Dec 26, 2012
Myers Park's India Timpton (22) goes up for the shot as East Wake's S. Morrison tries to block in the HighSchoolOT.com Holiday Invitational Wednesday night at Cary Academy (photo by Wes Hight).
Final -- Myers Park 65, East Wake 60: Behind 15 second half points -- nine of which came in the final quarter -- by Tianna Knuckles, East Wake stormed back to give Myers Park a scare. The Mustangs staved off the comeback, though, and held on for a five-point win.
East Wake took advantage of the Mustangs' foul trouble, both converting at the line and forcing them to call off their press. Without as much pressure bringing the ball into the frontcourt, Knuckles had enough room to operate and exert herself on offense.
The five-point final deficit was the closest East Wake ever got, although it won the final quarter 29-15. Aliyah Myczak netted nine fourth-quarter points, finishing with 21 for the game, and steadied the Mustangs down the stretch.
Third Quarter -- Myers Park 50, East Wake 31: Myers Park continues to hammer away at East Wake, extending its lead to 22 at one point. East Wake went on a mini-run near the end of the quarter to bring the deficit within 20.
It was more of the same that worked for the Mustangs out of halftime. Saadia Timpton (13 points) scored a couple more baskets, and Aliyah Mazyck netted two more 3-pointers to bring her daily total to 12 points.
East Wake's Tianna Knuckles found her offense in the third quarter, scoring six points and leading a late-quarter charge that kept Myers Park from turning the contest into a rout.
Halftime -- Myers Park 32, East Wake 14: The Mustangs continue to pour it on against East Wake, taking a 32-14 lead into halftime. A pair of Aliyah Mazyck 3-pointers early in the second quarter pushed Myers Park's lead into double-digits, where it's since stayed.
Saadia Timpton leads all scorers with nine points. Seven different Mustangs have scored, proving their depth across the board.
East Wake's Ciera Williams, with five points, is trying to keep the Warriors in pace, but several missed free throws by the Warriors have hurt their comeback chances.
Myers Park has had very few turnovers and continues to own the glass -- East Wake only has three rebounds so far.
First Quarter -- Myers Park 14, East Wake 5: Myers Park is having its way with East Wake through one quarter of play, holding a 14-5 advantage at the first break. Saadia Timpton leads a balanced Mustang attack with five points.
It took more than half the quarter for East Wake to register its first field goal. Sophomore guard Ciera Williams has both field goals for four points.
Myers Park has owned the glass, and its 3/4 court press has resulted in a couple of quick turnovers.
Pregame: In the final game of the first round of the HighSchoolOT.com Holiday Invitational Mix 101.5 bracket, East Wake (5-2, 2-0 Greater Neuse) squares off against Charlotte Myers Park (8-0).
The Warriors are making their third Holiday Invitational appearance -- their first since 2001 -- and are led by UNC Asheville commit Tianna Knuckles. Knuckles averaged nearly 14 points per contest last season.
Myers Park is the reigning Holiday Invitational champion. The Mustangs were undefeated last season before falling in the regional final of the state playoffs. Guards Saadia Timpton and Aliyah Mazyck, along with forwards Rydeiah Rogers and India Timpton, all returned to Myers Park this year to make the Mustangs one of North Carolina's most formidable teams.
The winner will face Dudley in the semifinal tomorrow at 3 p.m. The loser will play Rocky Mount tomorrow at noon.
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