After two games on the road, Middle Creek is heading back home. They will take on the Apex Cougars at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. Both teams come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
On Tuesday, Middle Creek was able to grind out a solid victory over Cary, taking the game 44-35. Given Middle Creek's advantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 54th, while Cary is ranked 268th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Middle Creek got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Makiya Denee Mial out in front who scored eight points along with eight rebounds and five steals. Denee Mial hasn't dropped below two steals for three straight games. Another player making a difference was Joi Pergerson, who scored 13 points along with two blocks.
Even though Apex has not done well against Apex Friendship recently (they were 0-9 in their previous nine matchups), they didn't let the past get in their way on Tuesday. Apex secured a 52-46 W over Apex Friendship. The victory was just what Apex needed coming off of a 65-39 loss in their prior match.
Middle Creek's win was their eighth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 18-3. As for Apex, their win bumped their record up to 9-11.
Middle Creek was able to grind out a solid victory over Apex in their previous matchup back in January, winning 43-33. Will Middle Creek repeat their success, or does Apex have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
