
Spoelstra: No need to penalize Ball any further
Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
The Fayetteville high school basketball season has ended, and fans can vote for the 910Preps Boys Basketball Player of the Year. Notable players include Nick Smith, Justin Caldwell, Karsten Swinney, Marcus McDuffie, and Mason Walker.
The Fayetteville high school basketball season has concluded, and now it's time vote for your favorite boys basketball player from the 2025-26 season.
E.E. Smith went near the distance in the NCHSAA playoffs, but was halted by Northern Nash in the 6A East regional finals after a historic season, led by sophomore Nick Smith and junior Jackson Williams.
In the NCISAA Sandhills Athletic Conference, Justin Caldwell, the Georgetown signee, notched 2,000 career points and was crowned the conference Player of the Year after a dominant season. Karsten Swinney surpassed 3,000 career points, becoming the third to do so in NC high school basketball history.
In the Eastern Sandhills Conference, Marcus "MJ" McDuffie was named Player of the Year after leading the resurgence of Douglas Byrd's program in his sophomore season. Mason Walker earned Player of the Year in the Tri-County Conference while helping Terry Sanford claim a league title.
As we take a look at some of the best players from the season, it's time to vote for the Fans' Choice 910Preps Boys' Basketball Player of the Year.
Voting is unlimited and will close on Wednesday, April 22.
Please be sure to send a clear headshot photo (head and shoulders) to jfmoore@usatodayco.com when voting for your choice to recognize your athlete.
Pat Barber, E.E. Smith — The 6-foot-4 wing for the Golden Bulls was a key addition to the team after they lost the McDuffie brothers. Barber averaged 13.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and a steal and a block per game.
Christian Baynes, Fayetteville Academy — Baynes was a do-it-all player for the Eagles and averaged 9.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.
Justin Caldwell, Fayetteville Academy — Caldwell, the Georgetown signee, had one of the most dominant Fayetteville seasons in recent years. The 6-foot-10 forward averaged 25.4 points and 9.8 rebounds per game on the season.
Kingston Carlsen, Fayetteville Academy — The Concord University commit was key for the Eagles. He averaged 14 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists as a senior.
Nick Cooreman, Fayetteville Christian — Cooreman had a solid season for the Warriors as a senior. The Bob Jones signee averaged 15.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and just over a steal per game.
Baganley Donzo, Trinity Christian — Donzo was dominant this season, and it showed in the post. The 6-foot-7 wing averaged 10.2 points, 7.3 rebounds per game, and 2.2 blocks per game.
Ethan Durgadin, Fayetteville Christian — Durgadin, the talented combo guard, was a team leader for the Warriors this season. He averaged 16 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.
Jayvon Foster, Seventy-First — Foster, the dynamic scoring junior, averaged 15.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and two steals per game for the Falcons.
Amari Goggins, Berean Baptist — Goggins had a breakout season for the Bulldogs this season. The junior averaged 17.7 and 2.6 rebounds per game.
Gaven Kraut, Terry Sanford — Kraut showed that he was one of the best two-way players in the county. He averaged 11.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, three steals, and 2.5 assists per game.
Malachi McDuffie, Douglas Byrd — Malachi showcased his do-it-all ability for the Eagles this season. He averaged 11 points, 3.4 steals and assists, and 2.5 steals per game.
MJ McDuffie, Douglas Byrd — McDuffie emerged in his game on all levels. The Eastern Sandhills Conference Player of the Year averaged 18.5 points, nine rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game.
Jalen Mills, South View — Mills, the senior combo guard averaged 15.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.1 steals per game for the Tigers.
DeRyian Mitchell, Jack Britt — Mitchell led the Buccaneers in three categories this season. As a junior, he averaged 15.3 points, 3.6 assists, and 2.6 steals per game.
Tyler Moore, Northwood Temple — Moore was a key contributor for the Eagles this season. As a senior, he averaged 17 points and shot 50% from the field.
Ja'Von Motta, Trinity Christian — Motta was a team leader in points for the Crusaders with 17.1 per game. He also had 4.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.2 steals a game.
Jeremiah Murchison, Kid Stars Rising Academy — Murchison was one of the top freshman players in the area this season. The combo guard averaged 21.3 points in 27 games for the Stars.
Nick Smith, E.E. Smith — Smith established himself as one of the more lethal point guards in the 910 this past season. Smith averaged 14.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.3 steals, and an assist per game.
Karsten Swinney, Freedom Christian — Swinney showed why he was one of the best scorers in the state this season. The Mount Olive commit notched his 3,000th point, and averaged 31.7 points for No. 22 in the nation, 6.4 assists for No. 17 in the state, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.7 steals per game.
Aziz Al-Jurhanni, Fayetteville Academy — Al-Jurhanni was a solid point guard for Fayetteville Academy in his senior year. He averaged 11.2 points per game during the season.
Winston Waite, Trinity Christian — Waite was a fine addition to the Crusaders' roster this season with his shooting. The guard averaged 13.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game.
Mason Walker, Terry Sanford — Walker, the Tri-County Conference Player of the Year was outstanding for the Bulldogs. He averaged 16.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.1 steals per game.
Bryce West, Freedom Christian — West, established himself as the best 3-point shooter in the area and put up huge numbers as a junior. He averaged 26.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.4 steals per game.
Jackson Williams, E.E. Smith — Williams, the 6-foot-1 guard, was outstanding in his junior season. He averaged 13.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 steals, and two assists per game.
Tre Williams, Kid Stars Rising Academy — Williams, the sophomore guard, averaged 15 points, 5.3 assists, three rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game this season.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: 910Preps Fans Choice poll boys basketball player of the year.
The top candidates include Nick Smith, Justin Caldwell, Karsten Swinney, Marcus McDuffie, and Mason Walker.
Justin Caldwell scored 2,000 career points and was named the Player of the Year in the NCISAA Sandhills Athletic Conference.
Karsten Swinney surpassed 3,000 career points, making him one of only three players in North Carolina high school basketball history to do so.
Marcus McDuffie was named Player of the Year in the Eastern Sandhills Conference, while Mason Walker earned the title in the Tri-County Conference.

Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
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