The Wing Man Report: Week 9

<p>As we begin the second half of the high school basketball season in North Carolina, here's a look at the latest developments in the Week 9 Wing Man Report.</p> <h5>North Mecklenburg continues to roll</h5> <p>In Charlotte, the North Mecklenburg Vikings got a big I-Meck win under their belt 95-55 over the Vance Cougars behind 24 points from <strong>Tristan Maxwell</strong> (Georgia Tech), 20 points, six assists and four rebounds from <strong>Trayden Williams</strong> (Robert Morris) and 14 points and nine rebounds from 2022 forward <strong>Jeremy Gregory</strong>, who also held 2022 <strong>Daniel Sanford </strong>to just two points. The Vikings are 15-1 on the season and 6-0 in conference action with one loss to an out-of-state opponent. So far, they've shown they're a contender in the 4A State Title picture.</p> <h5>Clayton defeats Cleveland in the Greater Neuse</h5> <p>The Clayton Comets jumped out to an early 23-7 lead against the Cleveland Rams and cruised to a 73-56 victory over their rivals. Unsigned senior guard <strong>Mason Rusch</strong> poured in 22 points for the Comets while seniors <strong>Joquan Ross</strong> and <strong>Elijah Sanders</strong> chipped in with 15 points and nine points, respectively. They're 2-0 so far in conference play with Tuesday night's victory.</p> <h5>Wakefield falls to Heritage in NAC-6 action</h5> <p>Last year's Northern Athletic winner Wakefield lost their first game in conference action to the Heritage Huskies on Tuesday night 56-39. 2021 duo <strong>Lucas Taylor</strong> and <strong>Red Dunton</strong> combined for 41 of the Huskies' 56 points to power their squad to a big win in Northern Athletic Conference action. Dunton also finished with 10 rebounds in the contest. The Huskies remain the lone undefeated team in conference play now at 2-0.</p> <h5>Friday holds a big slate of conference games</h5> <h6>Greenfield School (21-4) vs. Wayne Country Day School (19-3)</h6> <p>The Knights will host the Chargers in a big conference matchup for both teams. Both squads have been on their own respective win streaks entering Friday's meeting. Greenfield School has won six straight games while Wayne Country Day has won five straight heading into the contest. Greenfield is 4-0 in conference action while Wayne Country Day is 3-0. This game could have huge implications in the NCISAA Coastal Plain standings by season's end. <strong>Dji Bailey </strong>and company will look to defend homecourt against <strong>Jaden Cooper </strong>and a number of solid prospects.</p> <h6>Garner Magnet (13-4) vs. Apex Friendship (14-3)</h6> <p>In a matchup of South Wake Athletic Conference foes, the Trojans and Patriots square off in what should be an exciting game. Garner won the first meeting 91-77 back on Dec. 13 and is coming off a convincing victory over Middle Creek on Tuesday night. The Patriots are riding a 5-game winning streak and are 4-2 in conference play. <strong>Nick Farrar</strong> will have to bring his A-game against a scrappy defensive bunch.</p> <h6>Bunn (9-5) vs. Granville Central (12-3)</h6> <p>In Northern Carolina Conference action, the Bunn Wildcats will travel to Stem to face the Granville Central Panthers. The Wildcats are 3-1 in conference play so far with a loss to South Granville, but they aren't a team to be taken lightly by Granville Central. They already beat Louisburg in overtime. <strong>Terence Harcum Jr. </strong>and <strong>Jamari Mann </strong>will need to have big games but also get their supporting cast going. </p> <h6>Jordan (7-8) vs. Athens Drive (7-8)</h6> <p>Two teams jockeying for position in the Triangle 8 Conference in Jordan and Athens Drive square off. The Falcons enter the contest with a 3-4 record and a slew of youth in the stable while the Jaguars are at 2-4 with a number of seniors starring for them led by <strong>A.J. Thompson.</strong></p>