Western Carolina shooting guard signee drops 48 points

While Reidsville (N.C.) point guard Dionte Neal (UNC-Greensboro commitment) has taken a lot of the headlines when it comes to North Carolina high school boys basketball. Ben L Smith‘s (N.C.) Jyi Dawkins, a Western Carolina pledge, had himself a performance to remember on Tuesday night.

The Western Carolina signee went off for a game-high 48 points and helped lead Ben L. Smith to a 84-69 victory over Grimsley. The Golden Eagles improved to 13-5 on the season as Dawkins has easily one of the state’s best outings of the 2025-26 campaign.

48 POINTS ‼️‼️

6’4 2026 Jyi Dawkins put on a complete offensive clinic against Grimsley, scoring at all three levels and controlling the tempo of the game.

He consistently broke defenders down off the bounce, finished through contact with strength and elevation, and punished… pic.twitter.com/4zh7uYIfZA

— TriHoopsNet (@TriHoopsNet) January 21, 2026

Putting up big numbers this season is nothing new for Dawkins as the senior guard is averaging around 35 points per game for the Golden Eagles.

Dawkins looks to help Ben L. Smith win another state championship as the Golden Eagles won last year’s NCHSAA Class 3A state championship, finishing with a 29-3 record.

Jyi Dawkins plays a violent brand of basketball. He attacks the front of the rim with purpose and has excellent balance and touch when he is on his way. There is an intimidation factor with Dawkins when he steps on the floor. He is very physical, and many at this level are not comfortable playing that way. – Rivals Senior National Recruiting Analyst Jamie Shaw

More about Ben L. Smith High School

Ben L. Smith High School, located in Greensboro, North Carolina, is a public high school committed to academic excellence and student success. Known as the home of the Golden Eagles, the school fosters a diverse and inclusive environment that encourages leadership, innovation, and community engagement. Offering a variety of academic programs, athletics, and extracurriculars, Smith High empowers students to prepare for college, careers, and lifelong learning.

How to Follow North Carolina High School Boys Basketball

For North Carolina high school boys basketball fans looking to keep up with scores around the Tar Heel State, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the state, ensuring you never miss a moment of the hardwood basketball frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the North Carolina high school boys basketball excitement across the state.