The five-star Class of 2024 prospect made a number of big plays throughout the game, including knocking down two clutch 3-pointers in the final seconds of regulation to force overtime and knocking down a 3-point field goal off one leg from the top of the key as time expired in the first overtime to force the game into another extra period.
Evans completely took over in the second overtime session as he was locked in from the mid-range and seemingly could not miss to give the Vikings the 13-point victory.
The 62-point performance ranks No. 6 all-time in NCHSAA history, passing Chris Paul's 61-point outing for West Forsyth in 2002.
The high-scoring junior is now averaging 43.8 points during the state playoffs after scoring 39 points in a first round win over West Cabarrus, pumping in 44 points in a victory against Hopewell (Huntersville) in the second round and finishing with 30 points in a third round triumph over East Forsyth (Kernsersville).
North Mecklenburg (29-2) advances to the NCHSAA Class 4A final four where it will face against Myers Park on Saturday. The meeting is a showdown between the top two teams out of the grueling west side of the state tournament bracket.
Five-star junior Isaiah Evans exploded for a school record 62 points on Tuesday night to send his team to the state semifinals. (Photo: Brad Arrowood)
Tuesday marked the fourth meeting of the season between North Mecklenburg and Chambers with Evans and the Vikings taking two of the previous three, including a 65-59 win Feb. 17 in the conference championship game.
The 6-foot-6 wing is currently regarded as the No. 16 prospect in the Class of 2024 according to 247Sports and holds 26 college offers including Arkansas, Kansas, Maryland, North Carolina State, Pittsburgh and Tennessee among other high-majors.
Evans has been a consistent force all season for the Vikings and was featured on the 20-man MaxPreps National Player of the Year Watch List released back on Jan. 11 after averaging 25 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks through his first 16 games of the season.
