Cape Fear Keeps Rolling Towards the Region Tournament

Zachary James - Sea Devil Student Journalist

WILMINGTON, NC - After three straight losses at home the Sea Devils walked out of the Schwartz Center Friday night with a much needed win. With team work and defensive commitment Cape Fear Community College Sea Devils (12-15, 3-8) beat the Denmark Tech Panthers (4-12), 74-58.

Throughout the first half of action, Denmark Tech stayed close with Cape Fear. The Sea Devils were not able to get into rhythm due to the fast paced press defense the Panthers were displaying. A huge contributor to the Sea Devils offense was sophomore point guard Rakeem Wilson. Wilson's talent was on full display, leaving defenders in the dust with his quick ball movement and body control in the lane. Wilson scored a team high 14 points often showing off his passing ability by driving to the basket and dishing it out to the open shooter.

The Sea Devils stormed out of the gates in the second half and were ready to finish off the Panthers. The Sea Devils found the rhythm they lacked in the first half by making some changes at halftime. "We picked up defensively and made an adjustment by starting Terrance Hampton who's been hurt for the past month. I thought he (Hampton) gave us a big lift. Kids just stepped up and made plays when they needed too, so it was great," Cape Fear head coach, Ryan Mantlo said post game.

This has been a difficult stretch for the Sea Devils, but this team believes they can still make it to Kansas. Winning against the Panthers Friday night will hopefully give the Sea Devils momentum to make a late season run. I asked Coach Mantlo what is one word to describe Friday night's performance he said, "Relieving."

If you want to catch your Cape Fear Community College Sea Devils in action, they will be home vs. Brunswick Community College Wednesday February 29^th. The game time is slated for 7:00 p.m. So come out and support your Sea Devils.