CFNN Reporter Anna Kate Smith

After a long winter break, the Cape Fear boys basketball team returned to the court in a tough and close game against the South View Tigers. The Colts’ first game back brought them to Hope Mills on January 6. The team was eager to compete and ready to take the court.

The Tigers jumped out to an early lead, ending the first quarter ahead 16–11. The Colts persevered and continued to leave it all on the court to keep the game close going into the 2nd.

The second quarter was more intense, with nonstop back-and-forth scoring between the teams. The Colts scored 10 more points, while South View closed the quarter with 14. This kept the game close, with a total score of 30–21 at halftime.

Going into the third quarter, the boys did not give up. The Colts refused to back down and kept battling no matter the score. With strategic defense and dynamic offense, Cape Fear earned 15 points while South View added only 13. This brought the score to 43–36, with the Tigers still in the lead.

In the final quarter, the boys gave relentless effort, making quick and smart decisions as the clock wound down. The crowd erupted as the score grew closer and the game became more intense. In the final seconds, South View secured the win with a final score of 55–53.

“I think we did well getting the score up, passing the ball, and being good teammates, but we could have done better with rebounds and boxing out. At practice, we can work on the things we need to improve on to hopefully come back stronger,” said senior forward Chosen Wynn.

While the Colts look much improved after the break, there are still things the boys want to fix in order to get where they want to be in the future.

“We need to work on our communication as a team. At practice, we will strive to work hard on moving the ball and going through our plays to hopefully get the result the team wants in the next game,” said sophomore guard Tres Daughtry.

While this game did not end as the Colts had hoped, they will use the loss as a learning experience moving forward. Cape Fear will hopefully bounce back for their next two games this week, facing Overhills on Thursday, January 8, and Douglas Byrd on Friday, January 9. 

With the same determination and effort shown from start to finish, the Colts remain focused on improvement and growth. Despite the close loss, their effort was evident, and they will continue to leave it all on the court this season.