Reloaded Cape Fear Academy surging behind Gavin Guion, Canadian newcomers
Jackson Fuller
Wilmington StarNews
It would have been easy to envision the Cape Fear Academy boys basketball team taking a step backward in 2021. The Hurricanes lost three Canadian stars in Georges Lefebvre, Emmanuel Bonsu and Ivan Misic to the college basketball ranks.
But head coach Tony Martin is an experienced program-builder, and Cape Fear Academy is looking like its old self this season.
A mix of savvy veterans and talented newcomers was on full display in Tuesday's 47-30 win over Coastal Christian, and state-title aspirations are starting to become the norm for the Hurricanes.
"I feel like we've earned our respect, and we've built it the right way," Martin said. "We have a sustainable culture, and that's the biggest thing. Pre-Covid, we probably have more than 40 college coaches here."
Gavin Guion is the heart-and-soul of Cape Fear Academy (8-3, 2-0 Coastal Rivers) this season. Guion is a 6-foot-1 point guard who first joined the varsity team as an eighth grader.
With an explosive first step and unrelenting ball-pressure on defense, Guion is one of the area's best players. He scored 13 points and helped Cape Fear Academy force 24 turnovers in Tuesday's win over the Centurions.
Guion finds himself in a new position this year, having to be a leader off the court. The Hurricanes welcomed three new Canadians - Vytas Nausedas, Imran Armstrong and Simeon Jeffers - to the roster this year.
"I've for sure been taking the role of the big brother this year," Guion said. "If anyone needs help on where to be or what we're trying to do, I want to be the person helping them out.
Guion isn't the lone member of the Hurricanes with valuable experience. KJ Kernan, Evan Marinov, Jack McErlean, Caden Bariglio and Chatham Lambiotte all received playing time on last year's team that reached the NCISAA 3A semifinals.
Coach Martin has such a deep roster, he typically plays 11 guys every night. The Hurricanes stay fresh with the constant rotation, and it's allowed them to play some inspired defense this season. Cape Fear Academy has only allowed more than 50 points in one game this season.
"It's all about effort on defense," said Armstrong, who also scored 13 points in Tuesday's win.
"Our skill on defense doesn't really matter. If we put the energy and effort into the defense like we did tonight, we'll be really good."
The Hurricanes' only three losses this season are to a pair of public schools in South Carolina. They are heavy favorites to once again win the Coastal Rivers Conference.
Five years ago, that might have been enough for Cape Fear Academy. Now, with Martin leading the way, the sights are set much higher.
"We're playing these conference games to try and win a conference title, but we have our eyes on the Final Four," Martin said. "We know we're going to be facing some really elite-level teams, and that's the type of competition we want at the end of every season."
Reporter Jackson Fuller can be reached at Jackson.Fuller@StarNewsOnline.com or 910-343-2262.
