NORCROSS, GA – North Cobb Christian executed the game plan and it worked.

The Eagles were going to sit in a zone to help neutralize some of North Gwinnett’s athleticism. NCC caused so much problems early before it held on for a 64-59 win at the fifth annual GAC/Blue Collar Showcase on Saturday at Greater Atlanta Christian.

“This  was a big win,” Eagles coach Greg Matta said. “With the athletic ability they have we were not going to get out of that zone.”

NCC, ranked No. 11 in the Hoopseen Power Poll, were close to pulling out from the zone when the Bulldogs starting making a run in the fourth quarter. North Gwinnett were as relentless as their mascot name and battled back into the game making some jumpers. It cut the lead down to 58-55 with less than a minute to play.

This was as close as North Gwinnett would get the rest of the game. NCC’s Stephon Jelks nailed a three-pointer from the corner. He helped the Eagles secure their lead and the Bulldogs were never got any closer.

“We made some adjustments,” said Bulldogs coach Zach Smith of the second half comeback. “These guys executed what we told them to do. In the first quarter, we didn’t execute like we were supposed to.”

NCC jumped out on Hoopseen’s No. 5 ranked Bulldogs early. The Eagles got rolling from the perimeter. Jelks from the corner, SWISH! Kendall Crute, SPLASH! Everything NCC put up found the bottom of the net.

Getting out in front early helped the Eagles secure the win. Jelks finished with 22 points. Crute chipped in with 11 points.

“They’re as good as any team in the state,” Matta said. “I want everything for these boys.”

Kameron Calhoun finished with a team-high 17 points and 11 rebounds for North Gwinnett. Ahmed Caver scored 14 points. Owen Lewis poured in 11 points.