MINT HILL, NC – On opening night at “The Big I” the Independence Patriots boys varsity basketball coach accomplished his 200th career win with a convincing 72-47 victory over Carolina International in a non-conference matchup. Coach Davis, an Independence alumnus, is now entering his 14th season as head basketball coach. This includes going undefeated in Conference play 14-0, and winning a 4A State Championship in 2017-2018 with a 31-1 record. He also was a major contributor on the first state championship team at Independence as a player in 1997. Believe there is not a long list of high school basketball coach’s who can claim they won a state championship as a player and two decades later as a head coach at the same school.
The coach has accumulated a solid record of 200-125 for a winning percentage of 62.5% over his career. He took over a program in 2009 that was floundering. The Patriots were known for being a football powerhouse back in those days. However, not very competitive prior to coach Davis arrival on the hardwood. He has built a solid program and has gained an excellent reputation as a head basketball coach. Davis is focused on teamwork, conditioning, discipline, playing with passion, and competing from the initial tipoff to the final second of every game. He is also astute and creative at developing a game plan through hours of hard work, practice, and breaking down through the use of video the strengths and weakness of each opponent. This was never more evident than during the spectacular 2017-2018 championship season. His team was prepared and used their athletic talent to respond favorably to a highly motivated coach who sets high expectations for his players.
What has been most impressive for me as a sports writer following Independence basketball, is his commitment to preparing his young players for life. He stresses education, building character, making good choices, and being accountable for your own actions on and off the court. He is dedicated to turn these young men into productive citizens and prepare them for the responsibilities of adulthood.
The Mint Hill Times asked the coach how it felt achieving his 200th win at Independence. “I feel good, this group has worked hard this off season, we have had a lot of good teams and players over the years, a lot of support. This years team is young, they lack size, but they have heart and want to compete. They have bought into the program and it’s going to be a challenge and exciting to watch them develop and grow. We are back to coaching the basics of the game and are building a foundation for the future,” said coach Davis.
We congratulate coach Davis for his accomplishment, and the legacy he will continue to build at Independence High School.
