The Willow Spring Storm are still undefeated this season after their game against the Apex Friendship Patriots on Tuesday, but the Apex Friendship Patriots came as close as anyone has to beating them. Willow Spring narrowly escaped with a victory as the squad sidled past Apex Friendship 59-57. Given Willow Spring's advantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 20th, while Apex Friendship is ranked 84th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Willow Spring's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Kayleen Grullon led the charge by dropping a double-double on 19 points and ten rebounds. That makes it four consecutive games in which Grullon has scored at least 25% of Willow Spring's points. Korin Gladden was another key contributor, scoring 14 points along with three steals.
Despite the loss, Apex Friendship still got an impressive performance from Jasmine Nivar, who dropped a double-double on 33 points and 12 rebounds. The contest was Nivar's third in a row with at least ten points. Another player making a difference was Avery Kiger, who scored a points along with seven rebounds and three steals.
Willow Spring's victory was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 6-0. As for Apex Friendship, their loss dropped their record down to 2-1.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Willow Spring will take on Fuquay - Varina at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Fuquay - Varina is coming into the match on a five-game losing streak. Apex Friendship's road trip will continue as they head out to face East Chapel Hill at 7:00 p.m. on December 8th.
