Are you ready for another Game of the Week? This will be the final Game of the Week in the Tri-8 Conference before we move over to the Cap-7 next week. Last week, we covered a major rivalry game in the Tri-8 when Apex traveled to Middle Creek. The game had Conference Title implications, and after Cary lost to Middle Creek on Friday, Apex is in sole possession of first place.

This week's WRAL Game of the Week is just as competitive. Rivals Cary and Green Hope will get together in the Falcons Nest to play for the final time this regular season. Earlier, I asked Coach Gustafson (Cary) some questions - here's what he had to say...

1. Cary has been at the top of the conference all season, but Apex and Middle Creek seem to be getting most of the attention as the two best teams. Do you think Cary is being overlooked?
I think that we have flown under the radar for most of the season, and I think that's been a good thing. It lowers the expectations and reduces the pressure. When people talk about the power teams in the Tri-8, they mention Apex, Middle Creek, and Green Hope. And, for good reason! These are outstanding teams with exceptional talent and excellent coaches.

2. What is it like to be part of a 4-way rivalry between yourself, Apex, Green Hope, and Middle Creek? The players know one another and the schools are relatively close together. Does this have an effect on the game?
The Apex and Green Hope games are always special for us. The students (of both schools) always turn out in full force for these games, always creating an exciting high school basketball environnment. You can always throw out the records of the teams when they play because the games are so emotional and the fans so passionate. These games are a lot of fun!

3. Green Hope has been in position to win almost every game that they have lost. Do you see Green Hope as a threat in the conference and state tournaments? Does Green Hope have the ability to win big games?
No question, Green Hope is an outstanding team. They have a lot of talent, athleticism, size, and depth. I expect them to give any team fits in the conference tournament and state play-offs.

4. Green Hope is known for their defensive play up and down the court. How do you prepare your team for the defense they will see against the Falcons?
We also like to apply pressure defense, so when we practice every day, we work on attacking pressure defense. Green Hope has always been very well-coached in their man-to-man defense, and they always defend us really aggressively. I expect no less when we play them tomorrow night.

5. The Falcons Nest was voted the toughest home court for visitors to play on in the state. Do you think the Falcon Frenzies will have an effect on the game, and could they be intimidating for your players?
It's always difficult to play on the road. I actually think Apex is the most difficult road environment for us because of the close promixity of the fans to the court. The Apex fans are right on top of us, and it's such a small gym, sort of like Cameron Indoor Stadium. However, Green Hope has always done a great job of supporting their teams and winning at Green Hope is always formidable.

6. Your team has already played Green Hope once this season, and you came away with the victory. What was the toughest match-up for your team, and how will you counter that this time around?
We were very fortunate to defeat Green Hope in our first game. They present such difficult match-ups, because of their size and athleticism. I think that Daniel Watts presents a tremendous challenge for us because of his height and improved play from last year. Also, Green Hope has several wide bodies that take up a lot of space under the basket and they present difficult rebounding challenges for us. And, Tavarus Speakes is a special player.

7. Who do you see as the best team in the conference? Is this conference the most competitive conference in the Triangle area?
I think Apex is the best team in the conference. They have beaten Green Hope twice and defeated Middle Creek at Middle Creek last week. They beat us pretty handily over at Apex, too. Yorel Hawkins is a two-time Player-of-the-Year and he's having another phenomenal season and their guards are really steady players. Also, Scott Bedoe is playing very well for them and he gives Apex another dimension -- a big guy who can step out from the basket and knock down the three. However, as much as the Tri-8 is very competitive, I would say the Cap-7 is the toughest league again this year. The reason I say that is TOP to BOTTOM, the Cap-7 is killer. There are no easy wins in that league, and you won't see top-tier teams beating lower-tier teams by 20 and 30 points like you see sometimes in the Tri-8.

8. Martin Stephenson has been critical for your team this season. What type of role will Martin play against Green Hope? Do the Falcons have anyone who is capable of guarding him?
I'm sure Tavares Speakes will defend Martin like he did in the first game. Martin is a very special player for us, and I think a very under-rated player. He does so much for us. He will be counted on again to make plays for us. He gets to the rim so well. We want him to have the ball in tight situations. He possesses such poise and calm on the floor, and he always wants to take that big shot. He is not afraid to be the goat in an attempt to be the hero. He has a lot of guts.

9. What is the most important thing for your team to do to ensure a victory Tuesday night?
Shoot the ball well. When we shoot the ball well, we do well. When we shoot the ball poorly, we struggle. So, if we are on, we'll be okay. If we are not, then it will be a long night for us.

10. As you look ahead to the post season, what are your hopes for the conference and state tournaments? Do you believe your team has a chance to win one or both of the titles?
Any of the top teams can get hot during the week of the conference tournament and win the title. That is why the regular season champion is the true champion, imho. Sure, we have a shot at the conference tournament title. We just have to get hot and play well over three games. It can be done. But, the same can be said of Apex, Middle Creek, and Green Hope. And, don't discount Athens, Fuquay, Lee, or Panther Creek winning a game or two in the tournament. It's NEW LIFE for everybody, and they will bring their best games. As for the state playoffs, we just want to take them one game at a time and heed the advice of the late Jim Valvano, "Survive and Advance." That's all you try to do. We'll do the best we can, focus on the process, and then add them all up at the end.

Stay with WRAL.com for prep sports coverage you can count on. We'll have more on this week's Game of the Week later today and tomorrow!