Basketball Recap: Mallard Creek Falls Despite Big Games from Ahmad Savage and Troy Griffin

Mallard Creek lost against Hopewell back in December of 2024 and unfortunately they wound up with the same result on Tuesday. The Mallard Creek Mavericks took a 53-43 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Hopewell Titans. While losing is never fun, the Mavericks can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 153rd, while the Titans are ranked 44th).

Mallard Creek's loss came despite strong showings from Troy Griffin and Ahmad Savage. Griffin went 6 for 10 en route to 12 points in addition to eight rebounds and three blocks, while Savage posted 16 points. That's the most points Savage has posted since back in November of 2024. Another player making a difference was Jordyn Washington, who scored eight points.

Even though they lost, Mallard Creek was working as a unit and finished the game with 14 assists. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Hopewell only racked up six assists.

Hopewell got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Arael Jones out in front who went 7 of 13 on his way to 19 points and six boards. Kamari Cooke was another key player, going 5 for 6 en route to 10 points.

Mallard Creek's record is now 10-9. As for Hopewell, they are on a roll lately: they've won three of their last four contests, which somehow still isn't as good as their 14-4 record this season.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Mallard Creek will challenge North Mecklenburg at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. North Mecklenburg knows how to get points on the board -- the team has finished with 55 points or more in their past eight matchups -- so hopefully Mallard Creek likes a good challenge. As for Hopewell, they will face off against West Charlotte at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Hopewell is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 62.9 points per game this season.