Second half defensive effort lifts Colonels

The Cass boys overcame a 10-point, halftime deficit with a big defensive effort in the second half Tuesday night to defeat visiting North Paulding 56-46.

The Wolfpack led Cass 18-9 after one quarter and held a 33-23 advantage at the intermission before the Colonels locked down North Paulding across the final two quarters.

“We had a big second-half effort,” stated Cass coach Kevin Cunningham. “Tayvian McKibbin’s defensive presence in the middle made us very disruptive and allowed us to go on a big second-half run.”

Cass outscored North Paulding 17-4 in the third quarter and 16-9 in the final eight minutes for the comeback win.

“KJ Rogers’ ability to score in the first half and Devin Henderson’s mid-range game came alive in the third quarter,” added Cunningham. “Altogether, it was a great team win. I’m proud of these young men tonight.”

Devin Henderson scored 11 of his 15 points in the third quarter. KJ Rogers scored eight of his 12 in the second period. Jakai Baldwin followed with nine points. Jelani Hames scored seven. Jayden Foster finished with six. Sacovie White contributed three points. Kevin Henderson and McKibbins added two each.

North Paulding (2-5) had nine players in the scoring column, led by Kyan Bullock with 10 points.

Cass (3-5) plays at Clarkston Saturday night following a 5:30 p.m. girls’ game.