Monday's rewind: Independence passing more, finding its stride in conference tourney
In late January and early February, Independence High’s boys’ basketball team went through a tough stretch, losing four times in six games.
Some of it was the schedule; Independence dropped games to West Charlotte, No. 2 in the N.C. 8A rankings, and to North Mecklenburg, which is No. 2 in 7A. The Patriots also lost a game to burgeoning N.C. power Ambassador Christian.
But in watching those losses, Patriots’ coach noticed something about his team, something he thought he could fix.
“At different times this season, the ball has stuck a little bit,” said Davis, whose team opened Meck Power Six conference tournament play with a 85-49 win over Mallard Creek Monday at home. “We tried to put an emphasis on moving the ball.”
So far that new plan is working.
On Friday, Independence (14-11) beat arch rival Butler for the second time in two weeks, and the Bulldogs are No. 6 in the 7A statewide poll.
On Monday, the Patriots jumped on Mallard Creek early, leading 20-9 after the first quarter and 44-16 at halftime.
Christan Jones had 17 points to lead the Patriots, who will play West Charlotte in Wednesday’s tournament semifinals.
“I’m not going to say we’ve hit a stride,” Davis said, “because, honestly, we’ll find out. We have a tough team. We’re battle-tested and our conference is strong, night-in and night-out. There haven’t been a lot of lopsided wins or losses, so we’ll play West Charlotte next and see what happens. We’re 0-2 against them.”
New Talking Preps is out
We highlight the top performers of last week, discuss the rise in violence at all levels of the sport with Lake Norman coach McKenzie Graham, break down the NCISAA state and area conference tournaments, plus we release our annual CMS all-conference teams.
Monday’s #BIG5 top performers
Kyzen Coleman, Concord: Coleman had a game-high 26 points in an 82-53 win over West Rowan in the first of the South Piedmont conference tournament. Concord won its fourth straight game.
Kam Davis, Lake Norman Charter: Davis had a team-high 22 points in a 62-52 win over Bradford Prep in the first round of the Catawba Shores conference tournament.
Jahnae Duncan, Central Cabarrus girls: In a 54-24 win over AL Brown in the Greater Metro tournament at Harding, Duncan had a game-high 19 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
Christan Jones, Independence: Jones had team-high 17 points in a 85-49 win over Mallard Creek in the first round of the Meck Power Six conference tournament.
Tre Ratliff, Hough: Ratliff had a game-high 28 points in a 77-58 win over Garinger in the first round of the conference tournament.
Monday’s roundup
(numbers with each team are tournament seeds)
GREATER CHARLOTTE 7A/8A
(at Hopewell High)
(boys’ first round)
No. 3 Hough 77, No. 6 Garinger 58: Tre Ratliff scored 28 points, and John Slusher added 20 for the Huskies (18-6), who will face second seed Myers Park in a Wednesday semifinal. Garinger (4-17) led 32-29 at the half, but Hough outscored the Wildcats 29-13 in the third quarter for a 58-45 lead.
No. 4 South Mecklenburg 56, No. 5 Hopewell 45: The Sabres (11-14) outscored the Titans (6-18) by a 28-14 margin in the second half. South Meck will face top-seeded West Mecklenburg in a Wednesday semifinal.
Jim Gatehouse led the Sabres with 25 points. Kyle Broughton topped Hopewell with 10 points.
(girls’ first round)
No. 5 West Mecklenburg 43, No. 4 Garinger 34: Heaven Witherspoon-Hassan hit a three-pointer with 1:45 left, and Jaiira Thompson added a free throw 30 seconds later, giving the Hawks (6-19) a 39-32 lead. Garinger (8-14) had gotten within 35-32 on a three-pointer by Janiyla McGill with 2:07 remaining.
West Meck will face top-seeded South Mecklenburg in the semifinals Wednesday.
MECK POWER SIX 7A/8A
(at Independence High)
(boys’ first round)
No. 5 Chambers 49, No. 4 Butler 48: The Cougars (15-10) upset the Bulldogs (16-9), as O.J. Young scored a game-high 20 points. Chambers will face top seed North Mecklenburg in the semifinals Wednesday. Terrance Badio led Butler with 16 points.
