Does Dionte Neal have the best athletic resume in NC high school history?

Deana_King · Jan 11, 2026

@TreyScott_NC makes the case why the Reidsville standout is one of the top athletes in NC history.

Where does Dionte Neal rank in Greatest Overall High School Athlete in North Carolina History?

A six-time state championship participant with four rings, Dionte Neal compiled a combined 147–8 record across football (53–6) and basketball (94–2), making a compelling case as one of the most dominant multi-sport high school athletes in North Carolina history.

www.on3.com

TreyScott_NC · Jan 11, 2026

The kid is unreal

TGT2 · Jan 11, 2026

Here's a video of all 63 of his points ...

TGT2 · Jan 11, 2026

I posted this on another thread ... added a couple of notes that are pertinent to this topic:

Only 5 players have scored 64 or more in NCHSAA history:
Paul McNeil Jr. of Richmond County (now at NC State) - 71 in 2024 against Lee County in a 118-52 win
Bob Poole of Clayton - 67 in 1950
JamesOn Curry of Eastern Alamance - 65 in 2004
David Smith of North Surry - 65 in 1967
Janari Hill of Jones Senior - 64 in 2017

Did any of those guys also play football?

Also, note that Dionte also qualified for the state track meet last spring. He didn't participate because of a basketball conflict.

2nd To No One · Jan 13, 2026

Apparently there are knowledgeable others that disagree.
Neal was not even selected POY or Off POY by NCpreps Rivals in 2025.
Farmer of Shelby and Copper of Kinston were chosen.

And Neal’s disrespectful snub of the premier NC-SC Shrine Bowl after allowing his roster spot and promotion was disappointing.

He is an excellent player in both sports. He has had a great supporting cast. Not sure if he could have “ carried “ a team in either one.

There are many others to consider.
Shelby won the football title and the basketball title in 2019-2020 and the basketball team was 80% football players.
Shelby football won it all in 2018 and 2021.
Pretty sure there were some 4-ringers in there somewhere.
Shelby’s Dax Hollifield 2014-2017 holds the record for most football games played in NC. And he played basketball, too.

The most accomplished football player ever to come out of a NC high school was Bobby Bell of Shelby.

Ram1982 · Jan 13, 2026

I believe the thread title was Best Athlete not Football player, but in any case there’s an argument to be had in that regard as well.

2nd To No One · Jan 13, 2026

Shelby’s Tommy Hamrick was a three year football contributor as the Golden Lions went to the Championship in 1968, 69, and 70, winning in 68 and 70. He was the starting quarterback in 1970.
Hamrick was also the starting pitcher in the 1970 and 1971 baseball Championship games. He lost in 1970 and won 1971 with a 2 hitter in the Title Game.
UNC signed him after that game.

Goldendomer10 · Jan 13, 2026

I remember Dax being a decorated football player but personally don’t remember much about him on the basketball court so I can’t remember what his major strength would have been.

It looks like he averaged just under 9 points per game and just over 8 rebounds, while compiling 1 steal and assist. It looks like he was good but nothing that jumped out.

Neal is averaging 23pts, 10 assists, 4 rebounds and just under 6 steals per game.

Both show 96 total games completed so it doesn’t look like Hollifield was anywhere near the impact player on the basketball court.

Farmer is at 8pts and 6 rebounds so he doesn’t appear to be near as big of a factor in basketball as he is in football.

Of the Shelby guys mentioned above it doesn’t look like they come close off the gridiron.

Vik-Val 86 · Jan 13, 2026

I could see Neal good enough to make the NBA when the time comes. Time will tell, but I believe he’s that good.

2nd To No One · Jan 13, 2026

We believe this thread should have significant clarification.

Is it the best athlete?
David Thompson, Dominique Wilkins, Julius Peppers? They all smoke Neal by a mile.

Is it simply who has the most state titles in different sports during their 4 high school years?
That does not qualify for best athlete ever in NC.
That could simply be being in the right place at the right time. Neal led Reidsville lost in the second round of football his junior year.

Does that include individual sports?

How about “Most Accomplished Athlete in NC High School Career History”.
It could still be one exceptionally successful in one sport beyond compare.

Don’t fall for the Reidsville trick play.
They have a history of claiming bogus names for themselves.

Ram1982 · Jan 13, 2026

2nd To No One said:
We believe this thread should have significant clarification.

Is it the best athlete?
David Thompson, Dominique Wilkins, Julius Peppers? They all smoke Neal by a mile.

Is it simply who has the most state titles in different sports during their 4 high school years?
That does not qualify for best athlete ever in NC.
That could simply be being in the right place at the right time. Neal led Reidsville lost in the second round of football his junior year.

