Caleb Ferguson
Columbus North had trouble putting away Mooresville in the second half Friday night.
The Pioneers cut it close with around one minute to go until the Bull Dogs hit clutch free throws in the end to close out a 70-61 victory.
North went 24 for 30 from the line, including 18 of 19 in the fourth quarter.
“We gave up a couple 3s, and they made a run. They’re a tough team. They’re very physical and athletic, but like the way we closed it out,” North coach Paul Ferguson said. “Caleb (Ferguson) or Austin (Perry) didn’t miss a free throw in the fourth quarter. That was huge.”
Caleb Ferguson went 4 for 4, and Perry was 12 for 12 from the charity stripe in the fourth quarter.
“It’s all about the reps in practice. Getting free throws up every practice, every morning,” Perry said. “I feel like that really makes me confident in my shot during the game and at the free-throw line.”
Austin Perry
The Bull Dogs (9-3) had the lead up to 44-25 midway through the third quarter. Mooresville (8-6) fought back slowly for the next 10 minutes of the game. They cut the deficit to 60-55 with just over a minute left in the game. Perry and Ferguson took charge at the free throw to preserve the win.
“They’re a good team, and good teams make runs, so we knew that,” Caleb Ferguson said. “We knew that we had to stay to our advantages like our defense and not allow splits, not a lot in the middle. Obviously, a big key to that was free throws, and Austin did a great job of that tonight.”
North put four players in double figures. Caleb Ferguson finished with a game-high 22 points. Perry scored 17, and Nate Enneking and Garrett Long each added 12.
A big key in the win for the Bull Dogs was the fast start. After an emotional win at Hauser Thursday night, North showed no signs of a letdown as it build the lead to double digits early in the first quarter. It proved to be the difference.
“We really challenged our guys,” Paul Ferguson said. “They were tired after (Thursday) night at Hauser. We said, ‘Can we play with that same level of energy and intensity,’ and I thought for the first two quarters, they were fantastic.”
Columbus North 70, Mooresville 61
Mooresville;8;13;15;25;—;61
Columbus North;17;18;13;22;—;70
Mooresville (8-6): Bradley Robbins 0 0-0 0, Brevon Burns 3 2-3 9, Tyrone Elmore 2 0-0 5, Chris Thompson-Moore 1 0-0 2, AJ DeFur 7 4-4 22, Michael Irving 2 3-3 12, Silas Smith 4 3-4 11. Totals: 21 11-14 61.
Columbus North (9-3): Caleb Ferguson 7 6-6 22, Nate Enneking 5 0-0 12, Austin Perry 2 13-14 17, Braylon Thoman 0 0-0 0, Max Coomes 2 0-0 6, Nolan Pickup 0 1-2 1, Ben Ferguson 0 0-0 0, Garrett Long 4 4-8 12.. Totals: 20 24-30 70.
3-point goals: Mooresville 8 (DeFur 4, Burns, Elmore, Irving, Smith). Columbus North 6 (C. Ferguson 2, Enneking 2, Coomes 2).
