YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. | Young Harris College senior Carl Cleveland has been named the 2025-26 Conference Carolinas Men's Basketball Player of the Year, becoming the first player in program history to earn the league's top honor. Cleveland was also selected to the Conference Carolinas First Team.

The Commerce, Georgia native delivered one of the most dominant seasons in NCAA Division II, leading Conference Carolinas and ranking second nationally with an average of 26.4 points per game. Cleveland also averaged 8.5 rebounds per contest, ranking fourth in the conference while recording 14 double-doubles, the second-most in the league and ninth in NCAA Division II.

Cleveland scored at least 20 points in 20 games this season, highlighted by 10 performances of 30 or more points and two 40-point games. He opened the season with a 31-point, 12-rebound performance against Middle Georgia State and followed it with a 39-point outing against North Georgia. Throughout conference play, Cleveland consistently delivered in big moments, including a 40-point performance against Francis Marion and another 40-point effort against King.

In addition to his scoring and rebounding, Cleveland showcased his all-around ability with multiple standout performances as a playmaker, including an 11-assist game against Shorter on February 10.

Cleveland was named Conference Carolinas Player of the Week twice during the season and earned national recognition when he was selected as the D2SIDA/NABC National Player of the Week on January 6.

Standing 6-6 and weighing 225 pounds, Cleveland has been the centerpiece of the Mountain Lions throughout the season, leading Young Harris to one of its strongest campaigns in the program's Division II era while establishing himself as one of the top players in the country.

With the postseason underway, Cleveland will look to continue his historic season as the Mountain Lions pursue a Conference Carolinas Championship.