CLARKSVILLE - The Thunderbirds overcame an eight-point deficit in the third quarter by outscoring the Hawks 18-8 over the final 8 minutes to rally for the Eastern Missouri Conference victory Friday night.
North Callaway owned a slim 15-13 edge after one quarter and a 22-20 lead at halftime. Clopton then outscored the Thunderbirds 15-8 in the third quarter to go in front 35-30, before North Callaway responded with its comeback in the fourth quarter.
The Thunderbirds - who have won 11 of their last 12 - improved to 11-3 overall and stayed perfect in the EMO at 4-0.
"Before the game and at halftime we talked about how there were a lot of excuses for us to lose that game," North Callaway head coach Matt Miller said. "We hadn't played in more than a week because of the weather and we had practiced minimally.
"We were getting back into a routine, Clopton is a tough place to play and it's a long road trip. This is a gritty bunch and they found a way to win."
Junior guard Gabe Cash connected on three 3-pointers and made 6-of-7 free throws to direct the Thunderbirds with a game-high 15 points. Cash also handed out five assists.
Senior guards Dawson Wright and Khobi Kellerman, and sophomore guard Cody Cash chipped in with seven points apiece for North Callaway. Wright, Kellerman and senior forward Mark Hollenberg each had five rebounds.
Daniel Harvey led Clopton with 12 points.
Four players scored in double figures to power the Thunderbirds (3-5) to a 64-37 romp in the junior varsity game. Freshman guard Manny Moreno tallied 14 points, sophomore forward Brandon Hill followed with 12, freshman guard Webb Langworthy had 11 and junior guard Austin DeTienne contributed 10.
North Callaway hosted Wellsville in an EMO matchup Saturday night. Results were not available at press time.