By SETH HAGAN | For the Reporter

ALABASTER – The Thompson Warriors bounced back in a big way Tuesday, Dec 18, using a stifling defense to take down the high-scoring Wildcats of Shelby County, 54-37, to pick up their 10th win of the 2018-19 season.

Thompson only allowed three baskets in the entire first half building a big lead before halftime and cruised the rest of the way.

“I felt like our interior defense was pretty solid today,” said Warriors’ head coach Dru Powell. “You know; you’ve got a team that’s already scored in the 80s twice this season.”

The Wildcats first trip to Warrior Arena was a difficult one as they found shooting equally difficult inside and outside against the Thompson’s man defense.

By the time they finally got on the scoreboard with 2:40 to go, Thompson already held a 10-0 lead. Shelby County cut that lead in half, but the Warriors closed on an 8-2 run for an 18-7 lead.

Thompson ratcheted up the pressure even further in the second quarter forcing nine turnovers to add to the six they grabbed in the first. The Warriors were just as ferocious in the paint using their length.

“We were able to block some shots and alter several others around the rim, but also contested shots from the perimeter,” Powell said. “We held them to just two made three point baskets which I thought was critical because they’re a team that can really get going from out there.”

Powell’s squad outscored the Wildcats 12-4 in the second quarter to take a confident 30-11 lead into halftime. Shelby County came out hot with an 8-0 run to start the second half, but they got no closer as Thompson outscored them the rest of the way 11-5 to essentially seal the game with a 41-24 lead going into the fourth quarter.

Nathan Bates scored all of nine points in the second half to lead the Wildcats while Chaney Johnson led the Warriors in scoring for the first time this season with 10 points.

Thompson will have a rematch with Spain Park in the Birmingham Metro Tournament on Thursday, Dec 27 at 6 p.m. The tournament will run through Dec 29.