KINGDOM CITY - The North Callaway Thunderbirds' season opener was spoiled in a 51-37 loss Tuesday night when the Centralia Panthers pulled away by outscoring them 16-6 in the fourth quarter.
North Callaway was down 24-18 at the break, but outscored Centralia 13-11 in the third quarter to close within 35-31. The Thunderbirds, though, fell into an offensive funk over the last 8 minutes as the Panthers took command.
Sophomore guard Coy Danison topped North Callaway with 10 points, while senior guard Will Crawford had seven points and handed out four assists.
Ryan Lincoln connected for 14 of his game-high 18 points in the first half for Centralia (2-0).
The Thunderbirds remain at home for a tripleheader against Hallsville on Friday night. The junior varsity boys play at 5 p.m., while the varsity girls' and boys' games are scheduled for 6:30 and 8, respectively.