There’s a new No. 1 in The Observer’s Sweet 16 poll, and there’s a Duke connection

Coming off the first major week of high school basketball, there are many changes in both Charlotte Observer Sweet 16 polls, including a new No. 1 on the boys’ side.

Some of the changes:

— In the boys’ poll, there is one new team, No. 15 Gaston Day (6-2). Hickory Ridge (3-1) made a five-spot jump, landing at No. 10. And up top, Gaston Christian takes over the No. 1 spot, enjoying an 11-0 start under former Duke star and NBA point guard Chris Duhon.

— The girls’ poll welcomes one new team, No. 13 West Cabarrus (3-0). Gaston Christian, which upset then No. 1 Cannon School to start the season, jumps from No. 10 to No. 5. Gaston Christian is 6-0.

The polls are compiled by longtime N.C. basketball experts Randall Clark and Rick Lewis. Both men are co-hosts of The Observer’s “Talking Preps” streaming show.

Note: The Sweet 16 ranks NCHSAA and NCISAA teams in Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln and Union counties.

Observer boys’ Sweet 16

Rk., School, Rec., Prvs.

1. Gaston Christian (11-0), 3

2. North Mecklenburg (3-0), 1

3. Davidson Day (6-3), 2

4. Concord Academy (9-0), 4

5. Queen’s Grant (6-3), 6

6. West Charlotte (3-0), 7

7. Myers Park (2-2), 8

8. Mooresville (3-1), 9

9. Providence Day (2-4), 11

10. Hickory Ridge (3-1), 15

11. Chambers (3-2), 5

12. Weddington (4-0), 16

13. Butler (3-0), 14

14. Independence (2-1), 10

15. Gaston Day (6-2), NR

16. Hunter Huss (3-1), 13

Observer girls’ Sweet 16

Rk., School, Rec., Prvs.

1. North Mecklenburg (4-0), 1

2. Mallard Creek (5-0), 2

3. Lake Norman (4-0), 3

4. Porter Ridge (4-0), 5

5. Gaston Christian (6-0), 10

6. Cannon School (6-2), 8

7. Marvin Ridge (2-2), 3

8. Providence Day (4-1), 4

9. Stuart Cramer (1-0), 10

10. Queen’s Grant (6-1)

11. South Mecklenburg (3-1), 13

12. West Cabarrus (3-0), NR

13. Hickory Ridge (3-1), 16

14. Gaston Day (6-1), 14

15. Ardrey Kell (3-2), 11

16. Hough (4-1), 15

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