Dionte Neal: Reidsville’s Two-Sport Phenom Making History
Pictures supplied by Dionte Neal
Some athletes excel in one sport. Dionte Neal dominates in two.
The 5-foot-9 standout from Reidsville, North Carolina, has etched his name into high school sports history, winning state championships in both basketball and football while putting up staggering numbers along the way. His latest honor? The 2024-25 MaxPreps North Carolina Player of the Year in basketball, adding another accolade to a career that has been nothing short of spectacular.
A Championship Mindset
Neal’s resume is decorated with titles. He has reached the state championship game in basketball all three years of his career, winning back-to-back titles in his sophomore and junior seasons. On the football field, he led Reidsville to a state title in his sophomore year after falling just short as a freshman.
As a junior guard, Neal led Reidsville to its second consecutive Class 2A state championship, helping extend the program’s win streak to 60 games. The Rams finished the season a perfect 31-0, further cementing their dominance in North Carolina high school basketball.
Reflecting on his journey, Neal acknowledges the magnitude of his achievements but remains locked in on what’s next. “I like it, but I don’t think I’ve fully realized everything yet,” Neal said. “I’m just focused on what’s ahead.”
A Basketball and Football Prodigy Raised by the Game
Neal’s love for sports started long before he ever suited up for Reidsville. His father, Jarrod Neal, who serves as an assistant coach for the Reidsville basketball team, made sure his son always had a ball in his hands.
“My first steps were in a basketball gym while the Rams were practicing,” Neal recalled. “I’ve always been around sports. My dad had me in the gym at two or three years old, running around with a football or basketball. It was just natural.”
Jarrod Neal has not only been his father but also his trainer, mentor, and biggest supporter. From long hours in the gym to breaking down film, he has played a crucial role in developing Dionte’s all-around game.
“He’s my trainer, my coach, everything. I wouldn’t be where I am without him,” Neal said.
Unreal Production on the Court and Field
Neal’s numbers are jaw-dropping. Across three years of varsity basketball, he has accumulated:
1,872 points
900 assists
362 rebounds
493 steals
47% career three-point shooting (175-375), including an incredible 63% (72-115) as a junior
His junior-year stat line: 22.9 points, 9.3 assists, 7.1 steals, and 4.8 rebounds per game.
On the football field, Neal’s versatility has been on full display, playing quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive back. In 36 career games, he has amassed:
4,501 total yards
66 total touchdowns (29 passing, 10 rushing, 17 receiving, 4 interception returns, 1 fumble return, 2 kickoff returns, 2 punt returns)
17 career interceptions, including a state-best 12 as a freshman
66 tackles
As a junior, he transitioned primarily to quarterback, completing 174-of-234 passes for 2,568 yards and 29 touchdowns while rushing for 659 yards and 10 more scores.
Proving Himself Against Doubts
Despite his dominance, Neal has heard the doubters. At 5-foot-9, he has often been told he’s “too small” to succeed at the highest level. Instead of letting that deter him, he’s used it as fuel.
“It just makes me work harder,” Neal said. “I know what I’m capable of.”
His speed is a major asset, and while he hasn’t run track competitively before, this spring marks his first season on the track team, where he is looking to refine his explosiveness even further.
The Bill Belichick Connection
One of the most interesting aspects of Neal’s recruitment is his growing relationship with Bill Belichick, who is now the head coach at the University of North Carolina in his first year leading the Tar Heels’ football program.
Belichick, a six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach, built the New England Patriots dynasty on a foundation of preparation, adaptability, and talent evaluation. His ability to identify football IQ and versatility in players has made him one of the most successful coaches the game has ever seen. Neal’s dynamic ability on both sides of the ball quickly caught Belichick’s attention during the recruiting process.
“Man, just talking to him, you can tell he knows everything about the game,” Neal said. “It wasn’t just ‘Hey, good job.’ He actually talked to me about football, about what I see on the field. He told me he liked my versatility, that he could tell I play smart. Coming from someone like him, that’s crazy.”
The bond between the two became even more evident at a North Carolina basketball game against Duke, where Belichick greeted the football recruits on the sideline. As seen in video footage, Belichick shared a warm embrace with Neal, a moment that highlighted the growing respect between them.
“That’s a guy who’s seen it all, coached it all. If he says I’m doing something right, then I know I’m on the right path,” Neal added. “It’s just motivation to keep getting better.”
Recruitment and the Next Step
As one of the most electrifying athletes in North Carolina, Neal’s recruitment is heating up. He has received offers from schools interested in him as both a football and basketball player, including Tennessee for basketball and North Carolina for football. He has also been in discussions with VCU and Boston College for basketball and football, respectively.
“I want to go somewhere that values both sports,” Neal said. “Some schools see me as a football player only, some see me as a basketball player only, but I know I can do both. I just want to make sure I find the right fit.”
NFL and NBA Comparisons
For football: “Jaylen Waddle.”
“I love Waddle’s speed and hands. He’s quick, explosive, and always a threat to make a play. That’s how I see myself—someone who can turn a short gain into a big one.”
For basketball: “Darius Garland.”
“Garland’s ability to control the game and create for himself and his teammates is something I really admire. He’s shifty, he’s smooth, and he makes the right reads. That’s how I try to play.”
A Leader Among Champions
Beyond the stats and accolades, Neal is a leader. He isn’t just a high-level competitor—he’s a coach on the floor and field, constantly pushing his teammates to get better.
“I take a lot of pride in helping my guys,” he said. “If I see something, I’ll let them know. If someone’s struggling with a coverage or a read, I’ll explain it. We’re all in this together, and I want us all to win.”
Neal’s leadership approach varies depending on the teammate.
“Some guys, you can be real blunt with. They take it as motivation. Others, you have to show them and explain things in a different way. I just try to meet guys where they are so we all get better.”
What’s Next?
The scary part? Neal still has one more season of high school left and has already accomplished everything. His teammate, Keandre Harrison, a dominant big man in basketball and a dynamic tight end in football, is also in the same grade. Harrison is already committed to the University of Oregon for football, making the duo one of the most formidable one-two punches in high school sports.
