The Independence High School Patriots basketball team continues it’s dominance of the Southwestern 4A Conference as they remain undefeated 9-0 with an impressive victory over East Mecklenburg.

The team displayed it’s depth by using all 12 players in a game where the Patriots could have potentially run up the score.  They led at one point by 40 points which clearly shows why they have been the team to beat this season.  Also, they have an 18-1 overall season record and are currently ranked No.5 in the state.

From the opening tip-off the Patriots who are very athletic consistently beat their opponent in the transition game.  Jamarius Burton the senior standout lead the home team in the first period to a commanding 24-8 lead.  Burton scored 10 points with 4 rebounds in the first eight minutes of the game.

In the second period Coach Davis played mostly his second unit and some fast breaks led by Raja Milton opened the lead to 36-12 in the opening minutes.  Then the Eagles first team began their run matching the Patriots basket for basket and the period ended with the Patriots leading 46-29 at the intermission.

In the third period all the starters returned for the Patriots and they outscored the Eagles 20-9 in the period opening up their lead to 66-38 putting the game completely out of reach for an Eagles comeback.

In the fourth period the Patriots pumped in 21 points from a variety of players as Coach Davis played all 12 athletes in this game at different points to give his players valuable game experience building up team strength for an expected run during the SW4A conference and state tournaments.  The 87-53 victory was another solid team performance by the home team.

Jamarius Burton had the double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Andrea Mckee added 13 points, Raja Milton and Matt Smith both contributed 12 points.  The Eagles Daniel Harris led all scorers with 22 points in the loss.