The North Cobb Warrior varsity basketball team (11-10) continued their dominant region play, with a win over the Hillgrove Hawks (9-13) on Friday, January 25 at the North Cobb arena. Following a successful “Hoopcoming” week that featured an everyday theme and a student versus teacher basketball game, the 122 state-ranked Warriors boosted their region record to 5-2, placing second in the region ranks. Filled with fundamental plays and flashy passes, the Warriors proved to be too much for the Hawks, prevailing 50-37.

“I’m really proud of my boys for getting that win. They were coming off a few tough losses last week, so this was a great bounce back,” JV sophomore guard Logan Bare said.

The starting five for the Warriors—which includes: senior Justin Coleman, senior Freddy Woods, junior Jay Brown, junior Tyler Gorsuch, and junior Jared Dejesus—all contributed a bulk of the 50-point effort. Mixed with a positive showing from bench players, the Warriors started the first quarter fast, and later capitalized with strong inside play.

Only allowing 1,193 points on the season, the Warriors proved their dominance on the defensive side of the ball, limiting the Hawk’s scoring to 37 points in the entire game. Senior guard Freddy Woods accounted for multiple assists while the rest of the backcourt led in scoring. Forwards Alex Acosta and Jared Dejesus led in rebonding, both offensively and defensively.

“We’ve been progressing a lot lately. More shots are falling, plays are coming together better, and overall the team chemistry is improving,” sophomore forward Alex Acosta said. “I think we have a shot at the Indians tomorrow.”

After falling to both the Kennesaw Mountain Mustangs (9-13) and Harrison Hoyas (9-12) in which many expected a win, the Warriors fought through great adversity to earn another region win. As they draw closer to the end of the season, the NC coaching staff hopes to earn a top seed in the region playoffs.