Cary slides past Middle Creek, led by four double figure scorers

By: Zack Adams

12/13/17

Cary (6-2) squeaks by former SWAC rival, Middle Creek (1-7) 62-58 Tuesday night. Coach Gus’ Imps were led by four double figure scorers. Junior Jett Fortuny led Cary with 18, scoring nine of those in the opening eight minutes. Leesville transfer, DJ Horne finished with 13 and Philip Blackley added 11 for Cary as well. Tyler Carpenter came off his 29 point performance vs Heritage Friday night with a 15 point game Tuesday in the Imp Dome. Helping Carpenter was Ryan Tanklewicz, who finished with 14. Keeping the Mustangs in the game were ten threes. Middle Creek outscored Cary from long distance 30-12 (10 threes to four). 

As Middle Creek was trying to crawl back into the game, Brandon Kiaku attempted to drive to the basket for two but his shot was partially blocked by DJ Horne. Horne’s blocked shot fell into the hands of Cary’s Jalen Thomas who was then “tackled”, or intentionally fouled by Kiaku, the call being to the displeasure of the Mustang faithful. By the time Kiaku’s shot went up, the Mustangs were only down two, 60-58 so that floater would have tied to game. Thomas got both foul shots to roll in to give the Imps a 62-58 lead. Jalen Thomas finished with 14 for Cary. The two sides will meet again over Holiday break on Dec. 20 at Middle Creek. Tip for that one is set for 6:30.

Middle Creek will return to the court Thursday, Dec. 14 to host Heritage. Cary will host Fuquay-Varina, another former SWAC rival, Friday Dec. 15 at 7:00.