CHINA GROVE — The first loss of the basketball season for the Carson girls probably was also their best game.

The Cougars showed a lot in Saturday afternoon’s 62-58 loss to 4A power North Meck.

“Super-proud of the effort, but the opportunities were certainly there for us to win it,” Carson coach Brooke Stouder said. “We missed 19 shots in close and we missed five free throws.”

After an even first quarter, Carson got overwhelmed in the second quarter. The Cougars trailed 34-21 when Stouder used a timeout.

“The game was going to go in one of two directions,” Stouder said. “It was going to get completely away from us or we were going to dig in our heels and fight back.”

Carson got back to 37-27 at halftime and made a run to start the third quarter when Ellie Wilhelm made two quick 3-pointers.

The Cougars (5-1) caught up in the third quarter.

“It was neck and neck from there,” Stouder said.

Jessica Timmons, a junior guard who is ranked as a top 50 player nationally, scored 33 for North Meck (5-1). She made four 3-pointers.

“She’s really good,” Stouder said. “Lani Isley did draw some charges on her that impacted the game.”

Carleigh Perry played through foul trouble and had 17 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Cougars.

Maci Cooper made four 3-pointers and scored 16. Taylor Conrad had five rebounds.

“You want to win them all, but there’s no doubt that playing this game made us better,” Stouder said. “We’ll learn from the experience.”

Carson hosts A.L. Brown on Tuesday.

NORTH MECK (62) —  Timmons 33, Dunlap 10, Dunn 9, Smith 8, Jones 2, Poole, Harris, Farmer, Redfern, Henderson.

CARSON (58) — Ca. Perry 17, Cooper 16, Wilhelm 8, H. Isley 6, Co. Perry 5, Conrad 4, Post 2, L. Isley.

North Meck  16   21   14   11    — 62

Carson           16    11   21  10    — 58