No. 3 Independence 85, No. 6 Mallard Creek 50
GREATER METRO 6A/7A
(at Harding High)
(girls’ first round)
No. 1 Hickory Ridge 46, No. 8 Olympic 13: Ma-Kaela Gidney scored 12 points, and Aubrey Cranford and Miranda Duley each added 10 for the Ragin’ Bulls (21-4). Chai James scored 10 of the 13 points for Olympic (3-22).
No. 2 West Cabarrus 78, No. 7 Harding 49: Aubrey Silas’ 24 points lifted the Wolverines (19-6) into Wednesday’s semifinals. Shariah White added 16 points. De’Mya Garis had a game-high 30 points for Harding (2-19).
No. 4 Central Cabarrus 54, No. 5 A.L. Brown 24: Jahnae Duncan’s 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists led the Vikings (16-9), who will meet top-seeded Hickory Ridge in the semifinals Wednesday. Myajah Nix added 18 points and 13 rebounds for Hickory Ridge. A.L. Brown fell to 9-15.
SOUTHERN CAROLINA 6A/7A
(at Weddington High)
(boys’ first round)
No. 2 Marvin Ridge 60, No. 7 Porter Ridge 44: The Pirates (2-23) threw a scare into the Mavericks (20-4), trailing just 39-37 early in the fourth quarter. Marvin Ridge built the lead to 42-37, then pulled away after Matthew Rivlin scored on a tip-in and made a free throw with 4:04 to play.
No. 3 Weddington 67, No. 6 Sun Valley 55: The Warriors (16-9) went on an 18-3 run late in the third quarter and early in the final period, opening a 61-44 lead. Sun Valley fell to 10-15.
No. 4 Piedmont 71, No. 5 Cuthbertson 59: The Panthers (12-12) broke a 47-47 tie with the Cavaliers (14-12) with 2:20 left, when Bryan Little grabbed an offensive rebound, scored on a short jump shot, and then made a free throw. Caleb Laszio then scored on a reverse layup with 1:51 remaining, giving Piedmont a 62-57 margin. The Panthers pulled away from there.
SOUTH PIEDMONT 4A/5A
(boys’ first round)
No. 1 Jay M. Robinson 88, No. 8 South Rowan 47: The Bulldogs (20-3) raced to a 20-0 lead and were up 23-6 after one quarter. They will face fourth-seeded Concord in the semifinals Tuesday.
No. 3 Salisbury 68, No. 6 Northwest Cabarrus 66: The Trojans (6-19) trailed by double digits in the third quarter but rallied and made it close. Salisbury improved to 19-6.
(girls’ first round)
No. 1 Northwest Cabarrus 65, No. 8 Concord 6: MacKenzie Ortscheid had 21 points and 10 rebounds in the Trojans’ rout. Northwest Cabarrus (21-4) face South Rowan in a Tuesday semifinal. Ava Ibanez added 12 points for the Trojans.
No. 3 Salisbury 48, No. 6 Jay M. Robinson 36: Shekiya Woodruff scored 13 points for the victorious Hornets (12-9). Robinson slipped to 6-17.
CATAWBA SHORES 2A/3A/4A
(boys’ first round)
No. 3 Lake Norman Charter 62, No. 6 Bradford Prep 52: Kam Davis’ 22 points led the Knights (14-10), who trailed 12-10 after one quarter and led only 45-44 entering the final period.
(girls’ first round)
No. 1 Lincoln Charter 65, No. 8 Langtree Charter 17: Camryn Davis (12 points) and Kylie Riggenbach (11) led the Eagles (19-4), who will face Pine Lake Prep in a Wednesday semifinal. Davis and Riggenbach played less than a half in the lopsided victory.
No. 2 Lake Norman Charter 73, No. 7 Corvian Community 18: Sam Colantonio scored 18 points, and Reece Long added 15 for the Knights (22-2).
No. 5 Pine Lake Prep 56, No. 4 Community School of Davidson 54: Sophie Chilton (19 points) and Reagan Buckley (13) led the Pride (9-16).
REGULAR SEASON
North Piedmont 6A/7A
(boys)
Mooresville 66, North Iredell 35: Que Bailey scored 15 points, and Tyler Morrison added nine points, eight rebounds and four steals for the Blue Devils (20-2, 8-0).
Lake Norman 70, South Iredell 64
(girls)
Lake Norman 84, South Iredell 24: Kelsey Rhyne poured in 26 points, and Rayana Minard added 18 for the Wildcats (17-1, 8-0). Lake Norman led 35-6 after one quarter.
