From the Sidelines
Rick Lewis

Coach Preston Davis (Independence HS)
'This guy can coach, really coach'

Last season, Independence finished 22-7 in the NCHSAA Southwestern 4A, which is regarded as one of the toughest boy's basketball conferences in the state of North Carolina. In the second round, they lost to eventual state champion SW Guilford on the road by three points and thus ended their 2016-17 season. The year before, Independence lost to SW Guilford in the third round of the state championship by one point and finished 21-8 for the season.

This season, Independence is rolling right along with an 11-1 record with the only loss coming to NCISAA private school power Carmel Christian in the pre-Christmas Queen City Clash. In the two games at the Phenom Palmetto Winter Classic, they have absolutely put on a clinic on 'team basketball' and the credit goes to head coach Preston Davis. Independence defeated a very good and talented United Faith team by the score of 76-50, but the score doesn't even begin to tell the story. Independence had five players finish in double-digit scoring. Leading the way was 6'3 junior AJ McKee with 18 points while 5'11 junior Raja Milton chipped in 17 points while 6'6 junior Matthew Smith had 12 points. In addition, 6'4 senior and 5'10 senior Jordan Mobley both tallied 10 points apiece.

Having five players score in double digits is no accident. Coach Davis stresses teamwork and making the extra pass and without question his team has bought into to 'team first' approach. Against the United Faith press, there were several times, Independence broke the press making sharp, crisp passes and in most situations, the ball never hit the floor once. In the half court, Independence was making the extra pass and did a fabulous job of reversing the ball from side to side. Each possession, Independence was making four, five and even six passes prior to shooting the ball. The players caught the ball in a triple threat position and rarely held the ball more than one to two seconds. Simply put, they passed the ball around the court like a 'hot potato.' In speaking with coach Davis, this trend developed and transpired during the summer workouts. He stressed team success would translate into individual success and his philosophy is starting to pay dividends.

 

On the defensive side of the court, Independence is active, aggressive and attacking at all times. They use their athleticism nicely and even talk on defense. While Independence plays a very hectic pace on defense, they play under control on offense and so unselfishly.

 

For the longest time, Independence had developed a national reputation as a high school football powerhouse, but now coach Davis is putting them on the map as a strong high school program in the state of North Carolina. Coach Davis has done a remarkable job and look for Independence to make a serious run once again in the NCHSAA 4A championship. It's time he is given his due. Coach Davis can coach, like really coach and it's showing up with the way his team is performing on the court.