Two dominant guards in Jordan Mele and Kennedy Moore are getting ready to go toe-to-toe. The Apex Cougars will wrap up 2025 with a road trip to face off against the Pinecrest Patriots at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Pinecrest took a loss in their last matchup and will be looking to turn the tables on Apex, who comes in off a win.
Apex took a 24-point loss the last time they faced off against Athens Drive, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Cougars skirted past the Jaguars 52-49. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Cougars have posted since November 19th.
Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Apex to victory, but perhaps none more so than Grace Honsberger, who almost dropped a double-double with nine points and ten rebounds. Ella DeGrow was another key player, putting up eight points along with seven boards and three blocks.
Meanwhile, Pinecrest played a tough contest on Friday in which they were outscored in every quarter. They took a blow against Mallard Creek, falling 66-36. While losing is never fun, the Patriots can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 197th, while the Mavericks are ranked fifth).
Apex will have to contain Nia Berrien as she made an impact in Pinecrest's last game. She posted six points.
Pinecrest has traveled a rocky road recently, having lost three of their last four games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 4-5 record this season. As for Apex, their record is now 8-2.
Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Apex has been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 33.3 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Pinecrest struggles in that department as they've been averaging 30.2 boards. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge.
Apex came up short against Pinecrest when the teams last played back in November of 2024, falling 46-33. Can the Cougars avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
