South Wake Athletic Conference Power Rankings: Second Edition

<p>The South Wake Athletic Conference still has a few surprises at the top. Here's a look at the second edition of the power rankings.</p> <h5>1. Middle Creek Mustangs (4-1)</h5> <h6>Last Rank: 1st (↔)</h6> <p>The Middle Creek Mustangs took their first loss in South Wake Athletic Conference on Jan. 10 with a 49-47 loss to Fuquay-Varina. They're still in good shape at 4-1 but they can't afford too many more losses if they hope to stay on top. Juniors <strong>Tharius Suggs </strong>and <strong>Sam Perez </strong>lead the way with 16.9 points and 16.3 points per contest respectively. Up next for Middle Creek: Garner Magnet on Jan. 14 and Holly Springs on Jan. 17. </p> <h5>2. Garner Magnet Trojans (4-1)</h5> <h6>Last Rank: 2nd (↔)</h6> <p>Garner Magnet is another team that's 4-1 in the SWAC. They got a 3-point victory over Holly Springs on Jan. 10 but they're also a squad that's taken a loss to Fuquay-Varina. Senior guards <strong>Chris Nobles </strong>and <strong>Daveon Dunn </strong>should be ready to make a run. The Trojans have a big meeting on Jan. 14 with Middle Creek</p> <h5>3. Fuquay-Varina Bengals (3-2)</h5> <h6>Last Rank: 5th (↑2)</h6> <p>Fuquay-Varina has been a surprise in the South Wake Athletic Conference. The Bengals upset the Mustangs last week to get their third win in conference play. With two wins in a row, they're on a roll at a key time of the season. Junior <strong>Ryan Maslow </strong>is performing well with 14.6 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. Fuquay-Varina will host Apex on Jan. 14.</p> <h5>4. Apex Friendship Patriots (3-2)</h5> <h6>Last Rank: 3rd (↓1)</h6> <p>The Apex Friendship Patriots have climbed out of their own way since starting 1-2 in conference play. They've won five games in a row, not including conference games, while getting a win over Apex on Jan. 10 in SWAC action. <strong>Nick Farrar </strong>and company are in good shape to make a run at the conference crown. They've got South Garner (Jan. 14) and Garner Magnet (Jan. 17) this week. </p> <h5>5. Holly Springs Golden Hawks (3-3)</h5> <p>Last Rank: 4th (↔)</p> <p>The Golden Hawks have gone 1-1 since the first edition of power rankings were released. With <strong>Kaleb Scott </strong>and <strong>Dante Kiesenhofer </strong>in the frontcourt, they've been decent but without <strong>Marcus Elliott,</strong> their backcourt has struggled a bit. They've got Middle Creek on Jan. 17.</p> <h5>6. Apex Cougars (1-4)</h5> <h6>Last Rank: 6th (↔)</h6> <p>The Apex Cougars have lost two games in a row since the first edition of the SWAC power rankings. They've lost six games in a row since their last victory on Jan. 6 but remain a competitive bunch. This week, they're on the road against Fuquay-Varina (Jan. 14) and South Garner (Jan. 17). </p> <h5>7. South Garners Titans (0-5)</h5> <h6>Last Rank: 7th (↔)</h6> <p>The South Garner Titans are winless in SWAC play as the midway point of conference play approaches. Their youth and inexperience has been an issue this season but eventually, they'll need to find their competitive spirit and get some wins.</p>