Playing for the first time this season in front of their hometown crowd, the Northside Grizzlies put on a show.

Northside shot 52 percent from the field in the first half and also hit eight 3-point baskets in that span in building a commanding 53-17 halftime lead. The Grizzlies went on to a 76-44 win against Texarkana (Texas) Pleasant Grove in Thursday’s first round of the Coca-Cola Classic at the Stubblefield Center.

The Grizzlies (8-4) move on to Friday’s semifinals at 5:50 p.m., where they will face 6A-Central rival Bryant, which beat Charleston in its first-round game on Thursday.

Northside converted 22-of-42 baskets from the field in the first half (52.4 percent) and also made 50 percent of its 3-point attempts (8-of-16).

The Grizzlies built a double-digit lead late in the first quarter, 18-6, after Semonte Henderson and Noah Gordon hit back-to-back treys. They went up by 15 when Henderson’s follow shot extended the score to 24-9 with time running out in the opening quarter.

It was more of the same in the second quarter as Northside continued its torrid pace. The Grizzlies began things with an 11-2 run to build a 37-11 advantage.

During that stretch, junior center Jaylin Williams threw down a dunk that not only shook the rim, but also the 35-second shot clock atop the backboard. Javion Releford immediately stole the ball on the ensuing possession and took it in for an easy layup, and added another steal and layup to cap the 11-2 surge.

Northside’s lead grew to 36 points, 53-17, as Jacob Joe drained a 3 in the final seconds of the first half.

The Grizzlies, who later led by as many as 38 points, made just 1-of-15 3-point attempts during the second half, but they still led comfortably, as a running clock was utilized during the fourth quarter.

Three Grizzlies reached double figures. Noah Gordon had all 14 of his points in the first half, and during that span made all five of his shot attempts, including three 3's.

Henderson finished with 11 points on 4-of-5 shooting, including making three 3's, while Derrick Perry went 4-of-7 from the field to end up with 10 points.

Williams grabbed eight rebounds as Northside won the edge on the boards, 38-32. Releford recorded seven rebounds and five assists as well.
