Friday night featured a key GWOC matchup for the Boys Basketball team as the Springfield Wildcats made the trip to the Thunderdome. The last time the two teams met, the Bolts erased a 13-point deficit to defeat the Wildcats.

The second time around was looking very similar. Springfield jumped out of the gate, taking an early 17-10 lead at the quarter break. Springfield shot the 3PT ball extremely well while forcing turnover after turnover on the Bolts.

Springfield’s barrage led to a 32-17 lead at the half. The Wildcats made four 3’s in the half. On the flip side, 9 turnovers in the 1st half took away scoring opportunities for the Bolts and allowed Springfield to have total control of the half.

Out of the half, the Bolts picked up the defensive pressure and forced turnovers on the Wildcats. Springfield would make one perimeter shot and was held to 3 points in the 3rd quarter. While the Bolts’ defense held their own, sophomore Kaleb Kelly took the Northmont offense on his shoulders, scoring 10 points in the quarter to cut the deficit to 35-31 at the quarter break.

Northmont’s defense continued to turn the Wildcats over, getting the lead up to 7 points in the quarter. Kelly and Chisom Ibe filled the scoring column up, scoring 11 of 21 points in the quarter and helping Northmont fight back to win 52-46 and win their 2nd straight game. Kelly ended the game with 24 points . The win moves the Bolts to 10-5 overall and 7-3 in GWOC play.

JV survived 37-34 against the Wildcats. Junior Tony Locklin and freshman Braylon Jones each scored 8 points in the win.

Freshman defeated Springfield 43-32. Loyal Williamson led scoring with 10 points in the win.

All 3 teams will head down to Springboro next Tuesday at Springboro High School.