Basketball Recap: Tanaija Patterson's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Cary over Apex Friendship

Cary was the 57-42 winner over Apex Friendship when they last played one another back in February of 2024, but their luck changed this time around. The Cary Imps lost to the Apex Friendship Patriots on the road by a 51-32 margin on Friday. While losing is never fun, the Imps can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 329th, while the Patriots are ranked 56th).

Cary's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Tanaija Patterson, who posted six points and five rebounds. The team also got some help courtesy of Riley Garner, who earned six points.

Apex Friendship had a senior duo take command as Ailani Collazo went 5 for 12 en route to 15 points and six steals and Jasmine Nivar put up 19 points and seven boards. Nivar is crushing it when it comes to points: she's scored at least 16 every time she's taken the court this season. Another player making a difference was Amelia Walls, who scored four points and three steals.

Cary has been struggling recently as they've lost four of their last five games, which put a noticeable dent in their 6-8 record this season. As for Apex Friendship, their win was their fifth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 12-3.

Cary will square off against Panther Creek at 6:00 p.m. on January 24th. Panther Creek will roll in looking for their fourth straight victory, something Cary surely won't give up without a fight. As for Apex Friendship, they wasted no time getting back out on the court and have already played their next match, a 67-34 win against Cardinal Gibbons on the 20th.