Tuesday’s rewind: No. 1 North Meck boys, No. 2 Vance girls get signature wins

Neither a persistent opponent nor an overheated gym could stop North Mecklenburg from wrapping up the I-Meck 4A boys’ basketball championship Tuesday night.

Playing before a sellout crowd, the Vikings bolted to a big early lead, then held off a couple comebacks by Vance before pulling away for an 81-63 victory.

The Vikings (22-1, 13-0) clinched the regular-season title with the victory. Vance (18-5, 10-3) has wrapped up second place, with one game remaining before next week’s conference tournament.

In a sweltering gym, North Mecklenburg won with six players accounting for most of the minutes. The Vikings never trailed after the opening minute of the game.

Tristan Maxwell scored 18 first-half points, then Chris Ford, Shamann Artis and Jeremy Gregory carried much of the load in the second half.

Vance’s Daniel Sanford opened the scoring with a short jump shot 25 seconds into the game, but North Mecklenburg went on a 13-0 run over the next 2½ minutes.

Vance battled back and narrowed the gap to 26-25 on a Corey Gaines layup with 3:17 left in the half, but the Vikings went on a 12-0 run for the rest of the quarter, including a pair of 3-pointers by Maxwell.

That essentially sealed the game, as the Vikings built their lead to 19 points (61-42) after three quarters.

Vance forced North Mecklenburg into a series of four turnovers midway in the fourth quarter and narrowed the gap to 66-57 with 3:14 to play, but the Vikings once again pulled away.

North Mecklenburg helped itself by hitting 6-of-7 shots from the floor in the final period and 7-of-10 from the foul line.

Artis finished with 18 points, and Ford (16) and Gregory (12) also scored in double figures.

Jaylen Curry led Vance with 14 points, while Sanford added 13 and Trey Green 12. Vance had nine players in the scoring column.

Three who mattered

Tristan Maxwell, North Mecklenburg: A 6-3 senior, Maxwell scored a game-high 27 points that included four 3-pointers. He played a big role in the Vikings’ early surge.

Chris Ford, North Mecklenburg: Ford, a 6-5 junior, was a force inside. He scored 16 points and got to the foul line often, hitting 8-of-11.

Daniel Sanford, Vance: Sanford, a sophomore who is Vance’s leading scorer on the season (14 points a game), scored 13 Tuesday night.

Worth mentioning

▪ North Mecklenburg’s gym, among the smallest in Mecklenburg County, was filled early. Dozens of fans who arrived after 6:30 p.m. were turned away.

▪ Tuesday’s victory was the 10th in a row for North Mecklenburg. The Vikings have not lost to a North Carolina team this season.

▪ The only team to beat North Mecklenburg this season, Birmingham Mountain Brook, will play in the Alabama 7A state semifinals Thursday.

▪ In the girls’ game, Vance ran its winning streak to 10 games, beating North Mecklenburg 60-46. Tanajah Hayes led the way with 13 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and six steals. Megan Jackson added 13 points, six rebounds and four assists. The Cougars are tied with Mallard Creek for first place in the I-Meck 4A at 11-2. Both teams finish regular-season play Friday

What’s next?

North Mecklenburg closes its regular season Friday at Lake Norman. Vance travels to Hough in its regular-season finale.

Steve Lyttle on Twitter: @slyttle

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CMS ends investigation into Olympic High School basketball

In December, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools told the Observer it was investigating a potential ineligible boys basketball player at Olympic High School. The district has completed the investigation.

District spokesperson Renee McCoy said the investigation found one boys basketball player had falsified eligibility documents. That player did appear in several games early in the season but was removed from the team.

McCoy said the team would not be penalized as a result of the ruling. Olympic (18-5) is the SoMECK conference champions for the fourth straight season.

The Trojans have completed regular-season play and begin play in the SoMECK conference tournament Wednesday in the semifinal round.

Charlotte Country Day to build new athletic facilities

Charlotte Country Day will break ground on new athletic facilities that will open in 2021.

Country Day headmaster Mark Reed said four donors had donated more than $30 million that would allow the school to begin construction on a new natatorium and a new gym.

