5 Key Questions After Watching Mallard Creek Defeat Rocky River

Last night Mallard Creek of Charlotte, NC rode into the Rock to play Rocky River also of Charlotte, NC. The venue was packed as most wanted to see the Mallard Creek team put on a show. Well, they did put on a show but it took a few quarters for them to complete the final act. The game was surprisingly tight early as Mallard Creek seemed to go through the motions and a game Rocky River team, with just 7 players kept things very close. The score was tied 21-21 at the half which was a major surprise. Rocky River coach Amber Neely had to be pleased with the effort and execution of her team as they fought to keep it close early. I'm sure at the half Mallard Creek coach Clarence Johnson encouraged his team to step it up a notch in preparation for the 3rd. Whatever coach Johnson said at halftime worked as Mallard Creek picked up the intensity and made plays to gain a lead of 41-31 at the end of the 3rd. Mallard Creek eventually pulled away in the 4rth and won 62-32. Mallard Creek Freshman guard Samyah Suffern increased the intensity by getting steals and making deflections in efforts to create easy points for her team. Mallard Creek senior Hali Doctor made her presence felt by getting some looks on the block and making the defense pay with some sneaky post moves. Senior Lauren Walker showed leadership by staying aggressive and keeping the ship afloat while the game was close. Overall, a quality win for Mallard Creek but the matchup led me to ask 5 key questions! &nbsp; <strong>What will it take for Mallard Creek to win the state title this year?</strong> I think in order for Mallard Creek to win the state title this year they will have to get consistent play from senior guards Lauren Walker and Neveah Brown. Naturally, Doctor and Suffern will make plays and dominate in spots while getting most of the headlines. However, the key will be Walker and her ability to hit some perimeter shots and Brown picking her moments to make plays on the offensive end by breaking down defenses and scoring the ball.. If those two can be consistent, Mallard Creek will have a shot at the state title. Collectively, on the defensive end, all 5 players on the floor must crash the glass as they aren't a very tall team. <strong>What is Rocky River missing?</strong> Rocky River played with a great deal of heart. I was really impressed with their effort and ability to stay in the moment. The main issue is lack of depth. With just 7 players its hard to maintain over 4 quarters. Unfortunately, they will probably have just 7 players and will have to work with what they have. However again, the effort is there and that accounts for a lot. <strong>How do you stop Hali Doctor?</strong> What I like about Doctor is that she has decent hands and a great feel around the basket. It will be interesting to see Mallard Creek in a competitive game to see how she is used. Mallard Creek has a great deal of talent but I think if Doctor could post up a little, she would wear people out. I think you stop Doctor by always keeping a body on her in rebounding position or fronting her on the block. Equally as important, I think you make her work on the defensive end in efforts to tire her out. In the end, she is a handful and if she gets the ball on the post or anywhere around the basket, she is going to be a problem. You can also tell she understands her role and understands the game. <strong>How good is Samyah Suffern?</strong> Samyah Suffern is an amazing talent to be a freshman point guard! What I saw last night was poise and confidence. She has the ability to create offense off the dribble and although she didn't hit many jumpers last night, she is fearless in taking them which means they will and can fall for her. She sparked the 3rd quarter rally last night with steals and deflections  which led to easy baskets. Naturally, you want to see that effort the whole game but on the contrary it is good to see a player take over when needed. Suffern is very good and has the potential to do great things this year and the next three years. I would love to see her match up with Providence junior Nyla McGill at some point this season. <strong>What is the best attribute of Mallard Creek?</strong> From what I saw last night Mallard Creek does a great job of trying to cause havoc by playing aggressive defense. They get deflections and play passing lanes which creates points. When they play a tougher team who can possibly handle that pressure will spark other questions about the defense. In the end, the ability to create havoc on the perimeter and create easy offense appears to be if not their best attribute, one of their best attributes. &nbsp; &nbsp;