Move over Mac McClung, Tyler Nickel is the VHSL all-time leading scorer
North Carolina assistant coach Sean May was sitting courtside. North Carolina signee Tyler Nickel shot the passing lane and got a steal like he has so many times in his career. Nickel dribbled the ball to the rim, rose up, and dunked it with two hands.
It was something fans of Elkton (VA) East Rockingham high have seen countless times over Nickel’s four-year career. However, this dunk was different. This dunk gave Nickel his 2,802 career points, making him the Virginia High School League’s all-time leading scorer. Mac McClung previously held the record, as did JJ Reddick.
“Setting that record speaks to his work ethic and the countless hours he put in the gym,” East Rockingham head coach Carey Keyes told On3. “More importantly, it speaks to his mental toughness and desire to be the best. He hears the doubters and always will, but that only motivates him more and keeps his fire burning.”
Tyler Nickel
What is unique about Nickel’s record, now at 2,909 career points, is that he did it in 103, after playing only 13 games last season due to COVID. McClung played in 119 career games. Nickel has averaged 28.2 points per game for his career. Like McClung, Nickel spent all four years at his public high school.
“Tyler’s work ethic and commitment have been contagious, and I see younger players follow his lead,” Keyes said. “He is such a good example on and off the court. He’s always stayed true to his friends, teammates, and our school and community. I will always be thankful for that.”
Nickel is the No. 88 ranked player in the 2022 On3 Consensus, a proprietary algorithm that compiles rating ad rankings from all four major recruiting services.
Tyler Nickel committed to North Carolina over Virginia Tech and others in September.
What Nickel said
Nickel’s 1,007 points scored during his senior season overtook Allen Iverson for second place for most points scored in a single season. Nickel already held the freshman single-season record at 662 points and the sophomore single-season record with 902 points.
“It feels wild,” NIckel told On3. “Especially when I see the other names on that list. That record is validation for me, it means I am on the right path.”
North Carolina’s 2022 Class
On3 Class Ranking No. 19
On3 Class Average NIL Valuation: $17,000
4-Star PG Seth Trimble, On3 Consensus No. 37
4-Star SF Tyler Nickel, On3 Consensus No.
4-Star PF Jalen Washington, On3 Consensus No. 58