The new pool, Reed said, will eliminate the need for Bucs’ teams to train off-campus and become a “recognizable destination for the Charlotte swimming community.”

The gym will have volleyball and basketball courts a and wrestling area. It will seat more than 1,000. The new facility will also become home to the Country Day strength and conditioning program, a new wrestling multi-purpose room and a new administrative office suite.

Friday’s Key Games

Independence (16-7, 11-2 Southwestern 4A) at Myers Park (17-6, 10-3), 7:30 p.m.: Independence and Hickory Ridge (19-4, 11-2) are tied for first place heading into Friday’s regular-season finale. Hickory Ridge plays Porter Ridge (12-11, 6-7) at home. So lots could happen Friday. Independence could win its sixth straight, Hickory Ridge its 10th and the teams share the league title. Myers Park and Porter Ridge could win and there be a 3-way tie. Or just one of two leaders win and take the title outright. Call this Fun Friday.

Independence girls (18-5, 10-3) at Myers Park (16-7, 12-1), 6: Independence will look to play spoiler. Myers Park, winners of three straight, is tied with Butler, winners of 12 straight, for first place. Butler ended its regular-season at home with a 63-22 win over East Meck (3-20, 2-12) Thursday night.

Full schedule is below

Thursday’s #BIG5 Top Performers

Zaria Clark, Gaston Day girls: 18 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists in a 59-43 win over Statesville Christian in the second round of the NCISAA playoffs.

Laila Hankerson, Charlotte Country Day girls: 30 points in a 70-52 win over St. Mary’s in the second round of the NCISAA playoffs. Teammates Brooklin Ingram (17) and Hudson Rixham (11) were in double-digits for the Bucs (20-7)

Michaela Lane, Butler girls: 18 points, 15 rebounds in a 63-22 win over East Mecklenburg. Butler wins at least a share of the Southwestern 4A conference title. Myers Park can tie the Bulldogs by beating Independence Friday.

AJ Smith, Hickory Grove: 29 points in an 83-62 win over Forsyth Country Day in the second round of the N.C. Independent Schools 3A playoffs.

Ashlyn Stilwell, East Burke: team-high 17 points in a 57-47 win over West Iredell. East Burke 21-3, (14-0)

Thursday’s Scores

Butler 38, East Meck 22 (game ppd with 22 seconds left 2nd quarter for wet floors. Will resume Friday at 3:30 at Butler)

Butler girls 63, East Meck 22

East Burke 54, West Iredell 39

East Burke girls 57, West Iredell 47

Statesville 79, West Iredell 57

West Iredell girls 48, Statesville 45

Thursday’s NCISAA second round pairings

Boys

CLASS 4A

Thursday’s second round

Providence Day 34, Covenant Day 28

Christ School 75, Charlotte Country Day 50

High Point Wesleyan 64, Raleigh Ravenscroft 49

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee 94, Charlotte Christian 92

Saturday’s quarterfinals

Providence Day (13-13) at Durham Academy (27-4)

Christ School (13-12) at Charlotte Latin (20-7), 6

High Point Wesleyan (16-10) at Cannon School (23-6), 2

Rabun Gap (16-12) at Greensboro Day (30-4)

CLASS 3A

Thursday’s second round

Calvary Day 55, SouthLake Christian 49

Hickory Grove 83, Forsyth Country Day 52

Gaston Christian 73, High Point Christian 63

Cape Fear 48, Raleigh Grace Christian 44

Saturday’s quarterfinals

Calvary Day (21-4) at Concord First Assembly (31-3)

Hickory Grove Christian (18-9) at Asheville Christian (17-7)

Gaston Christian (12-14) at Village Christian (19-6)

Cape Fear Academy (21-7) at Carmel Christian (21-5)

CLASS 2A

Thursday’s second round

Burlington Christian 59, Thales Academy 53

Salem Baptist 66, The O’Neal 39

Hickory Christian 62, Statesville Christian 39

Harrells Christian 54, Epiphany School of Global Studies 44

Westchester Country Day 102, Friendship Christian 77

Rolesville Thales Academy 76, Wayne Christian 68

Faith Christian (19-7) at Trinity School of Durham-Chapel Hill (8-14)

