McDERMOTT — The Coal Grove Hornets were trying to catch a “Z.”

Brandon Zuefle hit some key 3-pointers as the Northwest Mohawks got past the Coal Grove Hornets 61-47 Friday.

“We played pretty well. The game was a lot closer than the final score,” Hornets coach Mike Waller said.

“We were pretty even with them without Zuefle. He hurt us with some big shots.”

Adam Bare scored five points as Coal Grove trailed just 10-8 at the end of the first quarter.

Zuefle then scored seven points including a pair of 3-pointers in the second quarter as Northwest opened up a 34-22 lead at the half.

Evan Melvin scored seven points of Coal Grove’s 14 points in the quarter.

Coal Grove cut the deficit to five points in the third quarter before Northwest hit a late surge to go in front 47-32 at the end of the quarter.

Andrew Ellis had nine points in the fourth quarter to help Northwest fight off any hopes of a Coal Grove comeback.

Despite the loss, Waller was pleased with his team’s effort.

“Our kids just battled. Northwest just beat Wheelersburg, so it was tribute to our kids to play them tough in their gym,” Waller said.

“I’m pleased with our effort. They kids are playing hard in practice and the games. I’m proud of them.”

Melvin led Coal Grove with 11 points. Bare finished with eight points and 10 rebounds.

Ellis scored 25 points, Zuefle 12 and Kylon Crabtree 10 for the Mohawks.

The Hornets host Portsmouth East Tuesday.

Coal Grove8141015=47

Northwest10241314=61

COAL GROVE (2-6): Zach Slone 0 1 0-0 3, Zach Murphy 0 1 5-6 8, Evan Melvin 2 1 4-6 11, Matt Melvin 1 0 2-2 4, Randy Wise 11 3-3 8, Rob Reynolds 1 0 0-1 2, Tyler Branch 0 0 1-2 1, Adam Bare 4 0 2-5 8. Totals: 13

(4)

17-25. Fouls: 20. Fouled out: Bare.

NORTHWEST (4-2): Kylon Crabtree 2 2 0-0 10, Michael Hughes 0 0 2-4 2, Ryan Cecil 0 1 0-0 3, Brandon Zuefle 1 3 1-1 12, Bo Wilson 0 0 2-3 2, Andrew Ellis 10 0 5-7 25, Quinn Dunn 2 0 2-3 6. Totals: 15

6

13-19

61. Fouls: 18. Fouled out: None.