Who says a low scoring game can't be exciting

Thursday January 28, 2010

On Thursday night, #5 Apex played host to #6 East Chapel Hill.  The game was moved up a night to avoid the pending inclement weather expected in the Triangle.

The home Cougars and Wildcats are both superbly coached teams that are disciplined at both ends of the floor.  East Chapel Hill coach Ray Hartsfield fields a defense that is stifling whether playing man to man or zone, halfcourt or fullcourt.  David Neal of Apex is known for getting the most out of his personnel at both ends of the floor.

Thursday’s contest was a match of wills.  Who wilt to the other’s defense first?

In the first half, Apex built a lead with major contributions from a pair of seniors.  The opening frame saw Mike Fogg attacking the Wildcat zone,  soften things up for Connor Belicic.  Belicic hit 3 three-pointers in the opening half, scoring 13 of the team’s 23 points. 

After mustering only 7 points in the opening period, the Wildcats ran their offense precisely to finish with 18 total points at halftime.  Bryson Gibson provided a nice spark off the bench for the visitors. 

In the 3^rd, Fogg went back on the attack, despite the ever tightening defense from East Chapel.  Fogg scored 5 of his 9 points in the 3^rd and Belicic nailed another from behind the arc.  Apex forward Adam Dalbo was all over the boards the entire game, lengthening possessions that led to second chance points.  However, things grinded to a halt for Apex in the 4^th.

The Wildcat defense forced 9 second half turnovers which led to a few transition baskets, that left them within a couple of baskets.  Those baskets came in the 4^th when Gibson hit from three twice and Randal Davis got one to go.  East Chapel Hill was within four points on two occasions while limiting Apex field goals. 

The Cougars got their second field goal of the 4^th at 3:06.  Jumpers weren’t falling for Apex, but free throws were.  The hosts hit 11 of 12 from the stripe in the 4^th to hold off East Chapel Hill for the 49-41 victory.

Belicic led all scorers with 22 points.  East Chapel Hill was led by Gibson’s 10 and 9 points from Davis.

Kerry Smith

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