Basketball Recap: Apex Comes Up Short

Apex was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their third straight loss. 2025 welcomed they with a 70-47 loss courtesy of the Knightdale Knights. The result was an unpleasant reminder to the Cougars of the 83-69 defeat they experienced in the pair's previous head-to-head fixture back in March of 2015.

When it comes to explaining why Apex lost, don't look at Sandeep Cheekati. Despite the final result, he went 7 of 14 en route to 15 points and eight rebounds. Those 15 points gave Cheekati a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Isaiah Scott, who posted two points in addition to six assists, five boards, and three steals.

Knightdale's win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Isaiah Green, who went 8 of 17 on his way to 19 points along with six assists and five steals. Green has been hot for a while, having posted two or more steals the last 39 times he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Xavier Longe, who went 5 of 8 on his way to 13 points and three steals.

Apex's loss dropped their record down to 2-11. As for Knightdale, they pushed their record up to 8-5 with the victory, which was their seventh straight at home dating back to last season.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Apex will take on Apex Friendship at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. One thing working in Apex Friendship's favor is that they have posted at least 55 points in their last 12 contests. As for Knightdale, they will host Wake Forest at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.