High School Sports

Defensive-minded Independence rejoins The Observer’s Sweet 16 poll this week

Independence High School rejoins The Observer’s boys’ Sweet 16 poll this week.

The Patriots (17-5) have won three straight games and host Mint Hill rival Rocky River on Tuesday.

Since the new year began, Independence has only allowed one opponent to score at least 60 points in a game and are allowing just 43.5 points per game.

Elsewhere, Cannon (24-9) and South Mecklenburg (20-3) make big jumps into the top 10.

There are no new teams in the girls’ poll, though Rock Hill’s South Pointe High jumps into the top 10. The Stallions (24-2) have won 22 straight games.

Langston Wertz Jr.
The Charlotte Observer
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
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