North Lincoln, Southeast Alamance to meet in 5A girls state final

Mooresville, Southern Durham to face off in 7A boys championship game

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:39pm

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The North Carolina High School Athletic Association is hosting state basketball championship games this week, with the final four matchups set for Saturday at Joel Coliseum in Winston-Salem. The 5A girls final features North Lincoln, a team that had to forfeit games due to an ineligible player, against undefeated Southeast Alamance. In the 7A boys final, Mooresville is making its first appearance, while Southern Durham seeks its first state title.

Why it matters

The NCHSAA state basketball finals are a highly anticipated annual event, showcasing the top high school talent in North Carolina. These championship games draw large crowds and media attention, highlighting the passion and skill of the student-athletes involved.

The details

The 5A girls final will tip off at noon, with North Lincoln facing off against Southeast Alamance. North Lincoln, led by Ally Smith and Lydia Cipriano, has overcome the challenge of forfeiting games earlier in the season. Southeast Alamance, the defending 3A state champions, are undefeated at 29-0 and led by Shaniya Paylor and R'reanna Johnson. In the 7A boys final at 7:30 p.m., Mooresville is making its first-ever appearance in a state championship game, riding a 17-game winning streak. They'll take on a talented Southern Durham squad led by AJ Morman, who had 25 free throw attempts in the East Regional final.

  • The NCHSAA state basketball championships began on Wednesday, March 12, 2026.
  • The 5A girls final is scheduled for Saturday, March 15, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.
  • The 7A boys final is scheduled for Saturday, March 15, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.

The players

North Lincoln Knights

A team that had to forfeit games earlier in the season due to the use of an ineligible player, but is led by Ally Smith and Lydia Cipriano, both of whom have Division 1 offers.

Southeast Alamance Stallions

The defending 3A state champions, who are undefeated at 29-0 this season and led by Shaniya Paylor and R'reanna Johnson.

Mooresville Blue Devils

Making their first appearance in a boys' state championship game, riding a 17-game winning streak.

Southern Durham Spartans

Seeking their first state championship, led by AJ Morman who had 25 free throw attempts in the East Regional final.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.