Two teams join Observer’s Sweet 16 prep baseball poll, plus a new No. 1 debuts
Cuthbertson returned to the top spot in The Observer’s Sweet 16 after Charlotte Christian beat previously unbeaten Metrolina Christian.
The media company’s regional rankings includes NCHSAA and NCISAA teams from Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln and Union counties. The rankings are produced by longtime N.C. high school sports expert Alex Bass, a co-host of The Observer’s “Talking Preps” streaming show.
Cuthbertson, which has won four straight games, will get a test to its new ranking on Tuesday when it hosts Union County rival and No. 8 Weddington (12-3). Weddington has won 11 of its last 12 games.
Former No. 1 Metrolina Christian (17-1), the reigning NCISAA 4A state champs, fell four spots to No. 5 after being upset, 4-3, by Charlotte Christian Saturday in eight innings.
Elsewhere, two new teams join the poll. Ardrey Kell (9-6) and South Iredell (10-5) are in. Ardrey Kell shut out No. 6 South Meck 5-0 in its last game. South Iredell has won two of its last three.
This week’s rankings
| Rk | School | Rec. | Prvs. |
| 1 | Cuthbertson | 15-1 | 3 |
| 2 | Providence | 12-2 | 2 |
| 3 | Charlotte Catholic | 15-2 | 6 |
| 4 | Charlotte Christian | 16-4 | 7 |
| 5 | Metrolina Christian | 17-1 | 1 |
| 6 | South Mecklenburg | 11-7 | 5 |
| 7 | Covenant Day | 14-1 | 8 |
| 8 | Weddington | 12-3 | 4 |
| 9 | Hough | 10-3 | 9 |
| 10 | Hopewell | 11-3 | 12 |
| 11 | Marvin Ridge | 10-5 | 10 |
| 12 | Lake Norman | 12-5 | 13 |
| 13 | South Iredell | 10-5 | NR |
| 14 | North Iredell | 12-3 | 14 |
| 15 | Ardrey Kell | 9-6 | NR |
| 16 | North Gaston | 9-4 | 13 |