Monday’s boys’ box scores
NO. 9 MOORESVILLE 66, NORTH IREDELL 35
Mooresville 17 20 21 8 — 66
North Iredell 11 9 8 7 — 35
MOORESVILLE 66 — Qua Bailey 15, Tyler Morrison 9, Christian Wilson 8, Justus White 7, Carson Schaen 5, Chase McDonald 5, Taurean McKinnon 5, Kevin Cornelius 4, Eian Bailey 2, Nolan Ericson 2, Braelen Ross 2, Jordan Walton 2.
Notable: Morrison had 8 rebounds and 4 steals. Wilson had 6 rebounds and 3 steals. White had 5 rebounds. McDonald had 5 rebounds. McKinnon had 5 rebounds and 2 steals. Ericson had 5 assists. Ross had 5 rebounds. Record: Mooresville 20-2
CHAMBERS 49, BUTLER 48
Butler 15 17 6 10 — 48
Chambers 19 13 9 8 — 49
BUTLER 48 — Terrance Badio 16, Isaiah White 10, Aree Branch 9, Shine 7, Tomlinson 3, Vastis 3
CHAMBERS 49 — QJ Young 20, Deontae Pryor 12, Zyon White 10, Grier 3, Jackson 2, Jackson 2
Notable: Chambers will play West Charlotte on Wednesday. Butler awaits their playoff matchup,
CONCORD 82, WEST ROWAN 53
Concord 20 22 26 12 — 82
West Rowan 14 12 17 10 — 53
CONCORD 82 — Kyzen Coleman 26, Jayden Beyan 20, Taheer Jackson 16, DJ Sandford 9, Jabari Byrd 6, Lawson Childress 5
WEST ROWAN 53 — Jahmeer Angle 14, Caleb Queen 11, Brant Graham 10, Jalen Moten 10, Luke Bame 4, Josiah Young 4
Records: Concord 14-10; West Rowan 10-14
Notable: Concord won its fourth straight game advanced to the South Piedmont conference semifinals against No. 1 seed JM Robinson. That game will be at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Carson High.
HOUGH 77, GARINGER 58
Hough 18 11 29 19 — 77
Garinger - 19 13 13 13 — 58
HOUGH 77 — Tre Ratliff 28, John Slusher 20, Jaylen Byers 11, Coleman 9, Burnett 7, Beshears 2
GARINGER 58 — Chief Hunter 22, Aaron Lawler 15, Nealy 9, Spence 5, Duster 3, Camaro 2, Chappel 2
Notable: Hough’s Christian Coleman had 9 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Records: Hough 17-7 Garinger 4-17
INDEPENDENCE 85, MALLARD CREEK 49
Mallard Creek 9 7 18 15 — 49
Independence 20 24 19 22 — 85
MALLARD CREEK 49 — Aiden Roberson 23, Connor McKissick 14, Moats 10, Savage 9, Cardell 6, Tucker 3, Louis 3, Booker 2, Overton 2
INDEPENDENCE 85 — Christan Jones 17, Fike 9, Black 9, Allen-Waters 9, Macharia 8, McFarland 8, Rhodes 6, Smith 5, Dean 5, Neely 4, Campo 4
Records: Mallard Creek 6-19; Independence 14-11
LAKE NORMAN CHARTER 62, BRADFORD PREP 52
LNC 10 20 15 17 — 62
Bradford Prep- 12 16 16 8 52 LAKE NORMAN CHARTER 62 — Kam Davis 22, Collin McConneyhead 17, Jake Wozniak 8, Blake Frierson 7, Bennett Love 4, Isaiah Carter 4.
Notable: LNC will host the winner of the Pine Lake vs Corvian in the second round at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday .
SOUTH MECKLENBURG 56, HOPEWELL 45
South Meck 16 12 17 11 — 56
Hopewell 19 12 6 8 — 45
SOUTH MECK 56 — J. Gatehouse 25, C Yett 9, B. Houpt 7, R. Foster 6
HOPEWELL 45 — Broughton 10, Gatlin 8, Jones 8, McCrimmon 7
Monday’s girls’ box scores
NO. 1 LAKE NORMAN 84, SOUTH IREDELL 24
Lake Norman 35 23 19 7 — 84
South Iredell 6 8 4 6 — 24
LAKE NORMAN 84 — Kaiya Bond 10, Rayana Minard 18, Kelsey Rhyne 26, Kaylee Ellis 10, Ellie Smith 4, Finley Sherrill 2, Jeta North 2, Mia Castoria 4, Aaliyah Peace 7
SOUTH IREDELL 24 — Jones 3, Wilder 4, Bradford 7, Henderson 2, Saunders 6, D Wilder 2
Records: Lake Norman 17-1; South Iredell 7-15
NO. 14 LINCOLN CHARTER 65, LANGTREE CHARTER 17
Langtree Charter 3 3 6 5 — 17
Lincoln Charter 28 21 10 6 — 65
LANGTREE CHARTER 17 — Long 10, Nesbit 4, Breger 3
LINCOLN CHARTER 65 — Camryn David 12, Kylie Riggenbach 11, Martha Guinle 8, Claire David 8, Taylor Riggenbach 7, Halle Bowman 6, Kaylyn Cherry 5, Lillie Merrill 4, Madalyn Westmoreland 2, Kylie Snow 2
Records: Langtree 1-18, LCHS 19-4
Notable: Lincoln Charter wins in first round of its conference tournament. Freshman Camryn David led the way with 12 points. Kylie Riggenbach added 11 points in a quarter and a half.
CENTRAL CABARRUS 54, AL BROWN 24
Central Cabarrus 13 12 17 12 — 54
AL Brown 4 6 10 4 -- 24
CENTRAL CABARRUS 54 — Jahnae Duncan 19, Myajah Nix 18, Rouse 8, Arevalo 5, Pickett 2, Moss 2
AL BROWN 24 — Buster 6, Massey 6, Campbell 3, Franklin 1, Anderson 5
Notable: Central Cabarrus won in the opening round of the GMAC conference. Jahnae Duncan led the way with 19 points 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Myajah Nix added 18 points and 13 Rebounds. Central will play Hickory Ridge at Harding on Wednesday.
HICKORY RIDGE 46, OLYMPIC 13
Olympic 0 4 1 8 — 13
Hickory Ridge 18 16 10 2 — 46
OLYMPIC 13 — James 10, Walker 3
HICKORY RIDGE 46 — Gidney 12, Cranford 10, Duley 10, Ritter 4, Johnson 4, Hamilton 4, McCullough 2
Records: Hickory Ridge 21-4; Olympic 3-22
LAKE NORMAN CHARTER 73, CORVIAN 18
LNC 28 29 12 4 — 73
CCS 2 5 7 4 — 18
LNC 73 — Sam Colantonio 18, Reece Long 15, Abby Courtney 10, Corynn Keck 9, Emma Nelson 7, Callie Genece 6, Caroline Mercuri 4, Maggie Kurz 2, Caroline Fogarty 2
CCS 18 — Johnson 9, Kimble 6, Cook 2, Black 1
Records: LNC 22-2; Corvian 2-15
WEST CABARRUS 78, HARDING 49
West Cabarrus 27 14 18 19 — 78
Harding 12 14 14 9 — 49
WEST CABARRUS 78 — Aybrey Silas 22, Ryleigh Parks 10, Ke’Nijah Brown 10,Shariah White 16, Orazio 2, Warner 3, Griffin 1, Johnson 2, Simmons 3, Hayes 7, Edgerton 2
HARDING 49 — Dam’mya Garris 30, D. Garris 1, Jaines 2, Cornelius 5, Kelly 9
Notable: West Cabarrus’ Aubrey Silas had 22 points, 2 assists and 2 steals. Shariah White scored 16 points, to go with 7 assists and 3 steals.
Monday’s scoreboard
GREATER CHARLOTTE 7A/8A
(at Hopewell High School)
GIRLS
Monday’s first round
No. 3 Hough 78, No. 6 Hopewell 5
No. 5 West Mecklenburg 43, No. 4 Garinger 34
Wednesday’s semifinals
No. 1 South Mecklenburg (20-4) vs. West Mecklenburg (6-19), 3:30 p.m.
No. 2 Myers Park (17-7) vs. Hough (15-10). 5 p.m.
Friday’s championship
Semifinal winners, 6 p.m.