University Christian 49, St. Thomas More 38

Saturday’s third round

Burlington Christian (9-13) at Davidson Day (26-1)

Salem Baptist (24-4) at Trinity Academy (22-4)

Hickory Christian (8-16) at Westminster Catawba (19-4)

Harrells Christian (8-17) at Freedom Christian (20-10)

Westchester Country Day (11-12) at Gaston Day (9-15), 2:30

Rolesville Thales (11-8) at Wayne Country Day (26-5)

Faith Christian-Trinity School winner at Fayetteville Academy (7-15)

University Christian (10-11) at Northside Christian (22-8)

CLASS 1A

Thursday’s second round

Trinity Christian 87, John Paul Catholic 50

Sanford Grace Christian 58, Woodlawn School 40

Victory Christian 84, North Hills Christian 23

Northwood Temple 79, Neuse Christian 51

Burlington School 97, Community Christian 37

United Faith 79, Christ Covenant 16

Greenfield School 97, Terra Ceia 50

Cape Fear Christian 72, Crossroads Christian 70

Saturday’s Quarterfinals

Grace Christian (20-16) at Trinity Christian (25-2)

Victory Christian (20-9) at Northwood Temple (20-14)

Cape Fear Christian (15-12) at Greenfield School (28-6)

United Faith (15-12) at Burlington School (23-10)

Girls

CLASS 4A

Thursday’s second round

Charlotte Christian 62, Charlotte Latin 35

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee 65, Metrolina Christian 37

Raleigh Ravenscroft 41, Durham Academy 39

Charlotte Country Day 70, St. Mary’s 52

Saturday’s quarterfinals

Charlotte Christian (12-17) at Greensboro Day (26-2)

Rabun Gap Nacoochee (16-10) at North Raleigh Christian (21-7)

Raleigh Ravenscroft (22-5) at Cannon School (16-8)

Charlotte Country Day (20-7) at Providence Day (21-6)

CLASS 3A

Thursday’s second round

Carmel Christian 58, Hickory Grove 37

Village Christian (13-10) at High Point Christian (15-7)

Fayetteville Christian 62, Coastal Christian 41

Forsyth Country Day (11-8) at St. David’s School (12-9)

Saturday’s quarterfinals

Carmel Christian (8-10) at Asheville Christian (18-5)

Village Christian-High Point Christian winner at Cape Fear Christian (16-7)

Fayetteville Christian (18-4) at Cary Christian (17-5)

Forsyth Country Day-St. David’s winner at Concord First Assembly (25-6)

CLASS 2A

Thursday’s second round

O’Neal School 54, St. Thomas More 42

Friendship Christian 46, Halifax 43

Trinity Academy 61, Rocky Mount 45

Wayne Country Day 71, Faith Christian 33

Gaston Day 59, Statesville Christian 43

Salem Baptist 75, Wayne Christian 45

Davidson Day 60, Hickory Christian 20

University Christian 56, Northside Christian 50

Saturday’s quarterfinals

Wayne Christian/Salem Baptist at Gaston Day (18-7)

Friendship Christian (14-8) at O’Neal (24-2)

Trinity Academy (14-8) at Wayne Country Day (23-4)

Salem Baptist (13-8) at Gaston Day (18-8), 1

University Christian (12-4) at Davidson Day (16-13)

CLASS 1A

Thursday’s second round

Victory Christian 74, North Hills 11

Northwood Temple 56, Kerr-Vance 28

Lee Christian 51, Cape Fear 26

Grace Christian 71, Lawrence Academy 22

Trinity Christian 85, Terra Ceia 24

Neuse Christian 47, Pungo Christian 35

Burlington School 73, Northeast Academy 23

Ridgecroft School (17-12) at Greenfield School (14-11)

Saturday’s quarterfinals

Northwood Temple (15-9) at Victory Christian (21-6)

Lee Christian (17-9) at Grace Christian (20-8)

Neuse Christian (11-12) at Trinity Christian (21-2)

Ridgecroft (17-12) at Greenfield School (14-11)

