Basketball Recap: Independence Skates Past Garinger with Ease

Patriots

Margin (Wins)

01/03/25 vs Garinger	67
12/14/24 @ Wakefield	41
01/31/25 @ Garinger	30
12/28/24 vs Catawba Ridge	24
01/09/25 vs East Mecklenburg	24

Independence won the last time they faced Garinger and things went their way on Friday too. The Independence Patriots breezed by the Garinger Wildcats to the tune of 75-45. The Patriots have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won seven matches by 21 points or more this season.

Independence was led to victory by Dylan McFarland and Daniel Waritay. McFarland posted 13 points, while Waritay went 5 of 7 on his way to 11 points and five rebounds. The dominant performance also gave McFarland a new career-high in blocks (two). Kaleb Jasper was another key player, putting up six points and five assists.

Independence smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 12 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive rebounds in six consecutive contests.

Despite the loss, Garinger saw an underclassman step up: freshman Aaron Lawler scored 18 points. That was a full 40% of Garinger's points, marking the tenth time in a row he's had more than a third of the team's points. Another player making a difference was Khente Carthran, who put up seven points and eight boards.

Independence's record now sits at 16-4. As for Garinger, they have been struggling recently as they've lost 12 of their last 13 games, which put a noticeable dent in their 2-16 record this season.

Independence will challenge Providence at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Independence has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last three games. As for Garinger, a feisty cat fight is on tap when the Garinger Wildcats face off against the Charlotte Catholic Cougars at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. One thing working in Charlotte Catholic's favor is that they have posted at least 55 points in their last ten matchups.