BOYS
Monday’s first round
No. 3 Hough 77, No. 6 Garinger 58
No. 4 South Mecklenburg 56, No. 5 Hopewell 45
Wednesday’s semifinals
No. 1 West Mecklenburg (16-8) vs. No. 4 South Meck (11-14), 6:30 p.m.
No. 2 Myers Park (17-7) vs. No. 3 Hough (18-6), 8 p.m.
Friday’s championship
Semifinal winners, 8 p.m.
MECK POWER SIX 7A/8A
(at Independence High School)
GIRLS
Monday’s first round
No. 3 Butler 78, No. 6 Independence 22
No. 5 West Charlotte 57, No. 4 Chambers 47
Wednesday’s semifinals
No. 1 Mallard Creek (19-5) vs. No. 5 West Charlotte (13-11), 3:30 p.m.
No. 2 North Mecklenburg (22-2) vs. No. 4 Butler (14-10) 6:30 p..m.
Friday’s championship
Semifinal winners, 6 p.m.
BOYS
Monday’s first round
No. 3 Independence 85, No. 6 Mallard Creek 49
No. 5 Chambers 49, No. 4 Butler 48
Wednesday’s semifinals
No. 1 North Mecklenburg (20-4) vs. No. 5 Chambers (15-10), 5 p.m.
No. 2 West Charlotte (18-5) vs. No. 3 Independence (14-11), 8 p.m.
Friday’s championship
Semifinal winners, 8 p.m.
SOUTHWESTERN 7A/8A
(at Ballantyne Ridge High School)
GIRLS
Tuesday’s first round
No. 4 Palisades (10-12) vs. No. 5 Rocky River (8-16), 3:30 p.m.
No. 3 Ballantyne Ridge (12-12) vs. No. 6 East Mecklenburg (7-17), 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday’s semifinals
No. 1 Ardrey Kell (21-3) vs. Rocky River/Palisades, 3:30 p.m.
No. 2 Providence (16-7) vs. East Meck/Ballantyne Ridge, 6:30
Friday’s championship
Semifinal winners, 6 p.m.
BOYS
Tuesday’s first round
No. 3 Ardrey Kell (18-6) vs. No. 6 Rocky River (8-18), 5 p.m.
No. 4 Palisades (10-14) vs. No. 5 Ballantyne Ridge (10-14), 8 p.m.
Wednesday’s semifinals
No. 1 East Mecklenburg (16-9) vs. Ballantyne Ridge/Palisades, 5 p.m.
No. 2 Providence (14-9) vs. Rocky River/Ardrey Kell, 8 p.m.
Friday’s championship
Semifinal winners, 7:30 p.m.
GREATER METRO 6A/7A
(at Harding High School)
Girls
Monday’s first round
No. 1 Hickory Ridge 46, No. 8 Olympic 13
No. 3 Cox Mill 50, Berry Academy 9
No. 2 West Cabarrus 76, No. 7 Harding 49
No. 4 Central Cabarrus 54, No. 5 AL Brown 24
Wednesday’s semifinals
No. 3 Cox Mill (14-9) vs. No. 2 West Cabarrus (19-6), 5:30 p.m. (Ward gym)
No. 1 Hickory Ridge (21-4) vs. No. 4 Central Cabarrus (16-9), 6 p.m. (Ram gym)
Friday’s championship
semifinal winners, 6 p.m. (Ward gym)
Boys
Monday’s first round
No. 1 Hickory Ridge 81, No. 8 AL Brown 39
No. 6 Olympic 65, No. 3 Harding 64
No. 7 West Cabarrus 55, No. 2 Cox Mill 54
No. 5 Berry Academy 49, No. 4 Central Cabarrus 36
Wednesday’s semifinals
No. 6 Olympic (11-14) vs. No. 7 West Cabarrus (15-10), 7 p.m. (Ward gym)
Hickory Ridge (20-5) vs. No. 5 Berry (11-11), 7:30 p.m. (Ram gym)
Friday’s championship
Semifinal winners, 7:30 p.m. (Ward gym)
SOUTHERN CAROLINA 6A/7A
(at Weddington High)
Girls
Tuesday’s first round
No. 4 Charlotte Catholic (12-12) vs. No. 5 Cuthbertson (13-7), 4:30 p.m.
No. 3 Weddington (11-13) vs. No. 6 Piedmont (10-13), 6 p.m.
