Charlotte,NC – In a game that is sure to be talked about for years to come, the Independence Patriots (13-3) knocked off USA Today’s nationally ranked Carmel Christian Cougars (24-2) on the road Saturday night in epic fashion.
Both teams came in hot for this eagerly anticipated match-up between two reigning North Carolina state champions. Independence of the NCHSAA and Carmel Christian of the NCISAA. The Patriots looked to avenge its only lost suffered during the 2017-2018 campaign, a 61-55 defeat at the hands of the Cougars during the Queen City Clash at Charlotte Country Day.
In November, I wrote that despite coming off of state championship season, the Patriots looked to be hungrier than ever. You can see that article here. Saturday night was more of the same. Senior guard Raja Milton finished with a game leading 19 points including the Patriot’s go ahead bucket with :11 seconds remaining to seal the deal.
Independence was hot early, jumping out to a surprising 34-24 lead by halftime leaving Cougar fans stunned. The Cougars were not to be outdone as they came roaring back in the the third quarter, holding the Patriots to 8 points in the quarter to take a 46-42 lead into the final period. That’s when things got testy. Two Patriot fans were ejected from the building after their emotions got the best of them coming too close to the floor to dispute calls made by the game officials. Both teams locked down defensively as regulation ended with a 49-49 tie. In overtime, the Cougars heavily trapped Patriots explosive guard Andra’ Mckee, forcing the Patriots to go to fellow senior Raja Milton in crunch time. Down by one with :25 seconds left to go in overtime, Milton answered the call, scoring on an off-balanced shot to put the Patriots up for good.
The Patriots won’t have long to enjoy the victory as they will be on the road for another stern test as they travel to take on Myers Park (12-4) on Tuesday night.