Does that include individual sports?

How about “Most Accomplished Athlete in NC High School Career History”.
It could still be one exceptionally successful in one sport beyond compare.

Don’t fall for the Reidsville trick play.
They have a history of claiming bogus names for themselves.

I don’t believe the thread was started by a Rams Poster, of course you know that.
I do know this, Dionte Neal is the Best Athlete to Ever wear a Rams Uniform and on Top of that one of the Most Humble to do so. A once in a lifetime Multi Sport Athlete. Some of his accomplishments are:

2024 NC Gatorade Basketball POY, that’s any Classification
2025 Mr 4A Football
2025 4A Football State Championship MVP
2025 John Wall Basketball Tournament MVP - 84 points in 2 Games
3 Consecutive Basketball State Championship Appearances with 2 consecutive Championships!
3 State Championship Football Appearances with 2 Championships Wins.
63 Points in Basketball just last Saturday, a new school record!
A lot of his individual stats per sport would take a while to list.
A Great Young Man, whom I am proud to know!

Deana_King · Jan 13, 2026

What Neal has accomplished in high school is amazing. Being a member of multiple state championship teams in multiple sports, having outstanding stats in both sports.

Trey combined everything and came out with a really good assessment and made an extremely strong case.

This was high school only. There are others like Bell, Peppers, Jordan, etc to be considered who dominated in college and pro careers.

I didn’t take it as who was the greatest athlete to come from NC?

beamer24 · Jan 13, 2026

I took it as strictly High School and believe he has a strong argument. The duechebags from Shelby can take a long walk on a short pier.

It's Frank · Jan 13, 2026

You could say he is pound for pound the best athlete or most accomplished and should not get huge arguments from anyone.

Goldendomer10 · Jan 13, 2026

It's Frank said:
You could say he is pound for pound the best athlete or most accomplished and should not get huge arguments from anyone.

You better watch saying “pound for pound”. Without an officially sanctioned weigh in, The Shelby Threesome will never concede.

Hokies1184 · Jan 13, 2026

I agree that Neal is special. To be his size with his heart is no rare feat. This coming from a Morehead Alum who actually had a rivalry with Reidsville in football when i was in school. I remember watching him when he was 9-10 years old when my 5-6 year played with the Prowlers. He has easily had the greatest high school career of any Reidsville Athlete which is a long list. Jerome Simpson, Na Brown you name it lol. Its subjective of who could be the greatest high school athlete. You have multi sport athletes that dont normally play Football and Basketball. There are some 4 time state champs in wrestling and other sports that you would have to compare but at the end of the day its subjective. It has been a pleasure to watch him grow up and to know him he is one of the most humble kids i have ever met. His work ethic is like no other. I have a kid in high school now who is making his own way on the baseball diamond and we talk about Dionte's work ethic all the time. There is an argument there for sure. Here is to hoping that he lights it up at UNCG and shame on UNC and my Hokies for missing out on him!!!

2nd To No One · Jan 13, 2026

I didn’t take it as who was the greatest athlete to come from NC?

Your title to this thread reads;

“ Is Dionte Neal the best athlete in NC history?”

If that is not what you meant, then please rephrase it to one more focused on high school careers only.

2nd To No One · Jan 13, 2026

I took it as strictly High School and believe he has a strong argument. The duechebags from Shelby can take a long walk on a short pier.

What’s your deal with us, beamer?

You want to talk Hibriten football ?

HoeyMan79 · Jan 13, 2026

2nd To No One said:
Apparently there are knowledgeable others that disagree.
Neal was not even selected POY or Off POY by NCpreps Rivals in 2025.
Farmer of Shelby and Copper of Kinston were chosen.

And Neal’s disrespectful snub of the premier NC-SC Shrine Bowl after allowing his roster spot and promotion was disappointing.

He is an excellent player in both sports. He has had a great supporting cast. Not sure if he could have “ carried “ a team in either one.

There are many others to consider.
Shelby won the football title and the basketball title in 2019-2020 and the basketball team was 80% football players.
Shelby football won it all in 2018 and 2021.
Pretty sure there were some 4-ringers in there somewhere.
Shelby’s Dax Hollifield 2014-2017 holds the record for most football games played in NC. And he played basketball, too.
The most ac complished football player ever to come out of a NC high school was Bobby Bell of Shelby.

You slacking. Took you three days to prove yourself a fool. So you can go off and entertain yourself, which I am sure you do often, bring some receipts. We'd like some numbers. You will have to admit one thing, here is you a number "4". Dionte helped keep the margin at "4". It was 23-19. This year it went to 24-20. 4 is currently the magic number. Likely go to "5" next year, wouldn't that be killer.

