The Cary News boys' basketball rankings - 12/21/08 Is it possible to win both your games and still move down in the rankings? Absolutely - just ask Middle Creek, which is now No. 3 on our TCN rankings. I bought into the hype a little too early with the Mustangs. They are a rare breed in Wake County, a public high school with two Division I players in Garrius Adams and Tom Tankelewicz. Even with a loss (that came without some key football players on the roster), I moved them ahead of undefeated Athens Drive, figuring Athens' record was more of a fluke. But after watching both teams this week, I don't see enough of a gap to justify keeping Athens one spot back. These Jags ain't slouches, particularly Josh Davis, who is almost a guaranteed double-double every night out. Middle Creek, although talented, must've racked up more than 20 turnovers in their game with Apex - which won't do them any favors against an Athens team that forced 14 steals against Fuquay-Varina. And as I said last week, 0 < 1. That basic math will keep Athens ahead of Middle Creek for the time being. In fact, if Panther Creek continues its lackluster play (narrowly avoiding upset to Green Hope and beating a young Lee County team by 12), the Jaguars might find themselves at No. 1 soon. Outside of the 2-3 swap, all else is quiet in the TCN rankings. Although it would appear that Cary Christian may need to be moved out of last place soon if they can continue their two-game winning streak. 1. Panther Creek (10-0) Last week: def. Green Hope 52-48, def. Lee County 47-35 2. Athens Drive (10-0) Last week: def. Cary 71-59, def. Fuquay-Varina 62-43 3. Middle Creek (8-1) Last week: def. Apex 74-56, def. Cary 86-66 4. Cary Academy (10-3) Last week: def. Australian School 57-51, def. Kestrel Heights School 67-32, def. Cape Fear Academy 59-53 5. Apex (6-4) Last week: lost to Middle Creek 74-56, def. Green Hope 68-48 6. Green Hope (3-9) Last week: lost to Panther Creek 52-48, lost to Apex 68-48 7. Holly Springs (3-7) Last week: lost to Knightdale 90-68, def. Smithfield-Selma 71-53 8. Cary (1-8) Last week: lost to Athens 71-59, lost to Middle Creek 86-66 9. Cary Christian (3-8) Last week: def. O'Neal School 66-50, def. Lighthouse Homeschool 84-43
