North Carolina signee
Tyler Nickel of
East Rockingham (Elkton, Va.) exploded for 37 points Tuesday night to break Mac McClung's VHSL career scoring record. The 6-foot-8 senior forward helped his team beat Strasburg 60-51 to advance in the Regional 2B playoffs.
In breaking the record, Nickel jumped in the passing lane to intercept a pass and took a pair of dribbles before finishing with a fastbreak dunk. McClung, a breakout star in the NBA's G League this season, finished his career at
Gate City with 2,801 points.
Two late free throws extended the new record to 2,804 points. The Eagles meet Madison County (Madison) on Friday in the Region 2B quarterfinals.
Nickel has an opportunity to add to his record total if East Rockingham (22-4) can survive in postseason play. The Eagles reached the Class 2 state championship game last season.
The future Tar Heel has scored 50 or more points twice this season and 40 or more points seven times while surpassing the likes of Grant Hill, Alonzo Mourning, Moses Malone and J.J. Redick on the state's all-time scoring list.
Nickel is regarded as the No. 81 prospect in the Class of 2022 according to
247Sports and is averaging 38 points per contest this month. He averaged 33.7 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists during an abbreviated 13-game junior season.
North Carolina signee Tyler Nickel of East Rockingham broke the all-time VHSL scoring record with 37 points Tuesday night.
Photo: Ken Pullen
