Basketball Recap: Waterford Falls Despite Big Games from Carter Nielson and Preston Jenkins

Waterford suffered their closest loss since December 6, 2024 on Friday. They fell just short of the Rowland Hall Winged Lions by a score of 45-42. The Ravens' defeat signaled the end of their four-game winning streak.

Despite the loss, Waterford had strong showings from Preston Jenkins, who went 6 for 15 on his way to 17 points and seven rebounds, and Carter Nielson, who almost dropped a double-double on 14 points and nine boards. Nielson is also on a roll when it comes to steals, as he's now grabbed two or more in the last eight games he's played. Myles Walkingshaw was another key player, putting up eight points.

Ian Mellor was the offensive standout of the game as he posted 13 points and six steals. With that strong performance, he is now averaging an impressive 2.1 steals per game. The team also got some help courtesy of Landen Brady, who went 5 of 11 en route to 15 points and eight rebounds.

Waterford's defeat was their first in the region, dropping their region record down to 3-1 and their overall record down to 7-6. As for Rowland Hall, they have been performing incredibly well recently as they've won six of their last seven matches, which provided a massive bump to their 10-6 record this season.

It'll be a Battle of the Birds when the Waterford Ravens face off against the American Leadership Academy Eagles at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Both teams are headed into the matchup with plenty of momentum (American Leadership Academy has won four straight at home, while Waterford won three straight on the road), something that'll have to change. As for Rowland Hall, they will host Draper APA at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Rowland Hall is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 55.7 points per game this season.