The Moment

South Garner faced Southeast Raleigh on Friday night. South Garner’s star player, Chloe Crawford a 6-foot-1 small forward ranked No. 36 overall in the state and No. 5 at her position couldn’t play due to injury.

An incredible moment of sportsmanship. The Bulldogs allowed Titans injured star Chloe Crawford to score the game's first points on senior night. The Titans then allowed the Bulldogs to even the score. @SouthGarnerWBB @SRHS_girlsbball @PatrickKinas @jaysonny91 #highschoolhoops pic.twitter.com/m0zakogNdQ

— myRDC (@myrdc) February 18, 2026

Before tipoff, both teams agreed to let Crawford score the first points of the game. She limped onto the court, positioned herself near the basket, received a pass from a teammate, and calmly sank a shot.

South Garner led 2-0 before the game truly began.

The Response

Southeast Raleigh didn’t just accept the gesture they reciprocated. After Crawford’s basket, they allowed South Garner to even the score, ensuring the game started with a display of mutual respect rather than competitive advantage.

South Garner called a timeout so the team could celebrate Crawford’s career and help her limp back to the bench on her crutches.

Here's last Friday's Play of the Game courtesy of South Garner's freshman phenom Makensey Dillard. Dillard was a handful all game long with elite quickness, tricky handles, and incredible shooting touch. @SouthGarnerWBB @jaysonny91 @PatrickKinas #highschoolhoops pic.twitter.com/h80l7BpMYt

— myRDC (@myrdc) February 17, 2026

The Context

This moment stands in stark contrast to recent ugly incidents in high school basketball. Just days earlier, a California player attacked a referee after a playoff game. In Ohio, a brawl led to multiple arrests.

Against that backdrop, what happened in North Carolina wasn’t just nice it was necessary.

The Bottom Line

Sportsmanship isn’t dead. It just needed a reminder.

Chloe Crawford scored the first points of her final high school game. Everyone in the gym knew it was the right thing to do.