Friday’s Schedule

I-Meck 4A

Hough at Vance

Mallard Creek at Mooresville

North Mecklenburg at Lake Norman

West Charlotte at Hopewell

SoMeck 7 4A

Harding at Berry Academy

Providence at Ardrey Kell

South Mecklenburg at West Mecklenburg

Southwestern 4A

East Mecklenburg at Butler

Garinger at Rocky River

Independence at Myers Park

Porter Ridge at Hickory Ridge

Sandhills 4A

Fayetteville Seventy-First at Fayetteville Britt

Purnell Swett at Lumberton

Hoke County at Pinecrest

Scotland County at Richmond County

Northwestern 3A-4A

Alexander Central at South Caldwell

McDowell at Freedom

St. Stephens at Hickory

Big South 3A

Crest at Kings Mountain

Forestview at Stuart Cramer

Hunter Huss at Ashbrook

North Piedmont 3A

North Iredell at East Rowan

South Iredell at Jesse Carson

West Rowan at Statesville

South Piedmont 3A

A.L. Brown at Cox Mill

Central Cabarrus at Northwest Cabarrus

Jay M. Robinson at Concord

Southern Carolina 3A

Marvin Ridge at Charlotte Catholic

Monroe at Parkwood

Piedmont at Sun Valley

Weddington at Cuthbertson

Rocky River 2A-3A

Anson County at Forest Hills

Montgomery Central at Central Academy

West Stanly at Mount Pleasant

Central Carolina 2A

Central Davidson at West Davidson

Lexington at Thomasville

North Davidson at Ledford

Oak Grove at East Davidson

Salisbury at South Rowan

Foothills 2A

Bunker Hill at Fred T. Foard

East Burke at West Iredell

Hibriten at West Caldwell

Patton at Draughn

South Fork 2A

Bandys at North Lincoln

Lincolnton at Maiden

Newton-Conover at East Lincoln

West Lincoln at Lake Norman Charter

Southwestern 2A

East Rutherford at East Gaston

South Point at Shelby

PAC 1A

Carolina International at Community School of Davidson

Langtree Charter at Union Academy

Mountain Island Charter at Pine Lake Prep

Queens Grant Charter at Bradford Prep

Southern Piedmont 1A

Christ the King at Highland Tech

Piedmont Community Charter at Lincoln Charter

Thomas Jefferson Academy at Cherryville

Yadkin Valley 1A

Albemarle at South Stanly

Gray Stone Day at North Stanly

North Moore at Chatham Central

Uwharrie Charter at South Davidson

Nonconference

Clover at North Gaston

Wednesday’s Top Performers

Kennedy Calhoun, Hickory Ridge girls: 19 points, four steals, three rebounds, two assists in a 70-22 win over East Meck.

Jasmine Fearne, Hickory Ridge girls: 15 points, four rebounds, three assists against East Meck.

Dorianna Good, North Gaston girls: game-high 20 points in a 44-35 win over Monroe.

Jada Steele, Christ The King girls: game-high 16 points in a 34-32 win over Thomas Jefferson.

Tuesday’s Elevator

↑Independence: Out-scored Rocky River 23-6 in first quarter of what became an easy 77-48 win. The Patriots (16-7, 11-2 Southwestern 4A) play at Myers Park Friday with a chance to win at least a share of the league title.

↑Davis Amos, Hickory: made 5-of-9 3-point shots in a 45-42 win over Alexander Central. Amos finished with 22 points, eight rebounds.

↑Donovan Raymond, West Charlotte: 68 freshman had a team-high 14 points in a 73-43 win over Mooresville.

↑Callahan Reed, Lake Norman Charter: broke the school’s all-time assist record (339) against Bandys Tuesday. Lake Norman Charter, which beat Bandys 85-59, has won 14 of 15 games since Reed has returned from an ankle injury. Reed, who had nine points and 10 assists Tuesday, is averaging eight assists per game. Donovan Atwell had 27 points in the win. Atwell had five made 3s, plus nine rebounds, eight assists and two blocks.

