Basketball Recap: NCSSM: Durham Takes Loss Despite Strong Performances from Caroline Meaney and Leira Smith + How To Watch

NCSSM: Durham made up a huge gap compared to their last game against Carrboro, but they still couldn't quite topple them. The Unicorns fell just short of the Jaguars by a score of 45-43 on Friday. Give some credit to the fans of both teams: the last five times they've met, the home team has come away the winner.

Leira Smith

Steals

11/14/25 @ Carrboro	6
11/13/25 vs Eno River Academy	2
11/12/25 vs Chatham Charter	3
11/07/25 @ Chatham Charter	2
11/05/25 @ Durham School of the Arts	2

NCSSM: Durham's loss shouldn't obscure the performances of Leira Smith, who posted 12 points along with eight rebounds and six steals, and Caroline Meaney, who almost dropped a double-double with 16 points and nine boards. Smith is crushing it when it comes to steals: she's grabbed at least two every time she's taken the court this season. Another player making a difference was Zara Patel, who earned two points and six steals.

Madison Taylor was the offensive standout of the game as she scored 19 points. Allison Weiner was another key player, putting up ten points.

Having lost for the first time this season, NCSSM: Durham fell to 4-1.

Coming up, NCSSM: Durham will head out to face off against Voyager Academy at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. This will be the Unicorns' first chance to prove their worth in the conference. As for Carrboro, they will look to defend their home court on Wednesday against Panther Creek at 7:00 p.m.