SENATOBIA – All five Northwest starters scored in double figures, including sophomore Everick Morris who scored 16 points and added a career-high 13 assists against zero turnovers, as the Rangers rolled to an impressive 84-74 victory Monday night over Itawamba to sweep the season series.
Northwest improved to 10-9 overall and moved into sole possession of third place in the north at 5-4. Itawamba dropped to 8-12 overall and 4-5 in north division play.
In a game that was all Rangers from the opening tip, Northwest shot a season-high 58 percent and led by as many as 28 with 6:28 left in rolling to the division win.
Northwest scored the game's first seven points and built an 18-5 lead just 6:16 into the game.
Kenyatta Jones hit back-to-back 3s, both off Morris assists, and DeMarcus McVay added six points as part of the quick start for the Rangers.
Itawamba finally got going a few minutes later, rattling in four 3-pointers and putting together a 14-2 run to pull within 27-23 with 5:07 left in the half.
But Northwest countered the Itawamba run with one of its own and never looked back.
The Rangers closed the half on a 15-2 run, capped by K. Jones' steal and monster dunk.
Northwest continued to pour it on early in the second half, with seemingly every shot finding the bottom of the net. Domonique Harris slammed home two rim-shattering dunks, including a nasty alley-oop with the Rangers up by 26.
Itawamba never got within single digits until the game's final 24 seconds with the game well in check.
Harris finished with 18 points behind K. Jones' 19, while McVay added 12 points and eight boards and Jordan Hulsey chipped in 11 points and seven boards. Bernard Jones also scored six points on a pair of 3-pointers and Caleb Van Tassell scored a bucket.
Itawamba was led by DJ Gardner's 16 points, followed by Deontaye Ewing and Anthony McDonald with 13.
Northwest will return to action Thursday at Holmes (15-6, 7-3 north), with tipoff set for 8 p.m.
Fans can follow along with live stats here: http://www.sidearmstats.com/northwestms/mbball/