HoeyMan79 · Jan 13, 2026

Where does Dionte Neal rank in Greatest Overall High School Athlete in North Carolina History? This is the title of the article referenced. Go to the source material. 2nd always spewing off.

Otis1144 · Jan 13, 2026

Dionte is a really special athlete. No denying that. I’ve been following high school sports in N.C. a long time. I’ve never seen a kid be as big a contributor as he has been in different sports. There’s been a lot of great football players come out of our state. Same for basketball. But Dionte has been equally great at both. I think everyone should be willing to concede the kid has been awesome. I’m glad to see him go. Harrison too!! Back when we had Lee Becton at West Craven after his senior season our biggest rival’s coach Wilbur Sasser at Havelock said he was coming to Becton’s graduation ceremony. He said he wanted to make damn sure he walked that stage and got his diploma! About as good a compliment as a kid could get I thought.

HoeyMan79 · Jan 13, 2026

Otis1144 said:
Dionte is a really special athlete. No denying that. I’ve been following high school sports in N.C. a long time. I’ve never seen a kid be as big a contributor as he has been in different sports. There’s been a lot of great football players come out of our state. Same for basketball. But Dionte has been equally great at both. I think everyone should be willing to concede the kid has been awesome. I’m glad to see him go. Harrison too!! Back when we had Lee Becton at West Craven after his senior season our biggest rival’s coach Wilbur Sasser at Havelock said he was coming to Becton’s graduation ceremony. He said he wanted to make damn sure he walked that stage and got his diploma! About as good a compliment as a kid could get I thought.

Great story!!!!

Hon Dines · Jan 13, 2026

Dee Bost attended Concord High School in Concord, North Carolina. As a senior in 2006–07, he averaged 17 points, 6.5 rebounds and five assists per game to help lead coach Andy Poplin's CHS team to the 3A state hoops crown. He was subsequently named the 2007 Male Athlete of the Year by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) and the Charlotte Observer newspaper.[1]

In conjunction with basketball, Bost helped the Spiders become the first 3A school in North Carolina history to claim state titles in both football and basketball during the same academic year. He passed for 2,958 yards and 25 touchdowns on 64-percent accuracy to direct coach E.Z. Smith's 13–3 Spiders to the 2006 Class 3A state football title.[1]

I'm thinking he was MVP on both championships?

DEFootball · Jan 13, 2026

2nd To No One said:
I didn’t take it as who was the greatest athlete to come from NC?

Your title to this thread reads;

“ Is Dionte Neal the best athlete in NC history?”

If that is not what you meant, then please rephrase it to one more focused on high school careers only.

He's going to uncg lol come on now. Not even top 20 best athletes in nc. This thread is crazy. The kid wasn't even the best player in either sport on his own damn team lol. Kendric Burney was ALL STATE in THREE sports and top 100 athletes of all time in the state of NC INCLUDING ALL SPORTS. Lol you guys are weird af

HoeyMan79 · Jan 13, 2026

2nd To No One said:
I didn’t take it as who was the greatest athlete to come from NC?

Your title to this thread reads;

“ Is Dionte Neal the best athlete in NC history?”

If that is not what you meant, then please rephrase it to one more focused on high school careers only

DEFootball said:
He's going to uncg lol come on now. Not even top 20 best athletes in nc. This thread is crazy. The kid wasn't even the best player in either sport on his own damn team lol. Kendric Burney was ALL STATE in THREE sports and top 100 athletes of all time in the state of NC INCLUDING ALL SPORTS. Lol you guys are weird af

Just have to wait and see how he does. Things change. His record is his record. I know someone, that had D1 offers, that was advised to attend a D2 team in football. They felt he could go there have a good four years, not get hurt, and get drafted. He did. He was a two time pro bowler. Point is, everybody knows somebody, time will tell. It a different game now. Not the ball games, the portal. Not putting down Burney read his bio. Had a great career a UNC-Ch.

