Independence played a tough schedule last season, knocking off nationally ranked Carmel Christian 58-57 in overtime and Myers Park 42-38 on Jan. 22. MMHW file photo
Coach: Preston Davis, 12th season (159-119)
2018-19 Record: 22-7 overall, 12-2 in Southwestern 4A
• Returning Players: Tachai Miller, 5-8 guard (1.3 points); Cameron Little, 6-2 guard (1.0 points); Omarion Bodrick, 6-7 forward (4.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.6 blocks); Jakeem “Nygell” Verdier, 6-5 forward (2.6 points); Anthony Allen, 6-0 guard (8.7 points, 1.3 assists)
• Key Contributors: Divine Allah, 6-0 guard; Deon Hankerson, 6-2 guard; Reginald Smith, 6-3 guard
• Top Newcomers: Jalen Hinton, 5-8 guard (Butler transfer: 4.5 points, 3.0 rebounds); De’Drick Givens, 6-5 forward (North Meck transfer)
• The Dish: The two-time defending Southwestern 4A regular season and tournament champion Patriots will look very different this season after the loss of their starting five, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Allen and Bodrick are next-level players who will be heavily counted on this season after playing big minutes last year as reserves. Verdier and Givens give the Patriots size inside while Hinton and the group of holdover guards will vie for playing time at the wing. Allen is a dead-eye shooter who can carry the team at times, but the Patriots must find consistent scoring to keep their current streak intact.
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