The Imps went on to win their next three games, including a big victory over Tri-Nine conference rival Middle Creek.

Unfortunately for the Imps (5-3 overall, 4-1 Tri-Nine), they ran into a buzzsaw in the form of a tenacious Broughton defense on Wednesday, and were unable to make it four in a row.

Broughton jumped out on Cary in the opening period and ultimately defeated the Imps 59-43.

Steven Bajorek led Cary with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while guard Elijah Bryant added 10 points.

The Broughton defense forced Cary into 15-of-42 shooting and 22 turnovers, a much different outcome than the Imps had become used to during the past three contests.

“We knew they were good at the guard position and could get out and run,” said Cary assistant coach Brian Pendergraft. “Broughton has always played fabulous man-to-man defense and to have five starters who can take their man off the dribble is impressive… 22 turnovers and just nine assists is not the way to win.”

Pendergraft, filling in for head coach Allan Gustafson, who was ill, said the Imps made a key adjustment since the Garner game that had led to some success.

Cary inserted guard Jordan Oliver into the starting lineup, allowing for a three-guard unit that also includes Bryant and Luke Akinsola.

It has allowed them to play quick against Middle Creek and Lee County, but against Cap guards Chris Corchiani Jr., Devonte Graham and Andrew Ocampo that advantage was neutralized.

Corchiani (10 points, seven assists), the son of N.C. State’s all-time leader in assists, controlled the game with his decision making, allowing for a balanced Broughton attack.

Graham led the winners with 13 points, while Ocampo and Zach Palmer chipped in 10 apiece.

Cary trailed 30-18 at halftime and never came any closer than 11 points during the second half. A Bajorek put-back trimmed Broughton’s lead to 47-36 midway through the final period, but Corchiani made a no-look pass to Ocampo and the Imps were never within reach again.

It was a rare varsity doubleheader for Cary.

In the girls game that started the night’s action, Whitney Coleman (14 points) and Azura Stevens (11) led the Cary to a come-from-behind 45-41 victory over the Lady Capitals, extending the Lady Imps winning streak to seven games.

The Imps trailed 18-10 at halftime but back to back 3s from Caroline Abashian jump-started Cary’s second-half rally.

“Broughton is the first team to do a really good job on us inside,” said Imp coach Donald Kent, whose team is 4-1 in the conference. “They forced us to hit the outside shots and Caroline really got us going with those 3s.”