First, he graduated from Providence Day, then he led Team Blue to a 16-13 victory against Team White in the Queen City Top 50 all-star lacrosse game at Memorial Stadium.

Zande's day went by in a blur; he was named offensive player of the game in his final organized competition after accepting his diploma.

"I just graduated today and I'm moving on," said Zande, who'll enroll at lacrosse-less Mississippi in the fall. "I'll be fine. I'll probably come back to lacrosse at some point."

Zande had three goals and three assists. The goals helped Team Blue to a 9-4 advantage in the second quarter, and the assists helped Blue withstand a spirited Team White rally in the second half.

Team White pulled within 12-10 at the end of the third quarter, but Zande's passing led to goals by Mike Hart of Providence and Chris Hays of East Mecklenburg, providing Blue breathing room.

"We hadn't put them away yet," Zande said.

Zande had the most impact, but was far from the only standout. North Meck's Andrew Hurd and Charlotte Catholic's Shane Kimball scored three goals apiece for Team White.

Blue goalkeeper Eric Murray of South Meck had 10 saves and was named defensive player of the game.

Also, Providence's John Kimball scored two goals.

Team Blue led 12-6 in the third and threatened a rout before Team White mustered a four-goal rally.

That's when Zande turned playmaker, and Blue seized the initiative.

"We just couldn't get the ball in the second and third quarters, and they started to come back," he said. "When we got the ball, we scored."

Although the finality had just started to sink in, Zande was reflective of what he had accomplished in his last day as a high school athlete.

"I just played my hardest and we won," he said. "I gave it my all and got (Most Valuable Player). I'm happy."