2483 · Jan 13, 2026

DEFootball said:
He's going to uncg lol come on now. Not even top 20 best athletes in nc. This thread is crazy. The kid wasn't even the best player in either sport on his own damn team lol. Kendric Burney was ALL STATE in THREE sports and top 100 athletes of all time in the state of NC INCLUDING ALL SPORTS. Lol you guys are weird af

You are about as dumb as they get and obviously didn’t watch any game Dionte has ever played. He is the greatest player ever to put on the blue and gold. Il take him over any player on any team in any sport. Teams know they have to stop him and they can’t. Most humble kid I’ve ever met. You act like going to UNCG is a bad thing. You like many will continue to be proven wrong. People been doubting him for years and trying to bring him down but I’m here to say to all of you. Yall a bunch of fools and he keep proven you all wrong and keeping the real ones close by. Can’t wait to see him at UNCG

DEFootball · Jan 13, 2026

2483 said:
You are about as dumb as they get and obviously didn’t watch any game Dionte has ever played. He is the greatest player ever to put on the blue and gold. Il take him over any player on any team in any sport. Teams know they have to stop him and they can’t. Most humble kid I’ve ever met. You act like going to UNCG is a bad thing. You like many will continue to be proven wrong. People been doubting him for years and trying to bring him down but I’m here to say to all of you. Yall a bunch of fools and he keep proven you all wrong and keeping the real ones close by. Can’t wait to see him at UNCG

He wasn't even the best player on his Reidsville team lol but he's the best ever to put on the jersey? Put down the bottle.... he can't old Harrisons jock strap. One guy going to Oregon and one to terrrrrrrrrible uncg. You can't be serious dude.....

DEFootball · Jan 13, 2026

HoeyMan79 said:
Just have to wait and see how he does. Things change. His record is his record. I know someone, that had D1 offers, that was advised to attend a D2 team in football. They felt he could go there have a good four years, not get hurt, and get drafted. He did. He was a two time pro bowler. Point is, everybody knows somebody, time will tell. It a different game now. Not the ball games, the portal. Not putting down Burney read his bio. Had a great career a UNC-Ch.

Very true. But he's going to play basketball at 5'8 at uncg lol bet the house he won't even play g league. He will be bagging groceries at Walmart in 4 years...

TGT2 · Jan 13, 2026

What hasn't been mentioned is that Dionte played and excelled in several positions in football. All-state defensive back as a freshman when he led the state in interceptions, WR/DB as a sophomore (missed several games with shoulder injury), quarterback as a junior and set school record in pass percentage and then back to WR/DB with some QB as a senior where he was the Rams' jack of all trades.
Career totals:
Rushed for 1179 yards (9.4 per carry), 18 TDs
Completed 206 of 285 passes (72 percent) for 3108 yards , 40 TDs, only 4 interceptions
Caught 159 passes for 2626 yards (16.5 per catch), 35 TDs
Punt returns: 23 for 492 yards (21.4 avg), 2 TDs
Kickoff returns: 24 for 807 yards 33.6 avg), 3 TDs - school record 98-yard return
Interceptions: 24 for 511 yards, 6 TDs; also 2 fumble recoveries
Scoring: 432 points on 64 TDs and 24 2-point conversions
Also holder for extra point kicks ... and a bunch of 2-point conversion passes (sorry no stats for that)

Kingbluedevil · Jan 13, 2026

It is hard to say who is best athlete Neal is really good at both sports and not many can be dominant at both. One knock would be not playing at the highest level against 4a and now 7a and 8a competition and it does matter. I watched West Forsyth play East Forsyth in the frank spencer and those guards would not allow a 50 or 60 point game. Neal is special player and if he shows out first year at UNCG he may go the portal route for better opportunity. I asked hall of fame coach who was the best player he had seen at basketball and he said Chris Paul. Hard to argue that.

It's Frank · Jan 13, 2026

DEFootball said:
He wasn't even the best player on his Reidsville team lol but he's the best ever to put on the jersey? Put down the bottle.... he can't old Harrisons jock strap. One guy going to Oregon and one to terrrrrrrrrible uncg. You can't be serious dude.....

I understand where you are coming from, I honestly do, but I dont think you really understand because you didnt get to see these kids firsthand for the last few years. Harrison is the generational talent with the freak size, and Neal is the generational talent that didnt have the size. If he were 6'0, we would be talking about Neal being the same level Ronald Curry.

Kingbluedevil · Jan 13, 2026

It's Frank said:
I understand where you are coming from, I honestly do, but I dont think you really understand because you didnt get to see these kids firsthand for the last few years. Harrison is the generational talent with the freak size, and Neal is the generational talent that didnt have the size. If he were 6'0, we would be talking about Neal being the same level Ronald Curry.

I agree 100 percent and he may be good enough anyway. If he were on the floor at practice at Duke or Carolina I garentee he would have some steals and be a problem. He would get posted up with big guards

HoeyMan79 · Jan 14, 2026

DEFootball said:
Very true. But he's going to play basketball at 5'8 at uncg lol bet the house he won't even play g league. He will be bagging groceries at Walmart in 4 years...