No. 2 Porter Ridge (19-4) vs. No. 7 Sun Valley (2-20), 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday’s semifinals
Weddington/Piedmont vs. Porter Ridge/Sun Valley, 4 p.m.
No. 1 Marvin Ridge (21-3) vs. Charlotte Catholic/Cuthbertson, 7 p.m.
Friday’s championship
Semifinal winners, 6 p.m.
Boys
Monday’s first round
No. 4 Piedmont 71, No. 5 Cuthbertson 59
No. 3 Weddington 67, No. 6 Sun Valley 55
No. 2 Marvin Ridge 60, No. 7 Porter Ridge 44
Wednesday’s semifinals
No. 3 Weddington (16-9) vs. No. 2 Marvin Ridge (20-4), 5:30 p.m.
No. 1 Charlotte Catholic (20-4) vs. No. 4 Piedmont (12-12), 8:30 p.m.
Friday’s championship
Semifinal winners, 8 p.m.
ROCKY RIVER 4A/5A
(at Forest Hills High)
Girls
Monday’s first round
No. 2 Monroe (18-3) vs. No. 7 Anson County (1-22), late
No. 3 West Stanly 60, No. 6 Central Academy 31
No. 4 Mount Pleasant 60, Parkwood 45
Wednesday’s semifinals
No. 1 Forest Hills (19-4) vs. No. 4 Mount Pleasant (11-13), 4 p.m.
Monroe/Anson County vs. West Stanly (13-11), 7 p.m.
Friday’s championship
Semifinal winners, 6 p.m.
Boys
Tuesday’s first round
No. 2 Parkwood (15-9) vs. No. 7 Central Academy (6-18), 4:30 p.m.
No. 3 Mount Pleasant (14-9) vs. No. 6 West Stanly (7-16), 6 p.m.
No. 4 Monroe (10-7) vs. No. 5 Anson County (13-10, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday’s semifinals
No. 1 Forest Hills (17-7) vs. Monroe/Anson County, 5:30 p.m.
Parkwood/Central Academy vs. Mount Pleasant/West Stanly, 8:30 p.m.
Friday’s championship
Semifinal winners, 8 p.m.
SOUTH PIEDMONT 4A/5A
(semifinals and finals at Jesse Carson)
Girls
Monday’s first round
No. 1 Northwest Cabarrus 65, No. 8 Concord 6
No. 4 South Rowan 49, No. 5 Jesse Carson 46
No. 2 West Rowan 65, No. 7 East Rowan 31
No. 3 Salisbury 48, No. 6 Jay M. Robinson 36
Tuesday’s semifinal
No. 1 Northwest Cabarrus (21-4) vs. No. 4 South Rowan (15-9), 6 p.m.
Wednesday’s semifinal
No. 2 West Rowan (23-1) vs. No. 3 Salisbury (12-9), 6 p.m.
Friday’s championship
Semifinal winners, 6 p.m.
Boys
Monday’s first round
No. 1 Jay M. Robinson 88, South Rowan 47
No. 4 Concord 82, West Rowan 53
No. 2 Jesse Carson 89, No. 7 East Rowan 68
No. 3 Salisbury 68, No. 6 Northwest Cabarrus 66
Tuesday’s semifinal
No. 1 Jay M. Robinson (20-3) vs. No. 4 Concord (14-10), 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday’s semifinal
No. 2 Jesse Carson (22-3) vs. No. 3 Salisbury (19-6), 7:30 p.m.
Friday’s championship
Semifinal winners, 7:30 p.m.
CATAWBA SHORES 2A/3A/4A
(semifinals and finals at Lake Norman Charter)
Girls
Monday’s first round
No. 2 Lake Norman Charter 73, No. 7 Corvian Community 18
No. 3 Christ the King 65, No. 6 Bradford Prep 30
No. 1 Lincoln Charter 65, No. 8 Langtree Charter 17
No. 5 Pine Lake Prep 56, No. 4 Community School of Davidson 54
Wednesday’s semifinals
No. 1 Lincoln Charter (20-4) vs. No. 5 Pine Lake Prep (9-16), 4 p.m.
No. 2 Lake Norman Charter (22-2) vs. No. 3 Christ the King (17-7), 7 p.m.
Friday’s championship
Semifinal winners, 5 p.m.
