Aaron Krebehenne (22) of North Union dribbles the ball against a Ridgemont defender on Tuesday. The Wildcats won the non-conference game, 62-49. (Photo submitted)
North Union could not have started its non-league boys basketball game at NU against Ridgemont much worse that it did.
The Wildcats, though, were able bounce back from their poor start with a strong second half in defeating the Gophers 62-49.
Ridgemont bolted out to a 12-0 lead in the first quarter, forcing North Union head coach Brian Terrill to call a time out.
The sideline summit proved to be advantageous as NU went on a long run.
The Cats tallied 13 consecutive points for a 13-12 lead at the end of the quarter.
Aaron Krebehenne led the comeback with seven markers.
The Wildcats once again struggled offensively in the second quarter and the game was tied at 22 at the half.
With Zach Vernon and Max Parish each scoring five points, North Union got back on track with a 16-8 edge in the third quarter for a 38-30 lead.
The two teams combined for 43 points in the fourth quarter, with North Union posting 24 markers.
Owen Davis paced North Union in the frame, scoring 15 of his team-high 17 points, including seven-of-eight from the free throw line.
“We dug ourselves a hole in the first quarter, but we played really well in the second half,” Terrill said.
Joining Davis is double figures for the Wildcats (9-1) were Vernon (16). Max Parish (14) and Krebehenne (11).
Landon Newland led Ridgemont (8-2) with 17 points.
North Union returns to action Friday at Indian Lake in Central Buckeye Conference play.
North Union
Draper 1-0-2, Vernon 6-4-16, Parish 5-2-14, Bright 0-0-0, Davis 5-7-17, A. Krebehenne 3-4-11, Hall 1-0-2, Keever 0-0-0. Three-point goals: Parish 2, Krebehenne.
Ridgemont
Newland 7-2-17, Underwood 3-0-7, Reppart 4-1-12, M. Stuck 2-0-4, X. Stuck 0-2-2, Whitaker 1-0-2, McKinley 1-3-5. Three-point goals: Reppart 3, Newland, Underwood.