Pierce has been one of North Carolina’s premier shot makers since he came onto the scene. His ability to play on or off the ball and make plays has been a mainstay at North Mecklenburg who is as consistent a winner you’ll find in North Carolina. Pierce and North Mecklenburg are two time defending State Champions and he’s flourished as both a complimentary and feature guy in those runs respectively. Pierce can both fit in and take over when needed, he can get scorching hot from the perimeter with the necessary skillset to make the opposition pay off the bounce. Pierce is also capable of being a complimentary playmaker where he’s more than comfortable operating in ball screens and making good reads. Pierce competes defensively and contributes on the glass at a high level for a guard. Sacramento State is getting a really high quality addition to their backcourt that is going to help them in multiple ways.

Ashton was by far the best player who took the floor in Franklin County on Saturday. He erupted for 38 points on 7-12 3FG, displaying one of the purest jump shots that you will find at the high-school level. He had to work hard for his looks early in the game, but that is no issue because Pierce is more than comfortable at playing through contact or hitting tough shots over good defense. That combination makes him a very difficult matchup at the high-school level, because there are few players who have the size, strength, and speed needed to contain him.

Pierce is an emerging sharpshooter who could blow up in North Carolina’s 2026 class as he moves into 26th in the latest rankings market corrections. He was a pivotal piece in North Mecklenburg’s run to another NCHSAA 4A State Championship with his sharpshooting on full display with a number of 20+ point performances. He dropped 17 points and eight rebounds in the Region Finals over crosstown rival JL Chambers. He’s a prospect who’s shown he can get rebounds and find his offense in a hurry in the class at the shooting guard spot. Wake Forest, VCU, Mississippi State, and other DI programs have offered him. He’ll be a name to keep an eye on with Team Museum on the NXTPro16 Circuit this spring/summer.

Pierce is a sniper from deep, and if he gets going, watch out. He just knocked down eight threes against Weddington, proving he can light up the scoreboard in a hurry. But he’s not just a catch-and-shoot guy—he can create his own shot off the dribble and is comfortable pulling up from mid-range or getting to the rim. His ability to stretch the floor opens up opportunities for his teammates, making North Meck’s offense that much harder to guard. If the game is close down the stretch, Pierce has the shooting touch to be a game-changer.

Pierce is a crafty combo guard due for a big junior season as North Mecklenburg defends their state championship from a season ago. His role is due to grow as more than primary defender in 2024-25 given his ability to be a constant menace on the fastbreak as well as on the perimeter shooting front. LM/MM D1s in the region would be wise to get eyes on him this season.

Pierce is one of a few names who’s seen his status grow on the national stage at North Mecklenburg High. He’s proven that he’s got a big junior season ahead of him fresh off a state championship with the Vikings as he takes over the backcourt alongside Chadlyn Traylor Chadlyn Traylor 6'3" | PG North Mecklenburg | 2025 State #384 Nation NC . They’re due to be quite the 1-2 combination in the North Mecklenburg backcourt as Pierce has drawn offers from the likes of College of Charleston, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Iowa, Stetson, VCU and Wake Forest as the month of July heats up. He’ll be a name to watch with JET Academy on the EYBL stage as he continues to showcase his ability to score with efficiency and defend with energy.