The Pike Liberal Arts Patriots won their second consecutive game on Thursday evening by defeating region foe Northside 61-42.

The win for the Patriots brings their region record to 1-1 on the season.

“Outstanding effort,” said Patriots head coach Allen Ponder. “I couldn’t have been more proud of our effort coming from game one. We have taken so many bumps from playing some good teams, for us to come out and play team basketball against a good team is very encouraging.”

The Patriots jumped on Northside in the first quarter and took a 10-point lead at 15-5 into the second quarter. The Patriots scored 12 more points in the second quarter to go into halftime with a 27-17 lead. It was a lead they maintained throughout the ball game. The Patriots never trailed on Thursday night.

“We talked the entire week about keeping up the intensity the entire game,” Ponder said. “We felt like if we could penetrate, it would open up some shooters and that worked out tonight. We were relentless tonight on the offensive boards and that is good to see from us.”

For the third consecutive game, Reed Jinright led the Patriots in scoring with 20 points, bringing his total to 58 points in the last three games.

“Same old, same old, that’s all you can say,” Ponder said. “Reed knows what he is good at and what makes him successful on the basketball court and he doesn’t try to do anymore. He gives you a 100 percent every time he steps on the floor. He is our spark plug.”

The win brings the Patriots record in the area back to the .500 mark and keeps them in the running for an area championship.

“This was very important,” Ponder said. “Not just because we evened up our region record, but it brings us confidence. We want to play every game believing that we can win. Early in the season that was hard for us, but now getting a win I feel like will build our confidence.”

The Lady Patriots also pulled out a victory on Thursday night by defeating Northside 47-35. Lauren Johnson led the Patriots in scoring with 27 points, 23 of which came in the second half. She also finished with eight rebounds and four steals. Suzie Stell finished with 14 points and converted all three of her three-pointers on the night.

The win for the Lady Patriots brings their record on the season to 9-6 overall and 2-0 in the region.

The Patriots will be back in action on Tuesday when they travel to take on Edgewood beginning at approximately 5:30 p.m.