Coach Allen Spears knew Tuesday's non-conference game with Versailles would be a tough matchup. Although the visiting Tigers were from Division V, they were considered a preseason favorite in the small school division. Regardless of their opponent, Versailles is always ready to compete.
"They're a good program, with a great player", Coach Spears said of the Tigers.
The Bolts couldn't have asked for a better start, jumping out to a 10-1 lead early in the 1st quarter, and a 16-6 lead at the first break. Versailles would respond and finish the 2nd quarter on a 9-3 run to cut the Northmont lead to 2 at the half.
"Although we jumped up on them, I knew they were resilient enough to respond", Coach Spears shared.
Similar to the 2nd quarter, Versailles continued to attack the basket and keep pace in the 3rd quarter. The Bolts responded to every bucket with a score of their own. However, the Bolts faced their first deficit midway through the 4th quarter when Versailles took the lead 45-44. Some key timeouts were called where Coach Spears looked to regroup.
"I told our guys to keep playing, lean on your defense".
They responded with just that, ending the game on a 12-5 run to separate and pick up the first W of the season 56-50. Although it wasn't the prettiest win, it was nonetheless a win.
"All in all, I'm happy to just get a win".
The win moves Northmont to 1-3 on the season. Junior Micah Jacobs led scoring with 14 points. The feat is even more impressive with Jacobs drawing the defensive assignment of senior Drake Ahrens, Versailles' senior guard averaging 17.5 points per game entering the game. Kaleb Kelly contributed with 11 points.
JV fell 39-29 in a low scoring defensive battle. Caleb Thompson led scoring with 11 points as the JV team moved to 1-2 on the year.
Freshman survived a late Versailles rally to pick up their first win 40-39. and move to 1-2 Cam Copeland scored 16 points.
All 3 teams return to action this Friday in the Thunderdome with a GWOC showdown with Beavercreek. Game times are 5, 6:15 and 7:30pm tip offs.
