Westerville North 69, Westerville South 52 - Prospect Scouting Report

Tai Perkins' massive third quarter powers Westerville North to statement win

By Jack Diwik

Westerville North dominated the annual "Thrill in the Ville" showdown against Westerville South 69-52 on Tuesday to advance to 5-1 (2-1 Ohio Capital Conference) on the season, as the Wildcats fall to 2-3 on the season (1-2 Ohio Capital Conference).

The last thing Westerville South expected after controlling the first half was for a group of rowdy Westerville North students to storm their home court. Outside of juniors Tai Perkins and Micah Young, who combined for 18 out of the Warrior's 25 first-half points, North struggled to put up points on a stingy South defense.

South junior Amari Hodges made sure nothing came easy offensively for the Warriors in the first half, delivering three explosive blocks that shocked electricity into the gym. On the offensive end, highly touted junior Kruz McClure dropped 16 first half points, including a deep buzzer-beating three to close out the half and ensure momentum stayed with the Cats.

But unfortunately for coach Ed Calo and the Cats, Tai Perkins happened.

The 5'11 junior caught fire in the third quarter, and when I mean fire, I mean FIRE. After already playing an excellent first half on both sides of the ball, Perkins came out and dropped an impressive 21 third quarter points, including four three balls. After taking a commanding 12-point lead going into the fourth quarter, Perkins, along with his two siblings, aforementioned Micah Young and freshman Tyson Perkins, never looked back. The trio combined for 59 as the Warriors out-scored the Cats 44-19 in the second half and secured their third straight regular-season win against South.

Let's take a look at the game's top performers.