Boys
Monday’s first round
No. 2 Pine Lake Prep 86, Corvian Community 80
No. 3 Lake Norman Charter 62, No. 6 Bradford Prep 52
No. 1 Lincoln Charter 102, No. 8 Langtree Charter 67
No. 5 Community School of Davidson 68, Christ the King 58
Wednesday’s semifinals
No. 1 Lincoln Charter (18-5) vs. No. 5 Community School of Davidson (15-10), 5:30 p.m.
No. 2 Pine Lake Prep (14-11) vs. No. 3 Lake Norman Charter (14-10), 8:30 p.m.
Friday’s championship
Semifinal winners, 7 p.m.
SOUTHERN PIEDMONT 2A/3A/4A
Girls
Tuesday’s first round
No. 5 West Lincoln (11-13) at No. 4 Shelby (10-11), 6 p.m.
No. 6 Highland Tech (15-10) at No. 3 Lincolnton (15-9), 6 p.m.
No. 7 Bessemer City (8-15) at No. 2 Burns (19-3), 6 p.m.
No. 8 East Gaston (2-22) at No. 1 Stuart Cramer (23-1), 7
Wednesday’s semifinals
(at higher seed)
Cramer/East Gaston vs. Shelby/W. Lincoln, 7 p.m.
Lincolnton/Highland vs. Burns/Bessemer, 6
Friday’s championship
(at higher seed)
Semifinal winners, 6 p.m.
Boys
Tuesday’s first round
No. 5 Stuart Cramer (13-10) at No. 4 Lincolnton (16-8), 7:30
No. 6 East Gaston (6-18) at No. 3 Bessemer City (14-9), 7 p.m.
No. 7 Cherryville (6-17) vs. No. 2 Shelby (18-4), 7:30 p.m.
No. 8 Highland Tech (6-19) at No. 1 Burns (14-8), 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday’s semifinals
(at higher seed)
Burns/Highland vs. Lincolnton/Cramer time TBD
Bessemer/East Gaston vs. Shelby/Cherryville, 7:30
Friday’s championship
Semifinal winners at higher seed, 7:30 p.m.
YADKIN VALLEY 2A/3A
(semifinals and finals at Pfeiffer University)
Girls
Tuesday’s first round
No. 5 South Stanly (7-13) at No. 4 Union Academy (9-14), 6 p.m.
No. 6 Gray Stone Day (2-17) at No. 3 North Rowan (7-14), 6 p.m.
Wednesday’s semifinals
No. 1 North Stanly (19-3) vs. Union Academy/South Stanly, 4 p.m.
No. 2 Albemarle (12-11) vs. North Rowan/Gray Stone Day, 7 p.m.
Friday’s championship
Semifinal winners, 6 p.m.
Boys
Tuesday’s first round
No. 5 Union Academy (5-15) at No. 4 South Stanly (8-15), 7:30 p.m.
No. 6 Gray Stone Day (1-23) at #3 Albemarle (9-13), 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday’s semifinals
No. 1 North Stanly (22-2) vs. South Stanly/Union Academy, 5:30 p.m.
No. 2 North Rowan (13-8) vs. Albemarle/Gray Stone Day, 8:30 p.m.
Friday’s championship
Semifinal winners, 7:30 p.m.
CATAWBA RIVER 1A/2A/3A
(all games at higher seeds)
Girls
Monday’s play-in game
No. 8 N.C. School of Science & Math/Morganton def. No. 9 Bonnie Cone Academy, forfeit
Tuesday’s first round
No. 6 Piedmont Community Charter (12-15) at No. 3 Jackson Day (18-4), 5:30 p.m.
No. 8 N.C. School of Science & Math/Morganton (2-16) at No. 1 Queen’s Grant charter (24-3), 6 p.m.
No. 7 Carolina International (3-16) at No. 2 Thomas Jefferson Academy (18-4), 6 p.m.
Nio. 5 Sugar Creek Charter (9-12) at No. 4 Mountain Island Charter (11-9), 6 p.m.
Wednesday’s semifinals
Mountain Island Charter/Sugar Creek Charter vs. Queen’s Grant Charter/N.C. School of Science & Math, time TBA
Jackson Day/Piedmont Community Charter vs. Thomas Jefferson Academy/Carolina International, time TBA
Friday’s championship
Semifinal winners, 7 p.m.
