Behind another monster performance from senior forward Kenny Ume, boys varsity basketball coasted to a 61-45 victory over the North Paulding Wolfpack on Tuesday night. The win marked the Warriors’ fourth consecutive after a dismal 0-3 start, but more importantly, gave them an early lead in the region standings.

Ume scored 19 of his 22 in the first half, highlighted by 11 straight during the second quarter, which featured two three-pointers, an “and 1,” and a hook-shot over a Wolfpack defender. NC took a 34-23 lead into the break and outscored North Paulding by five in the second half to claim victory.

“It was probably the best game we’ve played in terms of  chemistry and executing,” senior forward Myles Lake said.

Senior guards DJ Render and Ricky Shearman added eight points each.

NC (4-3) will take on Hillgrove (2-2) at home on Friday night in a huge region matchup. The Warriors will look to avenge last year’s losses, as they fell to the Hawks, 49-34 and 61-37.

“Hillgrove is one of the region favorites so we need to come out and play with everything we have to stay undefeated in the region,” Lake said.