Nygell Verdier, Independence Patriots 

Senior Power Forward Nygell Verdier ended the season with perhaps his finest performance of the season against powerhouse North Mecklenburg Vikings who are 29-1 overall, 14-0 in conference play and heading to the Western Regional Championships.

The senior had an outstanding season and was just recently selected to the Southwestern 4A All-Conference team along with teammates Anthony Allen and Omarion Bodrick. In the 4th round state playoff game, Verdier scored 26 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, had 1 block, along with 2 assists keeping the Patriots within striking distance most of the contest. He also played a solid defense holding his own under the boards while showing true grit and willing to mix it up in a tough match-up for the Patriots.

During the season in 30 games played, the senior averaged 13.6 points per game, scored a total of 408 points, hauled down 162 rebounds, 81 assists, 53 steals, 26 blocked shots while shooting 53% from the floor and 67% from the free-throw line.

Verdier showed he could carry the team against a very good opponent who had two very strong, talented and dominating big men inside the paint. Verdier was certainly the one big bright spot in the ball game for the Patriots who lost their leading scorer Anthony Allen midway through the first period.

The Mint Hill Times sports editor, writers and photographers want to congratulate him for being selected this week “Featured Player of the Week.”