Tag: North Lincoln

North Lincoln’s girls’ basketball team is going to the playoffs after all.

Just days after having to forfeit 17 games due to an ineligible player, the Knights were able to slip inside the NCHSAA’s 48-team field for the 5A playoffs when the pairings were released Saturday.

North Lincoln, ranked No. 3 in the N.C. 5A statewide rankings, was among the favorites to win a state championship. The Knights were 29-2 last year and reached the NCHSAA semifinals.

After the forfeits this season, the Knights were 2-21 before Thursday’s game with Bandys and ranked No. 49 in the NCHSAA’s computer-based rankings to determine playoff eligibility.

North Lincoln beat Bandys, 68-52, however, and rose to No. 43 in the rankings.

When the 5A girls’ playoff pairings were announced Saturday, North Lincoln was the No. 23 seed in the western half of the bracket, which includes 24 teams.

North Lincoln will start the playoffs Tuesday at Enka High School (15-10).

According to a Charlotte Observer source, the forfeits are a result of using an ineligible player, who was reportedly competing in a fifth season of high school basketball, a violation of NCHSAA rules.

Lincoln County Schools spokesperson Shanti Clancy on Friday confirmed the district had concluded an investigation into the situation and confirmed that North Lincoln had used an ineligible player.

“While this is a disappointing outcome, we respect the rules that govern interscholastic athletics and accept the decision,” Clancy wrote via email in response an Observer inquiry. “Despite the forfeitures, the team has qualified for the state playoffs and will continue to compete with determination and pride.”