Area high school winter sports programs officially came to an abrupt ending on Saturday night. The Independence girls basketball team was defeated by #1 seed Lake Norman in the third round of the 2022-23 NCHSAA Girls Basketball Championship Tournament. The Lady Patriots made it to the “Sweet 16” and have accomplished many great things this season including a 25-4 campaign, going undefeated 13-0 in their conference, winning the regular season title, and have 4 starters returning next season for the 2023-24 campaign. Also, the return of Kaylee Carson for her senior season with a solid and experienced starting core five the future looks bright.
During this season over the 29 games played two athletes stand out based on their overall consistency and performance throughout the entire grueling campaign.
Athlete of the Week
Jessica Worthey – The junior scored 20 points vs. Ardrey Kell, she followed up with a 15 point game against Porter Ridge, and after a bad ankle injury she endured on Thursday night she led the Patriots with 18 points in a gallant performance Saturday night against Lake Norman. Apparently, the trainer for Independence did a great job in getting her game ready. She was clearly the Lady Patriots best player in the state championship playoffs averaging 17.6 points per game in the tournament.
During the season she was very consistent and had some outstanding games for Indy. Worthey scored 242 points in 23 games played for an average of 10.5 points per game, averaged 5.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.8 tips per game.
Honorable Mention
Kamryn Kitchen – The sophomore literally put the team on her back throughout the entire season. She played well during the championships scoring 34 points in the three games played, and made many contributions at the PG/SG position including a solid defensive effort.
She averaged 14.4 points per game, scored 380 points, grabbed 3.7 rebounds, added 3.6 assists, 3.0 steals, and 1.8 tips per game. She led the team in scoring, including 64 three pointers, in assists with 86, and 71 steals.
