Basketball Game Preview: Watauga Pioneers vs. North Mecklenburg Vikings

The Watauga Pioneers will face off against the North Mecklenburg Vikings on Friday. One thing working in Watauga's favor is that they have posted at least 55 points every time they've taken the court this season.

Watauga is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Tuesday. They skirted past West Forsyth 62-59. The victory was all the more spectacular given the Pioneers' disadvantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 100th, while the Titans are ranked 22nd).

Jace Blocker

Rebounds

03/04/25 @ West Forsyth	11
02/28/25 vs Mount Tabor	9
02/25/25 vs East Mecklenburg	6
02/21/25 vs Freedom	10
02/18/25 vs Alexander Central	8
+ 20 more games

Watauga's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Jace Blocker led the charge by dropping a double-double with 18 points and 11 boards. That's the most rebounds Blocker has posted since back in December of 2024. Josiah Railey was another key player, dropping a double-double with 16 points and 11 boards.

Meanwhile, North Mecklenburg entered their tilt with Weddington on Tuesday with two consecutive wins , and they'll enter their next game with three. They breezed past the Warriors to the tune of 94-57. The Vikings have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won 20 matches by 21 points or more this season.

North Mecklenburg pushed their record up to 27-3 with the win, which was their 26th straight at home dating back to last season. They've dominated over that stretch too, winning by an average of 43 points. As for Watauga, they have been performing incredibly well recently as they've won 12 of their last 13 games. That's provided a nice bump to their 21-7 record this season.