Blue Devil Country

Future Duke Basketball Forward Flexes in North Carolina Playoff Action

Duke basketball recruiting prize Isaiah Evans delivered another postseason show.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
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Isaiah Evans, one of two McDonald's All-Americans in the five-deep 2024 Duke basketball class, scored a game-high 35 points while knocking down six 3-pointers on Friday night to propel his North Meck High School (N.C.) to a 79-61 victory over South Meck and into the Sweet 16 of the state's 4A playoffs.

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That's 27 points less than the 62 he dropped in one postseason contest last year. And it's worth pointing out that 30-point outings have become routine for the 6-foot-6, 170-pound five-star bucket-getter this season.

But judging by Evan's visibly hungry demeanor and smooth shooting stroke in the following highlights from Friday night's action, it wouldn't be a surprise if he heats up even more when he and the Vikings (26-3), riding a 13-game winning streak, head to Winston-Salem to battle Mount Tabor High School (24-5) on Tuesday night:

Evans, who ranks No. 13 on the 247Sports 2024 Composite and draws frequent comparisons to former Duke one-and-done and current New Orleans Pelicans star Brandon Ingram, will join the cycle's top-ranked prospect and fellow McDonald's All-American in five-star forward Cooper Flagg as a 2024-25 Blue Devil.

They put their Duke basketball commitments in ink during the early signing period in November, along with Wisconsin Lutheran five-star forward Kon Knueppel and two Paul VI Catholic (Va.) talents in four-star forward Darren Harris and five-star center Patrick Ngongba II. Together, they form the nation's No. 1 haul, at least as things stand.

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Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for more Duke basketball recruiting news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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