Defense is the calling card of the Berkmar’s program. The Patriot clamped down in the third quarter before pulling away in the end.

Berkmar took the opening game of the Nike Explosion at Wheeler on Saturday to beat county rival Collins Hill 58-44. The Patriots opened the third quarter on a 12-0 run, which separated them from the Eagles.

“We had a tough region game and got home late last night,” Berkmar coach Greg Phillips said. “Our guys did a good job playing defense.”

A defensive presence for the Patriots was the return of Tim Rowe. The 6-foot-10 center helped dominate the interior on both ends of the floor. He forced Collins Hill to go into the middle with caution at times. On the offensive end, the unsigned senior took control inside with 16 points and seven rebounds.

Kiair Crouch helped get the team going pushing the ball up the floor for 14 points and several dimes.

“(Tim) is coming around and getting into game shape,” Phillips said.

Collins Hill (3-3) was overmatched at times against an aggressive Patriots defense.

“We played with them for a few minutes,” Eagles coach Eric Nathan said. “They are precise with their offense and their defense is good. Our guys competed and that’s what I was looking for.”

Jalen Mitchell led the Eagles with 15 points. Freshman JD Ozoh chipped in with 14 points.