Team Curry-Carolina Flames 17U Standouts: Guards

In a hard fought battle, the Carolina Flames prevailed over Team Curry, 57-41 Friday at the Big Shots Carolina Live in Rock Hill, SC. Here are some standout guards from this physical encounter between two of the states best programs. NC State commit and North Mecklenburg guard [player_tooltip player_id="116872" first="Jessica" last="Timmons"] further proved why she’s #3 in the Prep Girls Hoops NC 2021 rankings. She was the best player on the floor for either side setting the tone early with tenacious defense that led to quick looks in transition. Timmons scores efficiently at all three levels and will be a great addition to the Wolfpack. She finished with 22 points to lead all scorers and should have North Mecklenburg as one of the top contenders in the 4-A West this year. Timmons’ back court running mates are two of the best in their respective classes: [player_tooltip player_id="116890" first="Indya" last="Nivar"] and [player_tooltip player_id="116870" first="Saniya" last="Rivers"]. Nivar, the top prospect in the 2022 NC rankings, showed poise and polish at guard on both ends of the floor. She knocked down a few key baskets when Team Curry was making a push early in the second half. Expect her offer list to grow over the next several months and with her at the helm, Apex Friendship will be one of the top teams in Wake County. Meanwhile, there might not be any superlatives left for Rivers at this point. The South Carolina commit and Gatorade Player of the Year is widely regarded as the top player in North Carolina regardless of class and proved that once again. From her mid-range game to attacking the basket, she got whatever shot she wanted and made some great plays passing the ball as well. Rivers will have the Ashley Eagles right back in the state title mix in 2021. While it was a tough night offensively for Team Curry, their talented group of guards kept them in the game when the Flames jumped out to a big lead. Davidson commit [player_tooltip player_id="116880" first="Mallorie" last="Haines"] is a knockdown three point shooter and she hit a few to keep her team close. Haines paced Team Curry with 13 points and led Davidson Day to their second straight state title last season. They’ll certainly be the favorites to three-peat this year with their 2021 standout back in the lineup. Georgia commit and Cannon standout Reagan Richardson is a complete player who can do a lot of things well. Despite only scoring six points, her presence was felt in this game in a number of ways from her defense to her facilitating. She’ll be a key part of the Cougars NCISAA 4-A title chances once again this season after a final four appearance last year. Hopewell standout Neveah Caldwell was Team Curry’s best all-around performer in this game scoring 10 points. She hit a couple of circus layups and brought a lot of energy to her team when they needed it late in the first half and early in the second. USC Upstate is getting high motor guard that can make plays on and off the ball while also scoring and facilitating out of the pick-and-roll.