Super Bowl Sunday: NC's Top Two Sport Stars

It's the day of the big game and the world essentially stops and locks in on the NFL before it goes off the airwaves for the next 7 months and there are so many guys here in North Carolina that give it everything they have on the gridiron as well as the basketball court. Let's take a look at a few of North Carolina's top two sport stars!    There's not a whole lot to say about this kid that hasn't already been said but [player_tooltip player_id='1716474' first='Dionte' last='Neal'] is the best high school athlete in North Carolina in my lifetime and it's not too much of a debate. Neal possesses traits that help him in both sports in different ways. He's an elite processor of information, allowing him to read defenses as a point guard, and snuff out plays as a defensive back. He's ball hawk instincts from football directly translate to basketball as he's got some of the best defensive instincts of anyone I've seen at the high school level. Neal's quickness, instincts, and competitiveness translate. When you add his advanced IQ, improved range/consistency on his shot, and willingness to leave it all out there to win, Neal is the top ranked 2026 in North Carolina for a reason.     Payne is committed to Bryant University to play football and he's a true 1% type of athlete so it makes sense that the FCS program would prioritize the Washington High School star. Payne will see a massive rise in the rankings upon its near update and it's due to his skillset really catching up with his athleticism. Payne is a WR on the football field and a jack of all trades on the basketball court. At 6'6" he's a dynamic and well rounded athlete with improved shooting touch and feel as a playmaker in this high octane Washington offense. Payne can knock down the catch and shoot three with consistency, make simple reads with ease in the middle of the floor, and be a constant above the rim threat in transition. Payne is undeniably productive, getting better, and it wouldn't surprise me if a few schools make a push to get him to play basketball instead of football at the next level.     Dollar might be the best pure athlete in the State of North Carolina when presented with his ability to move, natural physical gifts, and consistent motor. Dollar does absolutely everything for a really successful East Lincoln team on the court and is one of the nations top football prospects as a Tight End in the 2027 class. Dollar is averaging 20.8 Points, 10.6 Rebounds, 6.9 Assists, 3.5 Steals, and 1.7 Blocks per game. Those are State Player of the Year type numbers for Dollar in a sport that's at least on paper considered 2nd on his depth chart. He's a dynamic above the rim athlete in transition, has point guard skills at 6'5" 215+, and possesses the contagious energy that helps propel he and his teammates to a 16-4 record on the season thus far.     Daniels is enjoying a really strong season at South Brunswick on the basketball court fresh off of leading his team to a 7-4 record where he tossed 25 TD's as the Starting Quarterback. On the basketball court, South Brunswick is 12-6 with Daniels once again leading the charge. The senior is averaging 18.3 Points, 13.3 Rebounds, 4.2 Assists, 2.0 Steals, and 0.6 Blocks per game. He's doing all of that while shooting 49% from the floor. Daniels is a mismatch front-court piece with great vision, feel, and touch around the rim. He is a clear next level guy in basketball and should start to see more options become available to him soon.     Rolesville has opened up and become a consistent presence in the area in both basketball and football with [player_tooltip player_id='2773246' first='AJ' last='Roberts'] embracing both sports at a really high level. Roberts has multiple high major football offers and has had what feels like every ACC coach come into school to visit him. On the basketball court, Roberts has helped lead the charge for Rolesville who's got a 15-6 record with an 8-3 mark in league play. Roberts is averaging 14.8 Points, 5.3 Rebounds, 1.8 Assists, and 1.3 Steals per game. He's doing all of that 51/33/64 splits showing that he can be efficient from all over the floor. Roberts has Rolesville as a real dark horse in the 8A East and will start to get some schools to notice his work on the basketball court as well. He's a combo guard with a really well rounded game that translates directly to production and winning.

It's the day of the big game and the world essentially stops and locks in on the NFL before it goes off the airwaves for the next 7 months and there are so many guys here in North Carolina that give it everything they have on the gridiron as well as the basketball court. Let's take a look at a few of North Carolina's top two sport stars!