SENATOBIA – Five Northwest players scored in double figures as the Rangers opened the 2019-20 season on a strong note, defeating Faith Prep 95-48 on Monday evening at Howard Coliseum.

Freshman James Richards III led the way with 15 points in his collegiate debut, while West Alabama transfer Tomias Brand and returning sophomore Montez Allen totaled 14 points apiece. Freshman duo Mario Fenner, Jr. and Milton McGee, Jr. also posted 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Northwest came out hot to start the contest and never looked back, turning a quick 6-0 advantage into leads of 21-5, 30-7 and 54-17 at the end of the first half. Brand scored 13 in the first 20 minutes to lead the Rangers, including a thunderous one-handed jam midway through the opening half.

Shane Oakley's club showed no signs of a slowdown to start the second half, as the Rangers' lead continued to swell. Northwest stretched its margin to 86-38 with just over seven minutes remaining in the contest and remained comfortably ahead down the stretch, despite a late surge from Faith Prep.

Northwest (1-0) will resume action on Friday night, Nov. 8 at SAU Tech. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. in Camden, Ark.