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Three new teams join the Charlotte Observer Sweet 16 this week..
In the boys’ poll, welcome 1A North Rowan, which lost its first two games of the season to Peachtree Ridge (Ga.) and N.C. 2A runner-up Cuthbertson.
Since then, North Rowan has lost only to N.C. 4A power Davie County in a Christmas tournament. Now, coach Andrew Mitchell’s team has won 11 straight games, mostly in convincing fashion, like Friday’s 94-47 victory over South Stanly on senior night.
Two new teams join the girls’ poll: reigning N.C. 3A champion Harding and South Point.
South Point has won five straight and beat Big South 3A power Forestview 50-41 last week, finally figuring out Forestview’s withering full-court pressure defense.
Harding has won nine straight since losing back-to-back games at a holiday tournament. The Rams will try to finish an unbeaten run through the ME-GA 7 3A/4A with wins Tuesday against Garinger and Thursday at Berry.
Boys
| Rk. | School (Class) | Rec. | Prv |
| 1. | Olympic (4A) | 20-0 | 1 |
| 2. | Hough (4A) | 17-4 | 6 |
| 3. | West Charlotte (4A) | 19-3 | 2 |
| 4. | Vance (4A) | 17-4 | 4 |
| 5. | Concord (3A) | 17-1 | 3 |
| 6. | Hunter Huss (3A) | 17-3 | 7 |
| 7. | Shelby (2A) | 19-3 | 8 |
| 8. | East Rutherford (2A) | 18-4 | 9 |
| 9. | Rock Hill South Pointe (4A) | 18-1 | 12 |
| 10. | Cuthbertson (2A) | 20-2 | 10 |
| 11. | Ardrey Kell (4A) | 19-3 | 13 |
| 12. | Mallard Creek (4A) | 17-5 | 14 |
| 13. | Freedom (3A) | 16-4 | 5 |
| 14. | Independence (4A) | 17-5 | 15 |
| 15. | Hickory (3A) | 18-4 | 11 |
| 16. | North Rowan (1A) | 19-3 | NR |
Dropped out: Providence Day (IND, 22-6). Also receiving consideration: East Burke (2A, 18-4); Ashbrook (3A, 16-6); Lake Norman Charter (1A, 16-4)
Girls
| Rk. | School (Class) | Rec. | Prv |
| 1. | Myers Park (4A) | 22-0 | 1 |
| 2. | Providence Day (IND) | 23-3 | 2 |
| 3. | Ardrey Kell (4A) | 20-2 | 4 |
| 4. | Porter Ridge (4A) | 16-3 | 6 |
| 5. | Bandys (2A) | 20-1 | 5 |
| 6. | North Mecklenburg (4A) | 20-2 | 3 |
| 7. | Freedom (3A) | 19-2 | 7 |
| 8. | Rock Hill Northwestern (4A) | 19-2 | 9 |
| 9. | Hickory (3A) | 20-2 | 10 |
| 10. | Alexander Central (4A) | 19-3 | 12 |
| 11. | Fred T. Foard (3A) | 17-6 | 13 |
| 12. | Crest (3A) | 15-3 | 16. |
| 13. | West Rowan (3A) | 19-2 | 8 |
| 14. | Weddington (3A) | 17-5 | 11 |
| 15. | Harding (3A) | 14-4 | NR |
| 16. | South Point (3A) | 17-3 | NR |
Dropped out: Hough (4A, 13-6); Forestview (3A, 15-6). Also receiving consideration: Lake Norman Charter (1A, 16-4); Lincolnton (2A, 16-4); East Burke (2A, 18-4); Berry (3A, 16-5); Carson (3A, 17-4)
