By BAKER ELLIS / Sports Editor

HOOVER – After losing their first two area games of the season, the Thompson Warriors pulled back to .500 in 7A Area 5 after beating Hoover at Hoover on Jan. 15 by a final of 71-59 to move to 13-8 (2-2).

The Warriors outscored the Bucs in each of the first three quarters en route to their victory. Demonte Caffey and Drew Thomas helped get Thompson out to a quick start as they both hit threes to help put the Warriors up 17-11 at the end of the first quarter. Caffey hit a three as time expired in the first quarter to punctuate the quick start for Thompson.

Another Caffey three early in the second period put the Warriors up 24-13, and Thompson did not look back. The Warriors held Hoover to just nine second quarter points as they opened up a 32-20 halftime lead.

Another 19 third-quarter points extended the Thompson lead to 51-33 entering the fourth period, and while Hoover put up 26 in the fourth, it was too little too late as Thompson avenged its earlier season loss to Hoover and pulled back to even in area play.

Drew Thomas scored 19 points and grabbed six boards to lead all scorers, while Michael Freeman added 16 points, Jamon Staffney added 14, and Caffey ended up with 10 points and seven rebounds as Thompson had four scorers in double digits.