Brevard’s Joshua Poche named 4A MVP; LNC repeats as boys swimming champions

Brevard’s Joshua Poche named 4A MVP; LNC repeats as boys swimming champions

February 13, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Sports

Cary, N.C. – Lake Norman Charter’s boys swimming team secured their second consecutive championship title on Thursday at the N.C. High School Athletic Association 4A championships, hosted at the Triangle Aquatic Center. This victory marks a significant achievement for the Knights, building on their success in the previous year’s 3A competition.

A Shifting Landscape for North Carolina High School Swimming

The 2026 championship represents a new chapter for Lake Norman Charter. Last year, the team won the 3A title when the state operated with four classes and three championships. This year’s 4A title is the first in the newly structured eight-class system, which features six championships. This change in classification underscores the growing competitiveness within North Carolina high school athletics.

Dominant Performance by the Knights

Lake Norman Charter demonstrated their strength across multiple disciplines, winning a total of four events. They swept all three relay races and added an individual victory from Sawyer Landman in the 1-meter diving competition, which took place on Wednesday at Pullen Aquatic Center. The Knights amassed 417 points, finishing a substantial 140 points ahead of their closest competitor, Carrboro.

Did You Know? Lake Norman Charter won four events at the championship: all three relays and Sawyer Landman’s win in diving.

Individual Stars Shine

While Lake Norman Charter dominated the team standings, several individual athletes also delivered standout performances. Brevard’s Joshua Poche was recognised as the Most Valuable Player, claiming victories in both the 100 and 200 yard freestyle events. Philip Johnson of East Gaston also achieved a double win, taking first place in the 200 yard IM and the 100 yard breaststroke.

Expert Insight: The consistent success of Lake Norman Charter, coupled with the individual achievements of athletes like Joshua Poche and Philip Johnson, highlights the depth of talent emerging within North Carolina high school swimming programmes. This level of competition suggests a continued rise in the standard of the sport across the state.

Key Results from the Championships

Detailed results from the championships reveal a competitive field. In the 200 yard medley relay, Lake Norman Charter finished first with a time of 1:40.41, followed closely by Carrboro at 1:42.61. Joshua Poche’s winning time in the 200 yard freestyle was 1:44.45, while Philip Johnson completed the 200 yard IM in 1:56.91. Troy Spangler of Burns secured the fastest time in the 50 yard freestyle at 22.31.

Frequently Asked Questions

What team finished second overall?

Carrboro finished second overall with 277 points.

Who was named MVP of the championships?

Joshua Poche of Brevard was named MVP, winning both the 100 and 200 yard freestyle.

How many events did Lake Norman Charter win?

Lake Norman Charter won four events: all three relays and the boys 1-meter diving competition.

As Lake Norman Charter celebrates their victory, the question remains: can they maintain this level of dominance in the years to come, and will other teams rise to challenge their reign?