Sean Register recorded a double-double on Friday to lead North to a 56-49 win over visiting South on Friday.
The Rangers’ win was their first over the Rebels since 2018.
“That was awesome,” said North coach Clint Nicholson. “It was a great thing to be a part of. I was happy for the kids and for the school and everyone involved.”
North’s win also snapped another streak of sorts as the Rangers now have won three straight games for the first time since the 2014-2015 season.
“I’m really glad the kids are starting to see that the hard work they have been putting in is coming to fruition,” Nicholson said. “They just have to stay focused.”
The Rangers overcame a slow start to defeat their rivals.
South scored nine straight points to start the game and led after one, 18-10.
Register took over in the second quarter as he scored 19 of his game-high 28 points an added nine of his 18 rebounds in the frame to help the Rangers take a 33-29 lead into the break.
The Rebels used an 8-1 run to start the fourth quarter to temporarily regain the lead, and with the game tied 47-47 with four minutes remaining in the game, the Rangers close out the contest on a 9-2 run to seal their signature win.
“It was really cool to see because this is definitely the biggest moment that a lot of these kids have been in games between the crowd, the score, and the situation, so I was glad to see they were able to handle stuff to do just enough to get us the win,” Nicholson said. “Obviously, it wasn’t pretty at the end, we had a lot of silly turnovers, but in the end, we did just enough to get the job done.”
It didn’t count, but Register dunked the ball mere moments after the final buzzer that kicked off a celebration that saw the North student section rush the court.
“Throughout the season, no matter who we play, there’s always one team that’s marked on the calendar that’s a must-win, and it’s been that way for a while,” Nicholson. “We’ve always heard the other student section chanting ‘Start the busses,’ or ‘This is our house,’ and it was nice to finally hear it on our side of the gym. I’m definitely glad for all of our seniors. They haven’t beaten South their entire time here.”
Dominic Scott also scored in double figures for North as he finished with 14 points. Dylan McDonald contributed to the win with six points and Nate Tadiello scored five.
Delond Moss and Quintin Wilson both scored in double figures for the Rebels with 13 and 10 points, respectively.
The dunk didn’t count but don’t tell Sean Register or the North fans that.
A 9-2 run in the final three minutes gives North the win, they’re first over South since 2018.
Final:@northrangers: 56@SouthRebelHoops: 47@NHPreps #NHBasketball pic.twitter.com/gUQpUC4ibq
— Ben Hercik (@BHercikNH) January 14, 2023
His second quarter alone was a nice final stat line for most (19 points and 9 rebounds) but Sean Register (@SeanRegister23) went above and beyond with 28 points and 17 boards. He talks about his night and @northrangers win over South #NHBasketball pic.twitter.com/C3YzslaJ7R
— Ben Hercik (@BHercikNH) January 14, 2023