↑Anthony Testa, Ardrey Kell: committed to Kenyon (Ohio) College. A 6-3 senior, Testa is averaging 10 points and shot 45 percent from 3 in his last 10 games. He’ll become the 25th player in school history to play in college.

Tuesday’s #BIG5 Boys Top Performers

Logan Blair, Harding: game-high 21 points in an 85-57 win over West Meck.

Bradley Davis, Freedom: game-high 27 points in a 76-47 win over Watauga. Freedom plays rival McDowell at home Friday.

Jalen Moss, West Rowan: career-high 35 points in a 77-67 win over Carson. Carson’s Javon Smith had 26.

Jackson Krisko, Knoah Carver, Charlotte Country Day: In an 89-62 win over Cary Academy in the first round of the N.C. Independent Schools playoffs, Krisko had 30 points, 13 rebounds; Carver had 26 points, six rebounds.

Logan Shuford, East Burke: team-high 20 points to lead East (12-11, 8-5 NFAC) to a 71-65 upset of West Caldwell (21-2, 11-2).

Tuesday’s #BIG5 Girls Top Performers

Shelby Darden, Hickory: 18 points, 17 rebounds, five blocks, one steal in a 60-52 win over Alexander Central. Sydney Hayes had 20 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals for Alexander.

Amari Davis, Providence: 19 points, 15 rebounds in a 54-43 win over Olympic. Providence (20-2, 11-0 SoMECK) got 14 points, seven rebounds, five assists and five steals from Nyla McGill and 11 points and eight rebounds from Cameron Mulkey.

Braylyn Milton, Independence: 31 points, seven assists, five rebounds, four steals in an 85-53 win over Rocky River. Teammate Trinity Thompson had 21 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals. Independence (18-5, 9-3 Southwestern 4A) has its best record since 2008.

Kamiah Moore, West Charlotte: career-high 35 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals in a 59-55 win over Mooresville. Teammate Halle Chaffin had 12 points, 11 rebounds and two steals.

Maddie Shannon, Charlotte Latin: 14 points, 10 rebounds in a 48-2 win over Wake Christian in the first round of the NCISAA playoffs. Teammate Sidney Paraison added 12 points and 14 rebounds.

Best things I heard about Tuesday

▪ Metrolina Christian lost its first round NCISAA playoff game to Rabun Gap (GA) Tuesday, but Camden Johnson had a memorable final game: 27 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a steal. He made five 3-point shots.

▪ Jaylen Steele had 25 points, six rebounds for Christ The King in a 93-69 win over Cabarrus Charter. And he had lots of help. Andrew Stanley (17 points, eight rebounds) and Andrew Hendershott (14 points, seven steals, seven rebounds, seven assists) had big games.

▪ Myers Park’s girls couldn’t afford a stumble Tuesday against Porter Ridge and the Mustangs got balanced scoring in a 72-26 win. Taylor Henderson (20), Mia Xerras (15) and Naya Clamp (14) hit double figures for Myers Park (16-7, 13-1) which will host Independence Friday to try to win at least a share of the Southwestern 4A regular-season championship.

▪ Olympic (18-5) won the outright SoMECK conference title with Tuesday’s 71-40 win over Providence. Trevon Willimas had 25 points and Josh Banks had 17. Trojans coach Baronton Terry is two wins away from producing a 20-win team for the eighth time in 10 years. At Olympic, Terry has won four straight regular-season titles and produced a four-year conference mark of 48-2.

▪ Thomas Hailey had 25 points to lead Covenant Day (17-12) to a 63-45 win over North Raleigh Christian in a first round NCISAA 4A playoff. Covenant Day plays at Providence Day Thursday at 7. Covenant Day has its first winning season since 2015-16 under second-year coach Marty Parrish.

▪ Central Cabarrus’ girls beat Cox Mill 54-52 to win the South Piedmont title for the third year in a row. Heroes? Ja’el Miller (25 points, five assists, four steals) and Mariah Barrie (13 points, 10 rebounds). Cox Mill’s boys beat Central 68-56 to win the league title.

