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The boys from Prince Edward Middle School are headed back to the conference championship. In one of their closest games all season, the Eagles held on to beat Mecklenburg Middle 35-32 in the conference semi-final. 

Playing on a neutral court at Randolph-Henry High in Charlotte County, the Eagles kept a lead like normal, but it was a lot harder than in recent weeks. 

“Kudos to a great coached Mecklenburg team, they fought us the whole game,” Prince Edward Coach Louis Gould III said. “We just made more plays at the end . It was ugly but this time of the year it’s not all about the way you win – it’s the win. We came in clutch at the right time and now we are headed to our third consecutive championship.” 

Saturday’s game was the seventh grade show, with a number of Eagles separating themselves on the stat sheet. Dashar Gordon, for example, led all scorers with 14 points, having knocked down four three-pointers on the night. His fellow seventh grader, Jazil Lyles, had 8 points with 5 steals. Gould said this is what the hard work, the effort put in from the start of summer practice until now was for, a chance for a third straight title and the recognition that comes with it. 

“This is what we worked hard for all summer and fall to be, this is a young but determined group of young men who want to win no matter what,” Gould said. “I couldn’t be more honored to be their coach!”

When does Prince Edward Middle School play? 

Prince Edward Middle School doesn’t have to travel far for the championship game, which is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 17. Once again, Randolph-Henry High will be the site of the game, located at 250 Statesmen Drive in Charlotte Court House. The game will see Prince Edward take on Wyatt Middle School. Tipoff time is set for 7 p.m.