MURRAYVILLE - The North Hall boys basketball team used a 21-5 run in the second quarter to blow open a close game and eventually beat Flowery Branch 70-49 Friday afternoon at home.<br>
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North Hall coach Bobby Pless said he hopes the win can get them jump-started as they get ready to hit subregion play next week in Region 7-AAA North.<br>
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"We had a tough first month of the season. We played East Hall, Gainesville and then had the Lanierland and also a White County tournament," Pless said. "I feel like we're heading in the right direction and starting the second half off with a win was important for us."<br>
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The Falcons (5-6) used a 6-2 run to grab an early 6-5 lead but the Trojans (5-4) finished the first quarter with a 13-5 run to lead 18-10.<br>
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It was all North Hall from there. After the smoke cleared from the big second quarter run, the Trojans led 39-15.<br>
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Flowery Branch got as close as 53-37 late in the third quarter but North hall answered with a 13-2 run to put the game out of reach.<br>
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North Hall was led by Ronny Hulsey with 14 points. josh Stephens poured in 13, including three 3-pointers and Robby Hamilton added 11.<br>
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The Falcons were led by freshman Zac Swansey, who hit a variety of shots to finish with a game-high 18. Shane Strickland, who hustled all over the floor, finished with 7 points, 3 steals and 4 rebounds for the Falcons.
