KINGDOM CITY - North Callaway senior guard Cody Cash responded with a game-high 18 points as the Thunderbirds outlasted the South Callaway Bulldogs in a 54-50 victory Tuesday night.
Cash also recorded five assists and three steals for North Callaway, which has won four of its last five to reach the .500 mark at 5-5.
The Thunderbirds led 11-10 after one quarter and outscored South Callaway 14-5 in the second quarter to open up a 25-15 advantage at halftime. The Bulldogs answered by outscoring North Callaway 19-13 in the third quarter to narrow the gap to 34-28.
The Thunderbirds were able to expand their lead to 12 points in the fourth quarter, before South Callaway rallied to close within one. North Callaway, though, converted from the foul line down the stretch to hold on for the victory.
Senior forward Noah Scrogum added 14 points and nine rebounds for the Thunderbirds.
"It was a good win against a county rival," North Callaway head coach Matt Miller said. "We had the 12-point lead but South Callaway made a dogfight out of it. We made enough free throws at the end to win it."
Junior guard Trynnen Gray finished with 16 points to direct the Bulldogs (4-6), who have dropped two straight. Junior guard Trace Helsel also connected on a pair of 3s in contributing 13 points.
In the junior varsity matchup, South Callaway scored the game's final 17 points to prevail 50-33. Sophomore guard Jacob Martin delivered 25 points - including four 3s - to guide the Bulldogs (3-2).
Freshman guard Sam Pezold scored 12 points to top the Thunderbirds (2-5).
South Callaway hosts Tuscumbia in a Show-Me Conference contest at 6 p.m. Friday.
North Callaway is the fifth seed for next week's South Callaway Tournament. The Thunderbirds square off against No. 4 seed Vienna in the first round at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the middle school gym.