The Town of Mint Hill celebrated the State 4A Championship of the Independence men’s basketball team recently at the Town Hall building with the Mayor, Board of Commissioners and other local town officials.

The school Athletic Booster Club led by President, Brian Haislip and other volunteers served pizza, subway deli sandwiches and soft drinks to the crowd on hand.  The basketball team players, coaches and their families were invited to join in on the festivities.

Mint Hill Mayor Ted Biggers recognized these young men and coaches for the outstanding accomplishment and commitment they made to each other, he also thanked the coaches and families for their support in pursuit of a state championship.

The last time Independence won a state championship in basketball was in 1997.  The Patriots head coach Preston Davis and assistant coach Gordon Tucker were both members on that championship team.  Now these two men are state champions again 21 years later at their alma mater.  This unbelievable story is certainly unique in sports at any level and shows the dedication the coaching staff has made to mold these young men into not only solid basketball players, unselfish team members, but into good citizens who have made a significant contribution to our community.

Coach Davis presented an encased autographed basketball to the town accepted by the Mayor for Mint Hill’s support of Independence High School.  Patriots Principal David Legrand and Assistant Principle Michael Stallsworth were both on hand along with Athletic Director Elijah Ashley to enjoy the celebration.

Finally, the one and only Mint Hill Times Indy sports contributor Ron Morris, known fondly as Mr. Ron to the student body and all athletes on campus has covered Independence sporting events for almost two decades was on hand to celebrate with the team he loves as Indy’s biggest fan. “We waited a long time for another state championship and I cannot be more proud of these boys and coaches,” said Mr. Ron.