Location: Joe & Barbara Schwartz Center - Downtown Wilmington, NC
Updated Record: 3-1
The CFCC Men's Basketball team took the court for the first time in their home arena this season to compete in the Cape Fear Classic this weekend. Coming off 1-1 road play last week in the Senators Tipoff Classic, the Sea Devils were able to hone in on some key takeaways from the past weekend and finished the Classic 2-0. The team's quick adjustments and coachability were showcased throughout the weekend as the Sea Devils' teamwork and comradery were on full display in the Schwartz Center on Friday and Saturday.
Friday, November 12th vs. College of Southern Maryland
Score: CFCC - 105, Southern Maryland - 76
In Short: The Sea Devils kicked off the Cape Fear Classic with energetic and dynamic play that ultimately set a winning tone for the rest of their weekend at home.
Highlights:
"We came out with tremendous energy," recalled Head Coach Mark Lane. "Foot on the gas from the very beginning. We fed off of the crowd - which is what it's all about." The Sea Devils kicked off the Cape Fear Classic ready to prove themselves and showcase what their team is capable of on their home court in front of their home fans. Their team chemistry right out of the gate shined through as they moved the ball quickly, but with intention as they distributed along the perimeter until they found the right moments to attack. Freshman and Wilmington native Ja'Juan Carr lead the charge in locking down the Hawks on defense, while also proving to be a force to be reckoned with both in the paint and on the outside offensively. While the Sea Devils became somewhat complacent in their lead towards the end of the first half, they returned to the floor with the same energy they began with and kept increasing their lead through the very end.
Coming out strong in the second half, the Sea Devils were able to set each other up for success and extended their lead tremendously due to their selflessness throughout. Freshman Jakob Moore and Akhiris Holden both capitalized on key breakdowns in the Hawks' offense numerous times to aggressively take charge on offense and lengthen the team's lead. The Sea Devils kept pushing throughout the second half and ended their matchup with a solid win over Southern Maryland for their first home game of the season.
"[it was a] total team effort," said Coach Lane. "Proud of how we started and how we finished."
Saturday, November 13th vs. CCBC Dundalk
Score: CFCC 74, CCBC Dundalk 53
In Short: The Sea Devils managed to persevere in the face of adversity and make quick corrections moving into the second half to claim victory over the Lions.
Highlights:
Though the Sea Devils struggled to find their rhythm at first, they managed to string together enough solid defensive stops and key attacking moments to keep the CCBC Dundalk Lions at bay moving through the first half. It took a fair amount of defensive communication and decisive decision-making by the Sea Devils to keep the Lions honest throughout. A key turning point for the Sea Devils occurred when they were able to sync up with each other in the final minutes in the first half to move the ball quickly and end the half with a made basket. After finishing the half on a high note, the team regrouped and returned to the floor locked in and ready to finish the game strong.
The Sea Devils' play execution improved as the team began to feel much more comfortable throughout the second half. The team showcased their depth in the second half as players like Freshman Paul Jackson came off of the bench with great energy and skill to assist their teammates on the floor. "He went in there for two games and played his tail off," remarked Coach Mark Lane. Overall, the Sea Devils adjusted accordingly and finished the weekend with two great wins as they prepare for their next few away matchups this week.
"Happy with the team's effort [today]," as Coach Lane concluded. "Shoutout to the home crowds - they played a huge part in both games. Hopefully we can continue that throughout the season."
Up Next: The Sea Devils will travel to Sanford, NC as they take on Central Carolina Community College on Tuesday, November 16th at 7 PM.
