What are the top high school basketball teams in the area? The new Sweet 16 polls are out
Two new boys’ teams join The Charlotte Observer Sweet 16 basketball polls this week.
The Sweet 16, which began in the 1984-85 season, ranks the top teams in the media company’s coverage area, which includes schools in the following counties: Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lancaster, Lincoln, Union and York.
Rankings are based on strength of schedule, strength of a classification, team success within that classification and head-to-head competition between teams ranked in the Sweet 16. It does not consider how ranked teams would fare against each other — or other unranked teams — unless those teams actually meet.
The Sweet 16 champions, named at the end of the season, will get a banner to hang in the school’s gym.
▪ There are just a few changes on the girls’ side this week, but no new teams.
Lake Norman held onto the No. 1 spot after surviving a close call at No. 11 Hickory Ridge last Thursday.
▪ In the boys’ poll, Davidson Day (16-6) returns to the rankings. The Patriots have won five in a row.
Also new this week is Independence. The Independence Patriots (14-4) have also won five in a row to take hold of first place in the Southwestern 4A standings.
This story was originally published January 30, 2024 at 5:30 AM.
