The North Mecklenburg varsity basketball team (Huntersville, NC) will host Mallard Creek (Charlotte, NC) in a home conference game today, Friday, January 3, 2025, at 7:30 PM.
Here’s what you need Basketball to know:
What: North Carolina High School Basketball
Who: North Mecklenburg vs Mallard Creek
When: Friday, January 3, 2025
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here
Mallard Creek vs. North Mecklenburg: A Basketball Showdown to Watch
As the high school basketball season heats up, all eyes are on the upcoming conference clash between Mallard Creek and North Mecklenburg. These two teams, both hailing from North Carolina, are set to face off tonight at 7:30 p.m. in what promises to be a thrilling matchup. Here’s a breakdown of their performances, key stats, and what fans can expect.
Team Overview
Mallard Creek Mavericks (6-6, 1-1 Conference Record)
- National Ranking: Unranked
- State Ranking (NC): #184
- Class Ranking: #30
- Points For (PF): 624
- Points Against (PA): 651
- Win Percentage: .500
The Mavericks have shown flashes of brilliance but remain inconsistent. They hold a balanced record both at home (1-1) and on the road (2-2), with notable wins over Rocky River and West Charlotte. However, losses against teams like Hopewell and Hough highlight areas for improvement.
North Mecklenburg Vikings (8-2, 1-0 Conference Record)
- National Ranking: #81
- State Ranking (NC): #9
- Class Ranking: #2
- Points For (PF): 666
- Points Against (PA): 512
- Win Percentage: .800
The Vikings, on the other hand, have been dominant, boasting an impressive 8-2 record. Their strong performances include wins against common opponents like Rocky River and Hough. They remain undefeated in conference play and are perfect at home (3-0).
Scoring Averages
The offensive capabilities of both teams are clear, but North Mecklenburg has the edge in overall scoring:
| Quarter | Mallard Creek | North Mecklenburg |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 13.3 | 15.5 |
| Q2 | 17.0 | 11.5 |
| Q3 | 17.0 | 18.3 |
| Q4 | 12.3 | 13.3 |
| Final | 52.0 | 66.6 |
The Vikings’ ability to maintain consistent scoring across all four quarters makes them particularly dangerous.
Team Leaders
Mallard Creek:
- Points Per Game (PPG): Jordyn Washington (#2) – 12.2
- Rebounds Per Game (RPG): Lajalin Overton (#24) – 7.7
- Assists Per Game (APG): Ahmad Savage (#3) – 4.6
- Steals Per Game (SPG): Ahmad Savage (#3) – 1.9
- Blocks Per Game (BPG): Troy Griffin (#15) – 1.8
North Mecklenburg’s team stats and leaders were not explicitly listed, but their national ranking and high-scoring average suggest a well-rounded roster.
Head-to-Head Preview
This game marks the first of two regular-season matchups between Mallard Creek and North Mecklenburg. The Mavericks are traveling to face the Vikings tonight, and North Mecklenburg will return the visit on January 31st.
Key Factors:
- Defense: Mallard Creek has allowed more points (651) than they’ve scored (624), highlighting defensive struggles. North Mecklenburg’s defense, by contrast, has been tighter, with opponents scoring only 512 points against them.
- Home Court Advantage: North Mecklenburg is undefeated at home (3-0), giving them a significant edge in this game.
- Common Opponents: North Mecklenburg is 2-0 against shared opponents, while Mallard Creek is 2-2. This discrepancy underscores North Mecklenburg’s ability to handle tough matchups more effectively.
What to Watch For
- Mallard Creek’s Dependence on Jordyn Washington: Washington is a key scorer, and his performance will heavily influence the Mavericks’ chances.
- North Mecklenburg’s Balanced Scoring: The Vikings’ ability to spread the ball and maintain consistent scoring is likely to be a decisive factor.
- Battle on the Boards: Mallard Creek averages 30.1 rebounds per game, and their performance in the paint could be crucial against North Mecklenburg’s potent offense.
Prediction
While Mallard Creek has the talent to compete, North Mecklenburg’s superior record, strong defense, and home court advantage make them the favorites in this matchup. Expect a spirited effort from both teams, but the Vikings are likely to come out on top.
Final Score Prediction: North Mecklenburg 68, Mallard Creek 55
Fans, don’t miss this game! Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. at North Mecklenburg High School. Let’s see who sets the tone for the rest of the conference schedule.
