CFNN Reporter Spencer Hales

The first time Cape Fear’s Men’s Basketball team took on Lumberton, it was early in the season, and the Colts were still working out some kinks in their lineup. The Pirates couldn’t miss in that first contest, shooting more than 60% from the floor. The Colts dropped that game 79-52.

Thursday night had a much different feel for the Colts, as they traveled to Lumberton for a rematch with the Pirates, who came into the night tied for first place in the United 8 Conference. The Colts have evolved quite a bit this season in terms of lineup, attitude, and defensive intensity. 

Cape Fear ramped up the intensity and brought home a crucial 62-51 win against the Pirates. This win moves the Colts into a tie for 2nd place in the U8 Conference.

“The first time we played them it was the first conference game of the year,” said Coach Kee. “Our hope has been to improve daily. We had two key players who did not play in the first game (Mekhai Coleman and Xavier Johnson). All of the factors in that game were different. As for our play, we focused on the small things: defending, rebounding, energy and discipline,” Kee added.

Jeremiah Melvin was absolutely on fire from the start. The sophomore forward chipped in 12 points and hauled in a whopping 14 rebounds that night. The Pirates had no answer for the agile 6’4” big man. 

Cape Fear came into this game as a heavy underdog after their previous loss to the Pirates at the beginning of the season. Lumberton also came into the game riding a seven game win streak. They even beat 71st last Tuesday, who is ranked first in the conference.

Regardless of Lumberton’s record, Nothing could stop the Colts from dominating the Pirates. Expectations for the Colts remain high in the locker room and in the school. Cape Fear is eyeing another deep playoff run, and things seem to be clicking at the right time. The key to the run has been defense. The Colts have ramped up the intensity consistently since the holiday break. It seems to be the theme for the team.

The Colts have been very close to unstoppable since the holiday break, winning 11 of their last 13 games. It has truly been a team effort to succeed. Several players have stepped up and shown what they can really do when they play together.

“The key to beating any opponent has been playing as a team and knowing that we are trying to move up in the conference standings every time we take the floor,” said sophomore guard Mekhai Coleman. “Day by day, we have to come to play. The opponent doesn’t matter. We have to come out to play hard every time out.”

Cape Fear came out strong and ended the Pirate’s streak while adding to their own, proving what they’re capable of when they put it all together.

Come out and support Cape Fear as they take on the Grays Creek Bears in the Final game of the regular season. It is a home game and it is Senior Night, so put on your CAMO and come cheer them on!