Millbrook opens the 2017-18 regular season this evening at home against longtime non-conference foe, Apex. Below is all that you need to know about the contest.
Location: Millbrook HS
Time: 6:30 PM (Junior Varsity at 5:00 PM)
Admission: $5
Theme: "Jersey Out"
Head-to-Head: Tuesday night will mark the 45th lifetime meeting between these two schools. Millbrook has a record of 32-12, including wins in its last four games against the Cougars. Last season, Patrick Dorsey rattled off 27 points which included a 6-of-10 showing from beyond the arc as Millbrook won at Apex, 69-54. Current senior, Jabari Brown was the only other Wildcat to register double-figures in points as he dropped in 12. Apex returns Chavis Coachman who tallied 13 in the loss last season.
Last time Apex paid visit to the Wildcat Gymnasium, Trejon Jacob sunk two free throws with 1.4 seconds left in regulation to secure a thrilling 75-74 victory in the NCHSAA 4A Sectional Finals. Apex lead after three quarters only to see Millbrook take the lead on a pair of late Jordan Whitfield baskets. Eric Fox put the Cougars ahead, 74-73 with a corner three in the final seconds of regulation, but Whitfield charged down court and found a cutting Jacob who would be fouled and sent to the line. The Wildcats would snuff out a desperation heave at the horn to advance to its third consecutive regional berth.
What To Watch For: Millbrook comes off of its 21st consecutive playoff appearance with a new head coach for the first time since 2000. Christopher Davis brings 16 years of coaching at Millbrook to the sideline along with eight players who will be new to the varsity level.
Behind The Numbers: Millbrook is 7-3 in its last ten opening games. The Wildcats have won seven straight season openers, and six straight home openers. Millbrook's last opening night loss came at the hands of Knightdale on November 17th, 2009.
Returners:
#2 Jabari Brown
#4 Collin Lewis
#14 Graham Watkins
#24 Adrian Scarborough
#30 Bradley Barnes
Newcomers: #5 Phillip Burwell*
#10 Isaiah Lewis*
#20 Colin Davis
#21 Nolan Dorsey*
#22 Matthew McIntyre
#23 Jai McRae*
#33 Sam Hood*
#34 William Felton
*- played on Junior Varsity last season
Live game updates can be found online or on your mobile device through our Twitter, @MillbrookMBB. If you're at the game, log on to Snapchat and use our exclusive gameday filter, and don't forget to follow the Wildcats on Instagram for all things Millbrook Basketball before and after the game.