KINGDOM CITY - Senior guard Manzell Payne was responsible for 12 of the North Callaway Thunderbirds' first 18 points as they stopped a six-game losing streak with Friday night's 58-44 EMO triumph over the Silex Owls.
Payne was 3-of-3 from 3-point range during that opening stretch to launch North Callaway (3-17, 2-6 Eastern Missouri Conference) to an 18-4 advantage after one quarter. The Thunderbirds went into halftime with a 32-18 lead and were in front 42-29 to start the fourth quarter.
Payne tallied a game-high 22 points and sophomore guard Coy Danison followed with 18 for North Callaway.
"It was a good way to end the home season, with the seniors going out with a win," Thunderbirds head coach Matt Thomas said. "I was happy with the way they played."
Nick Kieatzy led Silex (2-18, 0-8) with 12 points.
North Callaway (12-7) - paced by sophomore guard Justin Popp's 15 points - powered its way to a 58-25 triumph in the junior varsity game. Freshman guard Khobi Kellerman also provided 10 points.
The Thunderbirds visit EMO foe Mark Twain for varsity-junior varsity boys' and girls' doubleheaders at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.