Hopewell preseason No. 1 in boys' basketball

The Hopewell boys' basketball team is ranked at the top of the Observer's preseason Sweet 16 basketball poll. The Titans went 29-1 last year, but lost their star player in Brandyn Curry. The Titans have reloaded and look like they will make another deep playoff run this year.

Lake Norman is fourth in the poll, Vance fifth and West Charlotte eighth, meaning the new I-Meck Conference will be very competitive this year.

Hopewell (No. 12) and Lake Norman (No. 13) also made the preseason girls' Sweet 16.

Look for a full basketball preview for both girls' and boys' in the Lake Norman News Wednesday.