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The Northside Panthers hope their new-found scoring prowess continues as they begin third round state tournament action Saturday night.

Northside, 10-4 after two blowout tournament victories, heads to Beaufort to take on East Carteret (8-6). The Panthers averaged 41 points a game during 12 regular season contests but have exploded for 74 and 83 in post-season.

“It was always there, but it’s just now coming together,” coach Michelle Leathers said. “We’ve had some COVID disruptions as well and my point guard (junior transfer Paige Sawyer) was new. It took time and game experience for everyone to learn each other and get on the same page. Everyone is encouraging each other, and we’ll hope to keep it going.”

Leathers has her squad laser-focused on the next game but knows what could lie ahead if county rival Southside also wins Saturday.

“It would be fun to play Southside for the chance to go to the championship,” Leathers said. “it would be great for the county and would speak to the strength of our conference. We both have business to handle first, and we’ll try to do our part.”