By DREW GRANTHUM/Sports Writer

CHELSEA — For the better part of the first half, the Nov. 21 matchup between the Chelsea Hornets and Thompson Warriors saw both squads match each other shot for shot. Unfortunately for the host Hornets, a strong run by the Warriors to end the second quarter helped boost Thompson to a 63-51 win.

Chelsea’s Darrell Foster kicked off scoring for the evening on a layup and the ensuing free throw, giving the Hornets a 3-0 lead. Thompson’s Zach Carnes put the Warriors on the board with a post shot, as Blake Lewis and Reginald Chambers added a free throw each along with a Rashad Strother two-point shot gave the Warriors a 6-3 lead.

A Malik Abrams deep three point shot tied the game at 6-6, and set the tone for the rest of the half. With the Hornets up 20-18 following another Abrams three, Strother matched with a three of his own to put the Warriors ahead, 21-20.

Up 23-22 late in the second quarter, Thompson went on an 8-0 run to take a 31-22 lead headed into the half.

Thompson continued the run after intermission, as Strother opened the half by scoring the first eight points for THS, extending the lead to 39-24 .

A David Simpson three and a post shot by Foster helped Chelsea cut the lead to 39-31, but an 8-0 Warrior run allowed Thompson to pull out to a 15-point lead midway through the third.

The Hornets managed just three points the rest of the quarter, and Thompson headed into the fourth quarter with a 49-34 lead.

Chelsea opened up the final period by outscoring Thompson 9-4, as a three from Abrams cut the lead to 53-43. Unfortunately for the Hornets, it was as close as they would get, as Thompson assumed control down the stretch to take a 63-51 win.

THS head coach Patrick Davis said he was proud of his team’s effort.

“I thought we did a good job,” he said. “I know it’s cliché, but (we) handl(ed) some adversity playing on the road.”

Carnes led the team scoring with 16 points, while Tyler Baldwin posted 10 and Reggie Chambers and Tavarus Hall had eight apiece.

For Chelsea, Foster had 23 points, while Abrams had 15 and Simpson posted eight.