Providence Day, Ardrey Kell jump into Observer Sweet 16 poll

Providence Day and Ardrey Kell join the Sweet 16 this week. Providence Day, actually, returns to the poll. The Chargers were ranked earlier in the season before a tough loss at No. 8 South Point.

Providence Day (3-1) plays a big game in two weeks at No. 3 Porter Ridge in Indian Trail. Porter Ridge coach Blair Hardin will play against his father’s team. Bruce Hardin coaches Providence Day. Providence Day plays at Liberty Christian (Va) Frday.

Porter Ridge narrowly beat the Chargers 10-7 in Charlotte last year.

Ardrey Kell held off Union County rival Weddington last week to improve to 3-0 for the season. That is the Knights’ best start since 2008. With a Southwestern 4A season-opening win against rival South Meck Friday, Ardrey Kell can set up one of the bigger games in recent school history with with Independence in two weeks.

Rk.    School (first place votes)    Class    Rec    Pts    Prev
1.    Butler (3)    4A    3-0    48    1
2.    Rock Hill South Pointe     4A    4-0    45    2
3.    Porter Ridge    4A    4-0    42    3
4.    Mallard Creek    4A    2-1    39    4
5.    West Rowan    3A    4-0    35    7
6.    Charlotte Catholic    3A    3-1    32    8
7.    Crest    3A    3-1    29    5
8.    South Point    3A    4-0    25    11
9.    A.L. Brown    3A    3-1    24    6
10.    Rock Hill Northwestern    4A    3-1    22    9
11.    Concord    3A    4-0    21    12
12.    Vance    4A    3-1    16    10
13.    Independence    4A    3-1    12    14
14.    Statesville    3A    3-1    6    13
15.    Providence Day    IND    3-1    4    NR
T16.    Charlotte Country Day    IND    3-0    3    16
T16.    Ardrey Kell    4A    3-0    3    NR
Dropped Out: Albemarle (1A, 3-1). Also receiving votes: South Caldwell (4A, 4-0); East Lincoln (2A, 4-0).