Rolling around the Charlotte area, an underrated matchup between Charlotte Catholic and East Mecklenburg took the floor Wednesday night. In a showdown between two very well-coached teams, we got a chance to see a few familiar names.
Charlotte Catholic came out strong behind their senior Josh Williams and junior Patrick Tivnan, helping them gain the early edge at the end of the first quarter 22-18. Catholic was able to maintain a 5-7 point lead for much of the second quarter as well, ultimately leading 32-26 at halftime. At the start of the second half, it was Catholic again that came out ready to go and looking to put this one away early, securing their first double-digit lead in the first minute and their largest lead of 14 a few minutes later in the third. But East Meck never gave in and competed. 2025 Jonah Lawrence, 2023 Jordon Nevill, and 2022 Kanye Johnson continued to battle into the third quarter to stay within striking distance, only down nine after three. That is when East Meck took off; they were able to create turnovers early and knock down shots from outside, eventually erasing Catholic's lead. One key part in that was that Tivnan fouled out with about four minutes to go in the game after having a strong showing.
Catholic scored their final basket at the three-and-a-half mark of the fourth quarter, as East Meck finished the game on a 12-0 run led by the trio. They were able to earn their first lead around the 1:20 mark of the fourth quarter and continued to make plays to seal the 61-55 come-from-behind victory.
Final: East Meck 61 – Charlotte Catholic 55
Stats:
EM: Jonah Lawrence 20pts, 7rebs, 2asts/ Jordon Nevill 16pts, 5rebs/ Kanye Johnson 14pts, 6rebs, 3asts
CC: Patrick Tivnan 22pts, 11rebs/ Josh Williams 16pts, 6rebs, 3asts
Standouts/Thoughts:
- It was a big blow for Charlotte Catholic when 2023 Patrick Tivnan went out in the fourth quarter because he was extremely effective, scoring 22 points and securing 11 rebounds. Tivnan is one I expect more coaches to get on because you just don't see a fluid forward like him often. He has tremendous footwork and mobility for someone his size, displaying the ability to put the ball on the deck, create with the dribble, and move well without the ball. Also has great touch around the basket. Expect Tivnan to have a big couple of months with college programs.
- 2025 Jonah Lawrence is a freshman that you need to jot down. He plays under control and at a smooth pace; just seems like the game comes natural to him. Lawrence continues to show his ability to knock down shots from outside, create space with his step back, and his feel as a young player. The freshman continues to have a strong high school season and it is easy to see why he is one of the top young prospects in the state early on.
- As far others on East Meck, 2022 Kanye Johnson did a nice job putting the pressure on the defense, attacking the paint, and getting to the free throw line, where he scored 8 of his 14 points. 2023 Jordon Nevill, he is a quick shifty guard that made strong plays for his team and knocked down some big shots to help his team complete the comeback.
- For Catholic, 2022 Josh Williams is one of those guards that does what the team needs him today. Shot didn't quite fall for him, especially in the second half, but steps up as a leader and can be a pest defensively that plays with great energy.
