Varsity basketball used a first-quarter cushion to hold off the Harrison Hoyas, winning 51-45 on Friday, January 29. Emotions filled the gym as ten seniors took the home court for possibly the last time.

“It was a roller coaster of emotions,” senior forward Bryce Folson said. “It was great to see all my friends and family out there to recognize the past four years of my high school career, but it was also sad to see everything coming to an end.”

Harrison rallied back and tied the game at 39 in the fourth quarter, but NC, never trailing, answered with a 12-6 run to close the game.

“It was a special night for us seniors,” senior forward Myles Lake said. “A lot of emotions going through my head. We had to win, no matter what.”

The win marked the Warriors’ eighth in region play, leaving them in second place with two games to play before the region tournament. Although it goes in the books as just another win, the game proved more significant for senior forward Kenny Ume.

“It was just a different feeling than the other home games. The past three years I’ve been watching seniors come and go and then boom it’s my turn. Definitely a moment that I’ll remember.”

NC travels to Kennesaw Mountain on Tuesday, February 2 to renew a rivalry with the Mustangs. A win would clinch the second seed in the region tournament.