The Chatham County Board of Commissioners adopted a special resolution Monday evening honoring Pittsboro native Drake Powell on his first-round selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. Powell was selected with the No. 22 overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks and then traded to the Brooklyn Nets in June.

Powell starred at Pittsboro’s Northwood High School for four years and was rated as one of the top high school players in the recruiting class of 2024. He made the short journey to Chapel Hill after committing to play for UNC, following in both of his parents’ footsteps. Though the 2024-25 season as a whole for the Tar Heels was up and down, Powell provided a boost with his defensive capabilities and outstanding athleticism. The six-foot-six wing also showed flashes of his offensive game as the season progressed, finishing as the team’s second-best three-point shooter. His 37.9 three-point percentage ranked second on the team.

“Drake’s journey… has been marked by excellence, discipline and an unwavering commitment to growth,” the resolution read in part.

In the audience for Monday’s session were Powell’s father and several of his coaches from Northwood.

“He’s just stayed humble and very much committed to not just being a good player but being a good young man,” Chatham County commissioner Karen Howard told 97.9 The Hill earlier this week. “It was quite an honor to be able to recognize him and wish him well in his future endeavors… this is what Chatham County and Chatham County Schools is capable of doing.”

To see the full video of Howard reading the resolution honoring Powell Monday evening, click here.

 

Featured image via Todd Melet

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.

Related Stories
‹
Chatham County Roundup: Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp
Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, September 9, discussing town news and events. He discussed the most recent meeting of the Pittsboro Board of Commissioners, which included a staff update on the Small Area Plan for Chatham Park's South Village. He also discussed the results of a feasibility study for the new Town Hall, gave a local business update, previewed a ribbon cutting for the new skate park, and more.
Artificial Intelligence Consultant Ashley Gross Shares Details on Pittsboro Commissioner Candidacy
Among the eight candidates looking to connect with voters in Pittsboro this fall is artificial intelligence advocate Ashley Gross.
Pittsboro Board of Commissioners Candidate Candace Hunziker Shares Details From Her Campaign
Candace Hunziker, a Chatham County chiropractic practice manager, shared details on her candidacy for the Pittsboro Board of Commissioners.
Planning Board Chair Corey Forrest Details His Motivation to Run for Pittsboro Commissioner Seat
Among the candidates vying for election to the Pittsboro Board of Commissioners is Corey Forrest, who currently chairs the planning board.
On the Porch: Ellen Brown - Myths about Money
This Week: Ellen Brown is an attorney and author of thirteen books and hundreds of articles (all on her blog at http://EllenBrown.com). Her titles include the bestselling "Web of Debt" and "Nature's Pharmacy," co-authored with Dr. Lynne Walker, along with "The Public Bank Solution" and her latest book "Banking on the People."  She graduated from UC Berkeley in 1967 and from UCLA Law School in 1977; practiced law for ten years in Los Angeles; then spent 11 years abroad, in Kenya, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua, with her husband and two children. She co-founded and chaired of the Public Banking Institute from which she retired in Spring of 2025 
Chatham County Sheriff: Pittsboro Couple Dead in Possible Murder-Suicide
The Chatham County Sheriff's Office is conducting a death investigation at a residence in northern Pittsboro Thursday morning, with help from police in Kentucky.
On the Porch: Adam Edelen - Bringing the Promise of Renewable Energy to Rural America
This Week: Adam Edelen is a dynamic leader with a demonstrated record of success in both the private and public sectors. As founder and CEO of Edelen Renewables, he has garnered significant attention for forming partnerships to pioneer coal-to-solar projects and other green energy developments in struggling energy communities. His firm’s unique Social Impact Solar® approach reflects a deep commitment to economic revitalization and environmental sustainability.
Chatham County Roundup: Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp
Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, August 12, discussing town news and events. He discussed the recent passage of truck prohibition on Hillsboro St. and Sandford Rd., as the 15-501 truck route now diverts vehicles with more than three axles around downtown. He also talked about some policy updates, position changes, and more.
On the Porch: Commissioner John Foley: Pittsboro Updates
This Week: Travel was John Foley's first passion so a career in the airline industry was natural. The smiles on the faces of the people he met while circling the globe shaped the person he is today. After studying medicine and graduating from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science degree, Foley began a 20-year career as a kidney dialysis technician. He even donated a kidney to a patient he was treating in Durham NC. In his latest chapter, Foley is a realtor and and town commissioner leading Pittsboro NC forward during a time of remarkable change.
Chatham County Honors Pittsboro Native Drake Powell for 2025 NBA Draft Selection
The Chatham County Board of Commissioners adopted a special resolution Monday evening honoring Pittsboro native Drake Powell on his first-round selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. Powell was selected with the No. 22 overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks and then traded to the Brooklyn Nets in June. Powell starred at Pittsboro’s Northwood High School […]
›