NCHS Ironmen Start Fast, Coast To 6th Straight Win

NORMAL — Getting off to a fast start was something Normal Community High School's undefeated basketball team stressed Tuesday night.

Once the Ironmen accomplished that they didn't let off the accelerator, either.

Fueled by a 14-0 opening surge, NCHS kept coming at Limestone in a nonconference game. Zach Thompson's 13 points paced the Ironmen, ranked No. 7 in the Class 4A state poll, to an easy 62-29 victory at the NCHS Gym.

"We've had a couple slow starts before that. Just getting off to a quick start definitely was a momentum builder," said Thompson, a senior guard who went 5 of 7 from the field. "I thought our team handled that really well, just keep pushing the intensity the whole game."

Thompson was the only player to score in double figures for NCHS (6-0), which didn't need a lot of production from stars Alex Peacock (six points) and Tyler Seibring (four). There were 11 Ironmen players who had baskets.

"We have other guys who can score. Ty and Alex didn't have to carry the load which they've been doing for us," said NCHS coach Dave Witzig. "It was a good opportunity for other guys to step in there and make some good plays."

Limestone (3-4) dug itself a huge hole by missing its first five shots and committing three turnovers.

When David Boyd scored on a fast-break layup, the Ironmen were two touchdowns ahead with three minutes left in the first quarter.

"There have been some games they've been able to score well and their point guard (Chris Dixon-Williams) is really quick," said Witzig. "I thought we did a great job on him. David Boyd, Tyler Vance and Duane Farrington did a good job kind of tag-teaming him."

Limestone finally scored with 2:51 left in the first quarter on Calvin Peacock's 3-pointer. The Rockets trailed 18-7 heading into the second quarter before NCHS scored the first 12 points en route to a 35-11 halftime lead.

The Ironmen outscored Limestone, 12-2, in the first five minutes of the third quarter as Witzig pulled his starters early.

Austin Wood, who didn't play until the second half, led Limestone with nine points.

NCHS has one more game, Dec. 19 at Big 12 Conference-newcomer Peoria Central, before the State Farm Holiday Classic. The Ironmen are the No. 1 seed in the large school division.