COAL GROVE - It was not the kind of start the Coal Grove Hornets were expecting.

The Northwest Mohawks jumped out to a big first half lead and went on to beat the Hornets 66-33 Friday in the season opener for both teams.

"(The coaches are) disappointed. The kids are disappointed in the way we played tonight," Coal Grove coach Darrell Humphreys said. "We have to circle the wagons and get ready for St. Joe Tuesday night. That's a rivalry and we'll have to play better."

Andrew Ellis and Chance Hiles scored 12 points each to lead a balanced Northwest offense. Matt Melvin came off the bench to score 11 for Coal Grove.

"Matt Melvin was a bright spot. He played well. He definitely earned more playing time," Humphreys said.

Kyle Slone had all 7 of his points in the first quarter and Hiles scored 5 points including a 3-pointer as Northwest jumped in front 16-7.

Melvin got 5 points in the second quarter but Ellis caught fire with 8 points, Hiles had 5 more including another 3-pointer and Michael Hughes sand 5 of 6 from the line as the lead swelled to 39-14.

The Mohawks were up 52-25 after three quarters and they outscored the Hornets 14-12 the final quarter. Randy Wise and Jimmy Lemon combined for 9 of Coal Grove's points in the fourth quarter.

"Northwest played extremely well. They beat us in every facet. If they play like that, they'll be a force in the SOC. Coach (Rick) Scarberry coached a good game and they deserve all the credit," Humphreys said.

Coal Grove travels to Ironton St. Joseph on Tuesday for a non-league game.

Northwest16231314-66

Coal Grove771112-33

NORTHWEST (1-0):

Michael Hughes 1 0 5-7 7, David Baldwin 1 0 0-0 2, Kyle Slone 2 1 0-0 7, Andrew Ellis 6 0 0-0 12, Chance Hiles 2 2 2-2 12, Brett Pertuset 0 0 0-0 0, Brandon Zuefle 1 1 1-2 6, Ryan Vice 0 0 1-2 1, Ryan Sissel 2 0 1-1 5, Brian Glenn 1 1 3-4 8, Sean Taylor 3 0

0-1 6. Totals: 19

5

13-19

66. Fouls: 17. Fouled out: None.

COAL GROVE (0-1):

Evan Melvin 0 1 0-4 3, Justin Hyland 0 0 2-2 2, Randy Wise 1 1 0-1 5, Tyler Sexton 0 0 1-2 1, Jimmy Lemon 2 0 0-0 4, Zach Huber 1 0 0-0 2, J.D. Elswick 0 0 0-0 0, Matt Melvin 5 0 1-4 11, Adam Bare 1 0 3-4 5. Totals: 10

2

7-17

33. Fouls: 20. Fouled out: None.