Cary’s big second half propels it by Apex boys basketball

Wins at Apex High have been hard to come by in recents years for Cary’s boys basketball team. But this year’s Imps are unfazed by that.

They’re unfazed by a lot, said coach Allan Gustafson.

The Imps didn’t let the ups and downs of a rivalry game – or anything about previous attempts to win at Apex – get to them in a 63-51 win Friday night to push Cary to 6-0 on the season. That included some first-half struggles.

“The nice thing about this team is there was no sign of panic, no sign of frustration; a really workman-like team,” Gustafson said. “We’ve got three guys in particular who ... don’t suffer the ups and downs of a basketball game.”

Turning point

Apex (3-3, 1-1) used a 2-3 zone to throw Cary off in the first half, but the Imps have enough weapons this year to eventually chip away at it.

Cary (6-0, 2-0) attacked the basket in the third quarter and turned a 29-27 halftime deficit into a 50-41 lead going into the fourth. The final dagger came with 6:22 still to play, when Darrion Burnette hit his first of two 3s – the only shots he took on the night.

They said it

“Cary moves the ball so well when you’re in man. They move the ball really quick in (the flex offense) and it’s not fun to guard,” Apex coach David Neal said. “Our zone gives you a little bit of break from not having to chase your man and constantly moving. We played last night so I knew coming in we were going to mix that in. If we could’ve won the first few minutes of the third quarter we would’ve gone with it the rest of the way, but it just wasn’t our night.”

Three who mattered

Ian Boyd, Apex: The senior had 20 points and seven rebounds.

Cory Gensler, Cary: Twelve of his 18 points came in the second half. Added game-highs in rebounds (12) and blocks (four).

Donte Tatum, Cary: Posted 20 points and eight rebounds.

By the numbers

10: Points by each of Apex’s two Erics, Eric Fox and Eric Field. Eric Field’s 10 points call came in a busy first half.

6: Points that Cary’s Kyle Gensler and Darrion Burnett each scored, all with 3-pointers.

1: Points from Apex’s non-starters.

2: Points from Cary’s non-starters.

This story was originally published December 5, 2015 at 3:44 AM with the headline "Cary’s big second half propels it by Apex boys basketball."