Tuesday’s Basketball Roundup: No. 7 Independence holds off No. 12 Olympic, prevents upset

By Langston Wertz Jr. lwertz@charlotteobserver.com

Updated December 5, 2018 12:38 AM

Independence’s Andra McKee and Matt Smith wait to be introduced before Tuesday’s home game with Olympic Jonathan Aguallo Special to the Observer

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↑Ardrey Kell: Knights, No. 9 in the Sweet 16, moved to 5-0 after Tuesday’s 83-66 win over Charlotte Catholic. Christian Pickens (20 points), Luke Stankavage (18) and Kam Flynn (16) led the Knights, who host Marvin Ridge Friday.

↑Charlotte Country Day: After losing all-state forward DeAngelo Epps to Carmel Christian, the Bucs have started 6-2 after Tuesday’s 61-60 win over United Faith. Alex Tabor had 15 points, Myles Browner had 13, three steals and Rylan McLaurin had 11, eight assists, six rebounds and six steals. United Faith -- playing without Evansville recruit Marcus Henderson (shin) -- got 26 points from L.J. Johnson.

↑Chris Britt, Gastonia Ashbrook: Sophomore is averaging 21.5 points and he’s led the Green Wave to a 3-1 start.

Quick Links

Tuesday’s girls basketball capsules 12.04.18

Tuesday’s girls #BIG5 performers 12.04.18

Tuesday’s boys basketball capsules 12.04.18

Friday’s Vance-Myers Park football semifinal is being moved. Here’s why

Sun Valley QB Sam Howell, committed to Florida State, is still considering UNC, Miami

Tuesday’s #BIG5 Top Performers

Stephen Clark, Metrolina Christian: 25 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, block in a 62-54 win over Gaston Christian. Metrolina Christian is 6-1.

Justin Kuthan, East Lincoln: career-high 32 points, plus 10 rebounds in a 81-53 win over Statesville. East Lincoln, No. 13 in the Sweet 16, led 41-29 and had four players in double figures: Kuthan, Sidney Dollar (18 points), John Bean (11, seven rebounds) and Allden Horne (10). Ben Zirkle had 10 assists.

Raja Milton, Independence: 15 points, five assists, two steals, two rebounds in a 63-58 win over Olympic. Teammate Tyler Harris added 12 points, 10 rebounds, one steal and one block.

Jackson Threadgill, Davidson Day: 25 points, four assists in a 77-69 win over Gaston Day. Gaston Day’s M.J. Collins made six 3-point shots and had 22 points. Davidson Day improved to 7-1.

Graham Worland, Hough: 6-2 freshman led all scorers with 18 points in a 65-57 win over Lake Norman Charter. Lake Norman Charter freshman Donovan Atwell had 18 points to lead his team.

Quickie Game Stories

No. 1 Carmel Christian 77, Hickory Grove 53: The Cougars (11-0) moved into the MaxPreps national top 25 rankings this week and won easily over Hickory Grove Tuesday. Carmel led 43-27 at halftime, despite head coach Joe Badgett liberally substituting all game. App State signee Donovan Gregory finished with a game-high 15 points. College of Charleston signee DeAngelo Epps added 13. A.J. Smith led Hickory Grove with 14.

No. 7 Independence 63, No. 12 Olympic 58: The Patriots, reigning N.C. 4A state champions, jumped on Olympic early, leading 14-5 after the first quarter and 27-13 at halftime. But the Trojans mounted a big rally, outscoring the Patriots 45-36 in the second half. Josh Banks had 24 for the Trojans (2-1).

No. 14 Northside Christian 68, Providence Day 42: Northside led 23-3 after the first quarter and won easily over the Chargers. Jaden Seymore, a fast-rising 6-8 forward, had 15 points and 11 rebounds. Freshman Jalen Hood-Schifino added 14 points. Cyncier Harrison had 14 points for Providence Day.

Vance 60, South Meck 50: Vance avoided the upset bid with a 18-8 advantage in the fourth quarter. Daniel Hodges (15 points, six steals), Daniel Ransom (15, eight rebounds, four steals), Daniel Sanford (13, 16 rebounds) and Ralph Black (11, seven rebounds) led a balanced effort from Vance. Donte Wiggins (12) led South Meck.