Mallard Creek girls stays unbeaten with 68-40 win over rival Vance

The Mallard Creek Mavericks girls basketball team stayed undefeated with a 68-40 home win over the rival Vance Cougars Friday at Mallard Creek.

In the boys game, Vance improved to 9-3 with a 70-50 victory over Mallard Creek. Cameron Hamilton had 24 points for the Cougars while Fritz Sanders led the Mavericks (2-9) with 13.

Leading by only seven at the break, the Mallard Creek girls broke open a close game with a big second half by outscoring the Cougars 34-13. That pleased Mallard Creek girls coach Clarence Johnson.

“They have two real skilled girls that we could have gotten into a running up and down game with them,” said Johnson. “We just had to bear down and I’ve got to give the girls a lot of credit.”

Mallard Creek had four players in double figures, led by senior co-captain Chantel Williams’ team-high 16. Kala Richardson had 14 while Kala Brown and Janea Sanders had 13 and 10, respectively.

“We started out slow, gave them a little confidence but we picked it up,” said Williams. “We got loose balls, got it out and ran the floor. We had the right intensity in the second half so that’s what made the lead go up.”

Ahlana Smith lead Vance with 16 points with Dazia Lawrence also finishing in double figures with 14.

WORTH MENTIONING: The Mavericks did not rest on their laurels Friday night after beating long-time local girls powerhouse Myers Park Thursday night by 19 points. It was the second time Mallard Creek had beaten the Mustangs this season. It was the Mavericks that snapped Myers Park’s 93-game winning streak against Mecklenburg Country teams with a one-point win on Dec. 3.

QUOTE: “We’re like neighbors. The Vance game is always a big game, basketball, football, soccer, whatever it is. I’m happy for both schools. It was a great crowd. I’m happy for Vance too because the better Vance is that makes everyone else better. It was an outstanding atmosphere tonight, and I’m happy for the community and the rivalry.” Mallard Creek coach Johnson on the rivalry with Vance.

RECORDS: Mallard Creek (10-0, 4-0), Vance (6-2, 2-1)

WHAT’S NEXT: Vance will host Hickory Ridge Monday at 5:30 p.m. while Mallard Creek will host Concord First Assembly Academy Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.

This story was originally published December 18, 2015 at 10:49 PM with the headline "Mallard Creek girls stays unbeaten with 68-40 win over rival Vance."