YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. | Carl Cleveland has etched his name atop the Young Harris College men's basketball record book, becoming the program's all-time leading scorer with 2,007 career points! In just 112 games played and 102 starts, Cleveland reached a milestone that speaks not only to longevity, but to sustained excellence across his Mountain Lion career. With each basket, rebound, and hard-earned free throw, he built a legacy that now stands alone in program history. 

Head Coach Jeremy Currier said, "I am so proud of Carl and all that he has accomplished at Young Harris College. Carl has left a significant imprint on our basketball program at Young Harris College in every possible way. 

Carl will leave our program as the all-time leading scorer, all-time leading rebounder, and one of the winningest players in program history. 

I have had the privilege of seeing all the behind-the-scenes work that has gone into this accomplishment. Each year Carl has been at Young Harris; he has improved his game through his tireless work ethic and dedication to excellence. 

I have always felt that the difference between a good player and a great player is what they do away from practice. Carl has spent hours and hours working on his game, getting extra time in the weight room, rehabbing from various injuries, getting extra treatment with our medical staff, and studying the game and practice film each day. I admire his discipline and commitment to the process of becoming great, which also extends to the classroom as he has maintained a 4.0 GPA his entire YHC career. 

I am so thankful that I have been able to coach Carl over the last few years, and I am so grateful for his commitment and loyalty to our program. Carl Cleveland is not only a special player on the basketball court but an unbelievable human being, and I am so lucky to be able to come to the gym every day and be around someone of his character." 

What makes Cleveland's achievement even more remarkable is the clear upward trajectory of his career. From a rotational role as a freshman to the focal point of the offense, his growth was steady and persistent. His scoring average climbed season by season, culminating in a dominant 2025–26 campaign in which he is averaging 26.8 points per game while playing over 36 minutes a night. Along the way, his efficiency has also improved, highlighted by a career .498 shooting percentage (this season) from the floor and his most consistent season at the free-throw line to date. 

Cleveland's impact extended far beyond scoring. The senior forward is now the program's all-time leader in field goals made with 674 and total rebounds with 837, a rare combination that showcases his physicality, versatility, and relentless motor. He has consistently made his presence known by scoring through contact, controlling the glass, and making an impact on both ends of the floor night after night. 

Durability and dependability have been hallmarks of Cleveland's career. He is now tied with Ben Waterhouse (2014-18) for the most games played in program history at 112 and shares the record with Karl Chavis (2020-2025) for games started with 102. The senior forward has served as a constant presence and leader while anchoring the Mountain Lions through multiple seasons. 

This milestone cements Carl Cleveland's place among the all-time greats at Young Harris College. His name now lives permanently in the record books, and his career sets an example that future generations of Mountain Lions can look up to. A legendary accomplishment by a relentless and talented forward; Cleveland's journey points squarely toward future induction into the Young Harris College Athletics Hall of Fame, where his impact on the program will be celebrated for years to come.