▪ Butler High girls star Ashlynn Dotson is beginning to play her best basketball of the season. She had 19 points in a win Monday and 20 points in Tuesday’s win over Garinger. Dotson is the younger sister of former Providence Day McDonald’s All-American Devon Dotson, the leading candidate for Big 12 player of the year. Butler’s girls (16-7, 12-1 Southwestern 4A) won their 11th straight game and are tied with Myers Park (16-7, 12-1) for first place heading into Friday’s regular-season finale. Myers Park hosts Independence (17-5, 9-3). Butler hosts East Meck (2-18, 1-10) on Senior Night.

How the Boys Sweet 16 Fared

TUESDAY’S SCORES

Central Davidson 65, South Rowan 49

Charlotte Catholic 64, Monroe 57

Christ The King 93, Cabarrus Charter 69

Concord 65, Northwest Cabarrus 57

Cox Mill 68, Central Cabarrus 56

East Burke 71, West Caldwell 65

East Lincoln 81, West Lincoln 48

Harding 85, West Meck 57

Freedom 76, Watauga 47

Hickory 45, Alexander Central 42

Independence 77, Rocky River 48

Lake Norman 67, Hopewell 50

Lake Norman Charter 85, Bandys 59

Lincoln Charter 80, Cherryville 58

Myers Park 83, Porter Ridge 71

North Davidson 70, Salisbury 68 (OT)

North Lincoln 66, Lincolnton 61

North Meck 81, Vance 63

North Rowan 92, South Davidson 51

Olympic 71, Providence 40

Pine Lake Prep 87, Carolina International 59

Shelby 79, East Rutherford 37

South Mecklenburg 65, Berry 62

Statesville 67, East Rowan 46

West Charlotte 73, Mooresville 43

Weddington 62, Piedmont 27

West Rowan 77, Carson 67

NCISAA First Round

Charlotte Country Day 89, Cary Academy 62

Covenant Day 63, North Raleigh Christian 45

Hickory Grove Christian 75, Caldwell Academy 35

Rabun Gap 84, Metrolina Christian 81

HOW THE GIRLS SWEET 16 FARED

TUESDAY’S GIRLS SCORES

AL Brown 65, Robinson 57

Bandys 54, Lake Norman Charter 44

Butler d. Garinger, score NA

Carson 61, West Rowan 42

Central Cabarrus 54, Cox Mill 52

Central Davidson 47, South Rowan 37

Charlotte Catholic 55, Monroe 23

Cuthbertson 52, Parkwood 37

East Burke 53, West Caldwell 29

East Lincoln 75, West Lincoln 40

East Rowan 59, Statesville 40

Freedom 80, Watauga 44

Hickory 60, Alexander Central 52

Hopewell 61, Lake Norman 46

Mallard Creek 56, Hough 26

Myers Park 72, Porter Ridge 26

Newton-Conover 64, Maiden 24

North Rowan 64, South Davidson 23

Piedmont Charter 45, Highland 27

Providence 54, Olympic 43

Salisbury 61, North Davidson 43

Shelby 79, East Rutherford 43

Sugar Creek Charter 39, Greater Cabarrus 35

Union Academy 65, Community School of Davidson 62

Vance 60, North Mecklenburg 46

West Charlotte 59, Mooresville 55

NCISAA FIRST ROUND

Charlotte Latin 48, Wake Christian 28

Hickory Grove 38, Asheville School 35

Metrolina Christian 43, Covenant Day 42

North Hills 72, United Faith 51

Statesville Christian 34, Durham Trinity 24

Monday’s Rewind

Elevator

↓NCISAA playoffs: 57 teams playing in the first round Tuesday have losing records. Teams that win Tuesday, will take long road trips for what are likely to be games against big favorites in the second round. And that sometimes will come with a long bus ride, too. Time to consider dropping a round, and like Rick Lewis suggested on Talking Preps, adding a consolation round to the Final 8.

↑Ardrey Kell girls defense: The Knights held Berry to 14 points in the second half of a 44-34 win. Lucy Vanderbeck led the Knights with 14 points.

↑Providence girls: beat Harding 65-18 to clinch the SoMECK championship

↑Butler High girls coach Mark Sanders: got his 200th win Monday

↑Ardrey Kell coach Mike Craft: won his 250th career game Monday.

