The North Callaway boys wanted to be led by their seniors on Tuesday night, and that is exactly what happened at home against Wright City. In the four seniors final home game, they combined for 46 points, including 30 in the second half, to defeat Eastern Missouri Conference foe Wright City 63-37.
The offensive outburst helped the Thunderbirds (7-16, 4-4 EMO) outscore Wright City 40-16 in the second half to complement North Callaway's third defensive effort under 40 points this season, which is also the third time in five games.
Taking up four-fifths of the starting lineup for Senior Night, Sam Pezold led with 21 points, 12 rebounds and four steals, including 19 of those points and all three of his 3-pointers in the second half, Paul Russell followed with a career-high 13 points and four 3-pointers, Isiah Craighead finished with 12 points and six rebounds, and John Brown picked up an assist and steal.
North Callaway's defense came away with 10 steals and forced 16 turnovers for Wright City (10-10, 4-3 EMO).
North Callaway plays next at 11:30 a.m. Saturday against Class 1 No. 8 Sacred Heart (15-5) in the Hall of Fame Classic at Father Tolton in Columbia.
Look for the full story on the Mexico Ledger website and more news on the Thunderbirds in the Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024, edition of the Mexico Ledger.
