Reidsville, North Carolina, October 14, 2025
News Summary
Reidsville High School in North Carolina is facing sanctions after violating NCHSAA athletic participation requirements. An investigation revealed that several athletes participated in competitions without proper medical forms. Seven teams, including volleyball and men’s JV basketball, were implicated, leading to coach reprimands and game forfeits. Despite the turmoil, junior point guard Dionte Neal was named the Gatorade North Carolina Player of the Year, showcasing athletic excellence during a successful season.
Reidsville, North Carolina – Reidsville High School is facing significant sanctions after violating the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) athletic participation requirements during the 2024-25 school year. A potential participation of ineligible athletes was uncovered by Rockingham County Schools, revealing that several athletes had taken part in competitions without up-to-date physicals or required medical forms.
A total of seven teams were implicated, with each reporting at least four ineligible athletes. The teams affected include volleyball with five ineligible athletes, the women’s track and field team with seven, men’s tennis with six, and both the men’s JV basketball and women’s JV basketball teams with four each. Additionally, women’s varsity basketball had four ineligible athletes, as did JV football.
The NCHSAA notified Reidsville High of the violations on August 6. As a result, the head coaches of the involved teams will face reprimands, be placed on probation for the 2025-26 season, and will be suspended for their teams’ first contests this season. The school will also be required to forfeit all games in which ineligible athletes participated.
Following the investigation, Reidsville High Athletic Director Joe Walker was placed on leave and has since resigned. Reidsville High and Rockingham County Schools will not appeal the NCHSAA’s ruling. Principal Erica Blackwell expressed that the experience has developed better communication and collaboration among coaches, athletes, and families.
In a silver lining for the school, Reidsville’s junior point guard Dionte Neal was named the Gatorade North Carolina Player of the Year. Neal led the Rams to the N.C. High School Athletic Association 2A state championship for the second consecutive season. Standing at 5-foot-9 and weighing 150 pounds, Neal showcased impressive skills, averaging 22.8 points, 9.1 assists, 7.0 steals, and 4.9 rebounds per game this past season.
In the state championship match, Neal scored 24 points, recorded five rebounds, and dished out four assists, achieving shooting percentages of 61.5% from three-point range and 88.1% from the free throw line. He entered his senior season with a career total of 1,870 points and 895 assists. The Reidsville Rams finished the season undefeated with a 31-0 record and have now secured 60 consecutive victories.
As a three-star prospect, Neal has attracted interest from multiple colleges, including Appalachian State and UNC-Greensboro. He was also recently honored as the North Carolina MaxPreps High School Basketball Player of the Year. In addition to basketball, Neal has been active in football as the quarterback for the Reidsville football team, demonstrating impressive stats in that sport as well.
Outside of athletics, Neal is involved in community service, volunteering at the Reidsville Family YMCA, and maintaining a weighted GPA of 3.69.
FAQ
What sanctions has Reidsville High School faced due to athletic violations?
Reidsville High School has faced sanctions from the NCHSAA including head coaches being reprimanded, placed on probation for the 2025-26 season, and suspended for their teams’ first contests this season. The school must also forfeit all games where ineligible athletes participated.
How many teams were affected by the athletic violations?
A total of seven teams reported at least four ineligible athletes, including volleyball, women’s track and field, men’s tennis, men’s JV basketball, women’s JV basketball, women’s varsity basketball, and JV football.
Who was named the Gatorade North Carolina Player of the Year?
Junior point guard Dionte Neal was named the Gatorade North Carolina Player of the Year.
What were Dionte Neal’s achievements this past basketball season?
Dionte Neal averaged 22.8 points, 9.1 assists, 7.0 steals, and 4.9 rebounds per game. He also helped lead the Rams to a 31-0 season and won the state championship for the second consecutive time.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| School | Reidsville High School |
| Sanctions | Reprimands for head coaches, probation, suspension, game forfeits |
| Teams Affected | Volleyball, Women’s Track and Field, Men’s Tennis, Men’s JV Basketball, Women’s JV Basketball, Women’s Varsity Basketball, JV Football |
| Notable Player | Dionte Neal |
| Awards | Gatorade North Carolina Player of the Year, MaxPreps High School Basketball Player of the Year |
| Season Record | 31-0 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WFMY News: Reidsville High Receives Sanctions
- Wikipedia: Reidsville, North Carolina
- USA Today HSS: Northwood vs. Reidsville Boys Basketball
- Google Search: Reidsville High School Sanctions
- HighSchoolOT: Dionte Neal Named Gatorade NC Player of the Year
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Athletics
- SI: Dionte Neal Wins Gatorade Player of the Year
- Google News: Reidsville High School
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