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Monday’s #BIG5 Top Girls Performers

Neveah Brown, Mallard Creek: 22 points, three blocks, two assists in a 59-53 win over North Meck, which got 35 points, 10 rebounds from Jessica Timmons, who had coaches from Virginia Tech and Wake Forest in the gym to watch her. The teams came into the game tied for first place in the I-MECK. Mallard Creek and Vance are now tied at the top.

Taylor Henderson, Myers Park: game-high 24 points in an 88-31 win over East Meck. Kassidy Staley had 15 for East.

Megan Jackson, Vance: 15 points, three rebounds and a steal in a 69-54 win over Lake Norman. Teammates Trinity Moreland (13 points, four rebounds), Kyanna Morgan (12 pionts, five rebounds, five assists, four seals) and Leah Barringer (12 points, five rebounds, three steals, two assists) were part of a balanced offensive attack.

Michaela Lane, Butler: 17 points, 14 rebounds in a 67-50 win over Hickory Ridge. Ashlynn Dotson (19 points) and Payton Sutton (11 points, 10 rebounds, seven steals) also had big games for Butler, which will play for at least a share of the Southwestern 4A championship Friday.

Nyla McGill, Providence: 12 points, eight rebounds, eight assists in a 65-18 win over Harding to clinch the SoMECK championship. Cameron Mulkey (10 points), Marlow Chapman (10) and Madison Skinner (12) were in double figures.

Monday’s Boys #BIG5 Top Performers

Josh Banks, Trevon Williams, Olympic: Banks had 30 and Williams 24 in a 78-59 win over West Meck. Olympic (17-5, 9-2) clinched a share of the SoMECK championship. The Trojans can win outright Tuesday at Providence.

Trey Green, Vance: freshman had a game-high 27 points in a 81-58 win over Lake Norman.

Drake Maye, Myers Park: 16 poiints, a game-high, in a 58-40 win over East Meck.

Davidson Hubbard, Evan Smith, Ardrey Kell: 17 points, five rebounds for Smith in a 63-56 win over Berry. Davidson Hubbard added 13 points, eight rebounds and five assists for the Knights (17-6, 8-3 SoMECK). Hubbard also committed to Hampton Sydney College. The 6-5 senior, averageing 15.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, will be the school’s 24th college recruit.

Marcus Thomas, Porter Ridge: team-high 27 points in an 82-74 win over Rocky River. Duke Thomas had 32 for Rocky River.

MONDAY’S BOYS SCORES

Ardrey Kell 63, Berry 56

Hickory Ridge 63, Butler 59

Hough 61, West Charlotte 47

Mountain Island Charter 78, Queens Grant 62

Myers Park 58, East Meck 40

North Mecklenburg 75, Mallard Creek 67

North Rowan 61, Elevation Prep 50

Olympic 78, West Meck 59

Porter Ridge 82, Rocky River 74

Vance 81, Lake Norman 58

MONDAY’S GIRLS SCORES

Ardrey Kell 44, Berry 34

Butler 67, Hickory Ridge 50

Independence 72, Garinger 8

Mooresville 45, Hopewell 44

Myers Park 88, East Meck 31

Providence 65, Harding 18

Vance 69, Lake Norman 54

Wednesday’s schedule

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 12

Sandhills 4A

Richmond Senior at Lumberton

PAC 1A

Union Academy at Mountain Island Charter

Yadkin Valley 1A

South Davidson at Albemarle

Nonconference

Anson County at Marvin Ridge

East Henderson at C.D. Owen

Madison County at Smoky Mountain

North Gaston at Monroe

This story was originally published February 10, 2020 at 10:17 PM.

Langston Wertz Jr.

The Charlotte Observer

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Langston Wertz Jr. is an award-winning sports journalist who has worked at the Observer since 1988. He’s covered everything from Final Fours and NFL to video games and Britney Spears. Wertz -- a West Charlotte High and UNC grad -- is the rare person who can answer “Charlotte,” when you ask, “What city are you from.” Support my work with a digital subscription