CENTRALIA, Mo. - The North Callaway Thunderbirds were outscored by the Centralia Panthers 29-12 in the fourth quarter in dropping their season opener Tuesday night.
North Callaway shot 50 percent (10-of-20) from the field in the first half to build a 24-18 advantage at the break. The Thunderbirds' offense, though, fell dormant in the second half, connecting on only 3-of-26 shots (13 percent) as Centralia took control over the final 8 minutes.
"We played really well the first three quarters, but defensively we did not do a good job in the fourth quarter," said new head coach Matt Miller, who had directed the North Callaway girls' squad the past three years. "We had too many turnovers and gave (Centralia) easy shots at the other end."
Freshman guard Tulley Thomsen scored 10 points - including two 3-pointers - as the only player to make it into double figures for the Thunderbirds. Junior guard Devan Davis and sophomore guard Dawson Wright chipped in with eight points apiece.
Thomsen, sophomore center Xavier Sykes and sophomore guard Khobi Kellerman each had six rebounds.
John Durant produced a game-high 18 points for the Panthers (2-0) and Peyton Davis logged 12.
Both teams were dismal at the free-throw line. North Callaway converted just 7-of-20 chances and Centralia hit only 9-of-25 tries.
The Thunderbirds visit Hallsville for a tripleheader Friday, starting with the junior varsity boys' contest at 5 p.m. The varsity girls' and boys' games, respectively, will follow.