The Observer’s 2022 Mecklenburg County girls private high school basketball preview
High school basketball season begins in two weeks. Here is The Observer’s look at girls private school basketball in Mecklenburg County.
Teams to watch
Charlotte Latin: After winning 18 games from 2019-21, coach Eric Smith led the Hawks to an 18-9 season last season and an NCISAA 4A state quarterfinal appearance. Now, Smith and his team look to build on that with an experienced backcourt featuring Mayes Fisher, Neely Hume and Evie McMahon.
Davidson Day: Former Covenant Day basketball coach Marty Parrish takes over a program that is used to winning. This year, the Patriots look to the backcourt trio of Caroline Donaldson, Sky Moore and Callie Pestana to get back on top of the Foothills’ Athletic conference.
Hickory Grove: The Lions have been up and down in the last three seasons, going 26-33 in that span. However, with four starters back -- including senior Taylor Parker (17 ppg), junior Gracey Libby (9 ppg) and senior Heywan Samuel (8 ppg) -- Hickory Grove has the experience to finish in the top half of the Metrolina Athletic conference (MAC) standings and be a factor in the postseason.
Providence Day: All good streaks come to an end at some point, and the Providence Day girls’ basketball run of 20 straight state semifinals ended last season. This season, Providence Day has a loaded backcourt, including seniors Chandler Brooks, Jordyn Latter, Lauren Jensen, junior Sophie Levine and nationally ranked freshman Jaida McClure. Can the Chargers start a new streak?
Players to watch
Chandler Brooks, Providence Day: The 5-foot-11 senior all-state point guard (10 ppg, 6 rpg, 4 apg, 2 apg, Embry-Biddle University commit) forms a dynamic duo with sharpshooter Jordyn Latter (13 ppg) in the Chargers’ backcourt.
Caroline Donaldson, Davidson Day: The Patriots’ junior guard/forward (14 ppg, 4.4 rpg) is back to lead a veteran backcourt with senior Sky Moore (8.3 ppg) and Callie Pestana (4.3 ppg).
Mayes Fisher, Charlotte Latin: The 5-foot-9 senior (4.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.3 spg) gives Charlotte Latin experience on the perimeter with juniors Evie McMahon (2.8 ppg) and Neely Hume (5.2 ppg) also back in the lineup.
Alexis Hailey, Covenant Day: The 5-foot-11 senior forward (8 ppg) gives the Lions a versatile inside/outside playmaker on a younger team.
Taylor Parker, Hickory Grove: The 6-foot-2 senior all-state forward (17 ppg, 10 rpg, 5 spg, 3 apg) can fill up a stat sheet in a hurry and will lead a Hickory Grove team.
Players on the rise
Margaret Blythe, Charlotte Country Day: The Buccaneers’ sophomore point guard (4.3 ppg) and senior Laila Hankerson are key returners this season.
Jaida McClure, Providence Day: The 5-foot-9 freshman is already among ESPN’s National watch list for the class of 2026, and should make an immediate impact in the Chargers’ lineup.
Campbell Thompson, Charlotte Christian: The Knights’ lone returning starter, the 5-foot-8 senior (2 ppg, 4 rpg) gives Charlotte Christian some experience in the backcourt with juniors Dominique Kay and Kaylee Lee.
Preseason all-county team
Chandler Brooks, Providence Day, 5-11, Sr.
Caroline Donaldson, Davidson Day, Sr.
Mayes Fisher, Charlotte Latin, 5-9, Sr.
Jordyn Latter, Providence Day, 5-7, Sr.
Taylor Parker, Hickory Grove, 6-2, Sr.
Preseason Player of the Year: Chandler Brooks, Providence Day, 5-11, Sr.
Notes
Charlotte Christian girls’ basketball coach Leah Metcalf returned to her alma mater last year (2001 graduate) and hopes to lead the Knights back a championship, after winning a state title as a player in 2000. Metcalf played college basketball at University of North Carolina, and professionally for 13 years.
First-year Charlotte Country Day basketball coach Kory Bridges looks to bring a new energy to the Buccaneers’ team after coming from winning programs as a former Covenant Day and Victory Christian assistant.
SouthLake Christian’s new coach Jaylen Osbey comes from Lawrence School in Cleveland (OH), and hopes to turn around a program that has won 11 games in the last seven years.
Conference predictions
CISAA Conference
Cannon School; 2. Providence Day; 3. Charlotte Latin; 4. Charlotte Country Day; 5. Charlotte Christian; 6. Covenant Day.
Foothills Athletic Conference
Davidson Day; 2. University Christian; 3. Hickory Christian; 4. Statesville Christian.
Metrolina Athletic Conference
Concord Academy; 2. Metrolina Christian; 3. Northside Christian; 4. Hickory Grove; 5. Gaston Day; 6. Gaston Christian; 7. SouthLake Christian; 8. Westminster Catawba.
