Basketball Recap: Garinger Comes Up Short

Garinger lost against Independence back in February of 2024 and unfortunately they wound up with the same result on Friday. The Garinger Wildcats were outmatched by the Independence Patriots and fell 93-26. While losing is never fun, the Wildcats can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 506th, while the Patriots are ranked 27th).

Several Wildcats players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Takyi Jones, who posted eight points and five rebounds. Another player making a difference was Aaron Lawler, who had nine points.

Wildcats

Previous 6 Games

01/03/25 @ Independence	26-93
12/30/24 vs York Prep	46-65
12/27/24 vs Grace Academy	55-60
12/20/24 vs East Mecklenburg	45-70
12/18/24 vs Sugar Creek Charter	51-66
12/17/24 @ Butler	17-66

Even though they lost, Garinger smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with ten offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least ten offensive rebounds in five consecutive games.

Independence's win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Lusemo Macharia, who put up 11 points in addition to six rebounds and three blocks. Macharia has been hot recently, having posted three or more blocks the last three times he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Daniel Waritay, who went 6 of 7 on his way to 16 points.

Garinger's loss dropped their record down to 1-10. As for Independence, the victory made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 11-2.

A feisty cat fight will be fought when the Garinger Wildcats take on the Charlotte Catholic Cougars at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Charlotte Catholic knows how to get points on the board -- the team has finished with 55 points or more in their past three matches -- so hopefully Garinger likes a good challenge. As for Independence, they will venture away from home to square off against Providence at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Independence is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 63.8 points per game this season.