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Albemarle Today
By the People, for the People
North Rowan Girls Basketball Falls to Albemarle in YVC Semifinals
Essence Robinson scores career-high 19 points, but Cavaliers can't overcome first-half deficit
Feb. 28, 2026 at 3:47am
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The North Rowan girls basketball team lost 53-46 to Albemarle in the Yadkin Valley Conference Tournament semifinals. Essence Robinson scored a career-high 19 points for the Cavaliers, but they were unable to overcome a 23-12 halftime deficit. Freshman Melanie Parker added 11 points for North Rowan, which finished the season 8-15. Albemarle, the third seed, will advance to face top-seeded North Stanly in the tournament final.
Why it matters
This loss ends North Rowan's season, but the Cavaliers are expected to return to the 2A state playoffs despite their sub-.500 record. Albemarle, meanwhile, will have a chance to knock off the conference's top team and claim the YVC tournament title.
The details
North Rowan struggled offensively in the first half, falling behind 23-12 at the break. But the Cavaliers picked up the pace in the second half, with Robinson scoring 10 points in the fourth quarter to lead a late rally. Freshman Melanie Parker provided a spark with 10 points in the third quarter. However, Albemarle was able to hold on for the victory.
- The game was played on Thursday, February 20, 2026.
- Albemarle and North Rowan finished the regular season tied for second place in the Yadkin Valley Conference.
The players
Essence Robinson
A standout player for North Rowan, Robinson scored a career-high 19 points in the loss.
Melanie Parker
A freshman for North Rowan, Parker provided a spark off the bench with 10 points in the third quarter.
Albemarle
The third-seeded Bulldogs defeated North Rowan twice in the regular season and will now face top-seeded North Stanly in the YVC tournament final.
What’s next
North Rowan is expected to return to the 2A state playoffs despite their sub-.500 record, while Albemarle will face top-seeded North Stanly in the Yadkin Valley Conference tournament final on Friday.
The takeaway
This game highlighted the growth of North Rowan's young roster, led by standout performances from Essence Robinson and Melanie Parker. While the Cavaliers fell short in the conference tournament, they have reason to be optimistic about their future prospects.
