Mallory Conner couldn’t recall her exact age when it happened, but she knew it helped shape her future career.

“When I was young and just starting out, there was a tournament when I played a pair of twins,” recalled Conner. “I sensed that they were cheating, and they were also getting help from the ref. I knew something was wrong, but I couldn’t totally prove it.

“That really helped me focus on my game even more, and motivated me even further.”

From there, Conner has stayed the course, and it’s paid plenty of dividends for her.

It has been about her continued mantra that has involved character, determination and humility among some other qualities.

The Northwestern junior advanced to the District 11 Class 2A final for the second consecutive year and capped another strong high school season, as she was honored with her second straight Times News/Lehigh Valley Health Network Girls Tennis Player of the Year Award.

Allentown Central Catholic’s Bernadette Gasser downed Conner 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, in the final. Last season, Conner lost to Moravian Academy’s Francesca Bartolacci, 6-4, 6-0.

“It was a good match like it was last year,” said Conner about the district final. “I knew I had to be on the top of my game, and she took me deep into the match.

“I felt like I did everything that I could.”

That’s how it’s been for Conner, who picked up a racket at the age of 5 and attended a summer camp soon afterward. Conner won her first tournament at the age of 10, and had found a sport for her future.

In her early stages, Conner met Brian Bleam — who is the director of racquets at Brookside Country Club. The two developed a player-coach relationship that has developed and blossomed.

Bleam has witnessed Conner evolve through various stages, recently one that has increased her strength. According to a release from the National Scouting Report, Conner is ranked No. 11 in Pennsylvania, and No. 88 in the Mid-Atlantic region.

“Mallory has become physically stronger over the last year, and that has helped with her serves,” said Bleam. “When her serves are on, she has the ability to take control of the match.

“We have been working on perfecting what I call a ‘super slice’ that is designed to pull her opponents off the court. She has improved her backhand and forehand slice shot. Combining those shots with her topspin has proven to be a good tactic designed to keep her opponents off balance.”

Conner has recognized her increase in strength, but hasn’t deviated from one of her staples to success.

“I also know that the mental side is very important, especially when you’re playing singles” she stressed. “It’s simply you against them. I always try to maintain a fighting spirit even when I am not at the top of my game.

“Taking the match point-by-point and focusing on what I can control has helped my success.”

Her cornerstones haven’t been derailed being Northwestern’s lone school representative.

In fact, she has relished her position representing the school and herself in tournaments. Her tournament travel itinerary has taken her along the Eastern seaboard and down South. Conner frequents Easton’s Northwood Racquet Club for workouts and camps.

“I like being a lone wolf,” said Conner. “Being on my own isn’t anything new to me. I started training and playing when I was very young, and I was on my own. I do think about what it might be like on a high school team, but I like where I am right now.”

Bleam believes Conner being a member of the Tigers’ girls basketball team has aided her game. Conner also is a member of the school’s track team, and holds a 4.0 grade point average, placing her among the top 10 students academically in her class.

“Her movement on the court also was better this year,” said Bleam. “I think playing basketball has helped with her speed and agility.”

Conner has begun her college search, and the early indications have taken her outside of the Lehigh Valley.

She’s leaning toward a career in business and sports management.

“I have a few school talking to me right now,” said Conner. “I’m not really looking in the state, and I’d rather be a little further away. I have some visits planned for the spring.”

However, there is still the matter of netting a district title next year.

“I’ve been there a few times, and I know what to expect,” said Conner. “I want to have a good offseason, and do whatever I can for my final year.”

Bleam sees his pupil ready for a higher grade.

“I expect Mallory can raise her game even higher,” boasted Bleam. “For 2025, we want to focus on mentally staying sharp and getting more explosive in the court.”

For Conner, it shouldn’t be a problem.