Phenom Hoops headed just outside of Charlotte to Mallard Creek high school to check in on a huge showdown in the I-Meck 4A Conference. With three teams standing on top, Mallard Creek and North Meck (two of the teams in a three-way tie) duked it out in front of a packed house.
Both teams started out slow and just couldn't find a way to put the ball in the basket; both baskets seemed to have a lid on it. Mallard Creek jumped out to an early 9-4 first-quarter lead. Things started to get going, especially 2021 G Jessica Timmons for North Meck but Mallard Creek used their size in the paint, got to the free-throw line, and 2023 Samyha Suffren hit two big threes to hold a three-point halftime lead.
The third quarter is where Mallard Creek created separation, outscoring North Meck 21-6 and eventually holding a 20-point lead at one point. North Meck still continued to battle and attack, as Timmons continued to get to the free-throw line and eventually scoring 19 of her team's 25 points in the fourth quarter but it wasn't enough.
Final: Mallard Creek 59 – North Meck 53
Standouts:
North Mecklenburg
2021 G Jessica Timmons: The junior guard started out slow and she certainly attracted the attention of Mallard Creek but one has to like her willingness to get downhill and attack the rim when her outside shot wasn't quite falling consistently. Timmons has the ability to score on all three levels and create for herself but in this matchup, she got out in transition, attacked the rim, and got to the free-throw line on multiple occasions. She really took over the scoring for North Meck. Stats: 35 points (13-for-14 from FT line)
Mallard Creek
2020 G Naveah Brown (Wake Forest): Brown did a great job leading the offense and breaking down her defenders one on one to either finish around the basket, get to the free-throw line, or set up another teammate. Brown's ability to handle the ball was tough and had opponents guessing. She played strong and with a great IQ when the ball was in her hands. Stats: 22 points
2023 G Samyha Suffren: A young freshman has a really good frame already for someone her size. Suffren played great both on and off the ball, showing that she has range on her shot. She played with an impressive physicality when on the court. Keep an eye on this young one. Stats: 9 points