Millbrook boys, girls triumph

RALEIGH -- The biggest uncertainty facing Millbrook going into Wednesday night's game was how hard it would be to beat a conference opponent three times in a season.

The Wildcats showed it's no easy task. Wake Forest-Rolesville gave Millbrook its best challenge yet, but in the end, the Wildcats survived for a 59-51 victory in the second round of the NCHSAA 4A playoffs.

"They knew exactly what we were trying to do," Millbrook guard Karon Blount said. "We just battled."

In a game that was physical from beginning to end, putting up shots sometimes became an adventure for both teams. It was Blount who the best at getting easy looks at the hoop.

He led Millbrook (23-6) with 17 points by attacking the basket and running the floor in transition.

"He was tremendous," forward Robert Brown said. "He hit some big 3-pointers, too. I knew he wanted this game."

Coach Scott McInnes noticed the Cougars (15-10) were playing better defense than in their two previous games.

He was also impressed with Blount's toughness.

"They really defended us," McInnes said. "Karon played through a lot of good and bad. He just kept playing."

Millbrook girls 60, Wakefield 51

Briana Day knew the shot gave Wakefield all the momentum. So did Millbrook coach Chris East.

After playing so well in the first half, the Wildcats let their lead shrink.

Ayauna Morton, a backup guard for Wakefield, banked in a half-court shot at the buzzer to end the third quarter.

"That shot shocked me," Day said.

To start the fourth quarter, Wakefield cut Millbrook's lead to just five points. That was as close as the Wolverines came.

Day was the biggest reason for that. Her performance (16 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks) was highlighted in the fourth quarter.

In less than a minute, Day blocked a shot, stole the ball and made two baskets to give the Wildcats momentum for good.

"When she figures things out she can dominate the game on both ends," said guard Katelyn Mitchell, who had eight points.