Boys
Monday’s play-in game
No. 8 Sugar Creek Charter 76, No. 9 NC School of Science & Math Morganton 63
Tuesday’s first round
No. 7 Carolina International (5-19) at No. 2 Piedmont Community Charter (23-4), 6 p.m.
No. 6 Bonnie Cone Academy (4-12) at No. 3 Jackson Day (18-8), 7 p.m.
No. 8 Sugar Creek Charter (5-20) at No. 1 Queen’s Grant Charter (27-3), 7:30 p.m.
No. 5 Mountain Island Charter (11-10) at No. 4 Thomas Jefferson Academy (11-11), 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday’s semifinals
Thomas Jefferson Academy/Mountain Island Charter vs. Queen’s Grant Charter/Sugar Creek Charter/N.C. School of Science & Math, time TBA
Jackson Day/Bonnie Cone Academy vs. Piedmont Community Charter/Carolina International, time TBA
Friday’s championship
Semifinal winners, 7 p.m.
NCISAA BOYS’ STATE PLAYOFFS
Tuesday’s first round
1A
Albemarle School (11-10) at Neuse Christian (9-12)
Ridgecroft School (11-11) at Lee Christian (10-16)
The Oakwood School (5-13) at Statesville Christian (10-7)
Halifax Academy (8-11) at Pungo Christian (19-9)
2A
Berean Baptist (8-14) at Burlington Christian (12-14)
Rocky Mount (9-14) at Wayne Country Day (24-10)
Westchester Country Day (5-12) at Westminster Catawba (15-16)
Carolina Friends (7-11) at Gaston Day (17-11)
Liberty Christian (7-13) at Freedom Christian (16-16)
Epiphany School (7-16) at Harrell’s Christian (26-7)
Faith Christian (13-12) at St. Thomas More (17-6)
Northwood Temple (7-16) at Trinity Christian (25-4)
3A
Asheville School (9-10) at SouthLake Christian (17-14)
St. David’s (16-12) at Grace Christian (16-7)
Cape Fear (19-11) at Cary Christian (17-9)
Fayetteville Christian (14-14) at Davidson Day (20-11)
High Point Christian (8-16) at Hickory Grove (14-13)
Carolina Day (8-18) at Asheville Christian (15-9)
Arendell Parrott (15-10) at Grace Christian (18-10)
John Paul Catholic (11-8) at Trinity Academy (16-7)
4A
Charlotte Christian (17-13) at Wesleyan Christian (14-14)
Covenant Day (9-20) at Rabun Gap (17-10)
Charlotte Country Day (13-16) at Cannon School (15-12)
Metrolina Christian (21-10) at Cary Academy (13-12)
NCISAA GIRLS’ STATE PLAYOFFS
Tuesday’s first round
1A
Bradford Academy (5-4) at Statesville Christian (11-8)
Lee Christian (7-11) at Neuse Christian (7-9)
Friendship Christian (4-14) at Cape Fear Christian (4-8)
The Oakwood School (4-14) at Pungo Christian (8-13)
2A
Hickory Christian (4-14) at Trinity Christian (14-6)
Berean Baptist (2-12) at Northwood Temple (14-8)
Liberty Christian (1-16) at Epiphany School (4-17)
University Christian (6-16) at Westminster Catawba (4-19)
The O’Neal School (10-8) at Faith Christian (7-10)
Fayetteville Academy (2-13) at St. Thomas More (17-9)
3A
Trinity School Durham (8-12) at Cary Christian (15-9)
SouthLake Christian (6-17) at Calvary Day (11-12)
High Point Christian (5-9) at St. David’s (13-13)
Carolina Day (10-11) at Asheville School (10-6)
Arendell Parrott (13-6) at Trinity Academy (14-5)
Wayne Christian (10-12) at Cape Fear Academy (22-2)
John Paul Catholic II (10-9) at Raleigh Grace Christian (16-13)
Asheville Christian (7-18) at Hickory Grove (16-7)
4A
Durham Academy (18-9) at Charlotte Country Day (13-17)
St. Mary’s (15-7) at Wesleyan Christian (16-10)
Covenant Day (9-15) at Rabun Gap (17-9)
North Raleigh Christian (14-10) at Cary Academy (20-6)
This story was originally published February 16, 2026 at 10:58 PM with the headline "Monday's rewind: Independence passing more, finding its stride in conference tourney."
