Basketball Recap: Jack Pardue's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Atlantic Coast over Creekside

Atlantic Coast and Creekside squared off in some playoff action on Wednesday, but Atlantic Coast had to settle for second. They lost 72-49 to the Creekside Knights. While losing is never fun, the Stingrays can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 457th, while the Knights are ranked 39th).

Atlantic Coast's loss came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Jack Pardue, who posted eight points. That's the most points Pardue has posted since back in December of 2024. Another player making a difference was Da'Juan Thompson, who scored nine points and three steals.

Creekside found their leader in sophomore Nolan Nelson, who dropped a double-double with 20 points and 25 rebounds. With that strong performance, Nelson is now averaging an impressive 15.2 points per game. The team also got some help courtesy of Cade Patterson, who went 6 for 12 en route to 17 points.

Atlantic Coast's defeat dropped their record down to 11-13. As for Creekside, they have been performing incredibly well recently as they've won 11 of their last 12 matches, which provided a massive bump to their 17-7 record this season.

Atlantic Coast does not have any more games scheduled as of now. As for Creekside, they didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next contest, a 65-36 win against Flagler Palm Coast on the 7th.