Who do you bag groceries for? Why do you have a need to put him down. You know nothing about him.

2claps · Jan 14, 2026

I have followed the Neal kid since he was a freshman - only seeing him in person twice. He is a phenomenal athlete who has had a truly remarkable high school career. I don't feel qualified to "rank" him as the title posts suggests - there is just so much history and it's tough to compare athletes across generations. I was disappointed in how the Shrine Bowl situation went down but I don't know the kid personally so I'm not here to judge him - just always want NC to have the best chance possible in that game. I am shocked that no one has brought up Sage Surratt during this "discussion" - he was also a great dual sport athlete, may have played a third but I only know of his football and basketball prowess. I am always saddened to see folks predict that this kid or that kid has little hope for their future. Even if you think that - why would you come on a message board to say it? Must be a miserable life...

The Patriot · Jan 14, 2026

The best athlete in NC history?
No.

Otis1144 · Jan 14, 2026

2claps said:
I have followed the Neal kid since he was a freshman - only seeing him in person twice. He is a phenomenal athlete who has had a truly remarkable high school career. I don't feel qualified to "rank" him as the title posts suggests - there is just so much history and it's tough to compare athletes across generations. I was disappointed in how the Shrine Bowl situation went down but I don't know the kid personally so I'm not here to judge him - just always want NC to have the best chance possible in that game. I am shocked that no one has brought up Sage Surratt during this "discussion" - he was also a great dual sport athlete, may have played a third but I only know of his football and basketball prowess. I am always saddened to see folks predict that this kid or that kid has little hope for their future. Even if you think that - why would you come on a message board to say it? Must be a miserable life...

Thanks!! I knew there was a kid that was in my mind that did really well in both of those sports. Sage Surratt is the kid I was trying to remember. He went to Wake Forrest. His brother Chazz wasn’t too bad either. Here is a copy of wiki listing some of his high school stats . Maybe they are accurate.

rams10 · Jan 14, 2026

The Patriot said:
The best athlete in NC history?
No.

I'm not qualified to rank the athletes. I would rank Julius pepers and a few others probably ahead of Neal. But Neal is in the discussion so I don't think your gif is neccsissary. I would rank Neal probably the greatest ram of all time, though.

Otis1144 · Jan 14, 2026

The Patriot said:
The best athlete in NC history?
No.

I saw him play basketball his senior year at New Bern in the annual Christmas tournament. Didn’t really stand out. At Carolina he was really held back by Dean Smiths style of play. It wasn’t until he went pro that he really started hitting his stride. He would still be a tough sell as greatest nba player of all time. If you are as old as me you know of and saw Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Lew Alcindor ( Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), Ervin Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird. Those are hard names to put in any order of greatness.

The Patriot · Jan 14, 2026

rams10 said:
I'm not qualified to rank the athletes. I would rank Julius pepers and a few others probably ahead of Neal. But Neal is in the discussion so I don't think your gif is neccsissary. I would rank Neal probably the greatest ram of all time, though.

Do you recognize that individual? Because he's the greatest athlete in NC history.

The Patriot · Jan 14, 2026

Otis1144 said:
I saw him play basketball his senior year at New Bern in the annual Christmas tournament. Didn’t really stand out. At Carolina he was really held back by Dean Smiths style of play. It wasn’t until he went pro that he really started hitting his stride. He would still be a tough sell as greatest nba player of all time. If you are as old as me you know of and saw Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Lew Alcindor ( Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), Ervin Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird. Those are hard names to put in any order of greatness.

Sure, people debate it. But he's the most popular answer. And MJ got a scholarship to Carolina (where they immediately won the first national championship of Dean Smith's career), not UNCG.

Does Dionte Neal have the best athletic resume in NC high school history?

All-Conference

Senior

All-Conference

All-Conference

Senior

Sophomore

Senior

All-Conference

All-American

Senior

Sophomore

All-Conference

All-American

All-Conference

All-Conference

Redshirt

Senior

Senior

All-Conference

All-Conference

Where does Dionte Neal rank in Greatest Overall High School Athlete in North Carolina History? This is the title of the article referenced. Go to the source material. 2nd always spewing off.​

All-American

All-Conference

All-Conference

Sophomore

All-Conference

All-Conference

Sophomore

Sophomore

All-Conference

All-American

All-Conference

All-American

All-Conference

Redshirt

All-Conference

All-American

Attachments

All-American

All-American

All-Conference

All-Conference

Where does Dionte Neal rank in Greatest Overall High School Athlete in North Carolina History? This is the title of the article referenced. Go to the source material. 2nd always spewing off.