Coach Ross downplayed the moment in the post-game press conference.
In a heartfelt post-game reflection, the Northwood High School basketball team, led by Coach Brown and senior players Isaiah Blair, Beau Harvey, and Hayes Burleson and junior Cam Fowler, shared their thoughts on the season’s end after a challenging championship game. Despite the disappointment of a loss, the players emphasized their growth, the importance of sportsmanship, and their commitment to a strong team legacy.