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The South Trojans beat the North Gators 48-39 at North Middle School Monday in a continuation of the rivalry between the two county schools.

After a close first half, the Trojans created some separation in the third quarter behind a major offensive surge and held off the Gators the rest of the way to split the season series.

The teams traded baskets in the early moments of the contest with the Gators taking a slight lead in the opening period. Kaveon Sutton scored six of South’s 10 points in the first quarter.

North led 12-10 after one quarter.

The score remained tight in the second quarter with the Trojans slicing a point off of the early deficit before the end of the half. Jacoba Fells scored five of South’s seven points in the second quarter while Jackson Knight scored four of North’s six points in the period.

North led 18-17 at halftime.

The Trojans put up 20 points in the third quarter alone as they took control of the scoreboard behind 3-pointers from Brennan Taylor, Layton Jones and Sutton.

South led 37-30 going into the final period.

The Trojans were able to maintain their lead throughout the fourth quarter as they finished off the nine-point victory.

Taylor and Carson Moore led the Trojans with 12 points each for the game, followed by Sutton with 11 points.

Fells scored eight points and Jones scored five.

The Gators were led in scoring by Knight with 11 points, followed by Jayden Cisco with 10 points and Kyran Peace with six.

Austin Heath and Monte Johnson scored five points each, and Cooper Eslick scored two points.

With the win, the Trojans improved to 3-12 on the season.

They will next play Wednesday at home against Warren County Middle School. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.

With the loss, the Gators moved to 2-9 on the season.

They will next play Thursday at West Middle School. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.