Why Rodmik Allen, Zeus Batts finish high school career as two of New Hanover's best ever
Wilmington has produced some talented basketball players over the years.
From the sport's most recognizable face in Michael Jordan, to fellow NBA players like Kenny Gattison, there's no shortage of basketball skill that's filtered through the Port City.
None of those players, however, have left behind a high school legacy quite like Rodmik Allen and Zeus Batts.
"It's always been us," Allen said. "It's a family. Every time we go somewhere, it's family, we're together."
The duo finished their high school playing career in Saturday's NCHSAA 4A state championship loss to North Mecklenburg. The moment was somber but did nothing to negate the duo's unparalleled dominance.
They've gone 112-8 in four seasons across all competitions, with Allen finishing with 1,628 career points. Batts, who also made a splash as one of the Wildcats' most productive wideouts last fall, finishes his career with 809 points.
"It's been special, especially to do it with Rodmik and a coach I've grown up with forever; it's been amazing. I wouldn't do it with nobody else but them, too."
New Hanover coach Kirk Angel has been a part of two state championship-winning squads.
He's coached players who went on to play in the NBA and other profesional leagues. Few, if any, in the veteran coach's eyes, have had as much of an impact as Allen and Batts.
"Rodmik and Zeus never played a JV second," Angel said. "They took hard coaching when they were freshman and grew in the system, and now they are the system. I can't say enough good things about them."
While the Wildcats came up just short in the 2025 NCHSAA 4A state championship, the team dominated Wilmington-area competition the last four years, not falling to a single area opponent and winning four straight Mideastern Conference titles.
They leave the court inside Brogden Hall with two NCHSAA 4A East regional championship titles and countless magical moments, some of which may never fade.
"We had an unbelievable four years, me and (Batts). We had over 100 wins, and everybody can't do that. It's been special," Allen said.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Why Rodmik Allen, Zeus Batts leave one of Wilmington's most dominate basketball legacies
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