WESTERVILLE, Ohio -- One of the more anticipated regular season match-ups of the early season, the first edition of Delaware Hayes and Westerville North lived up to the hype, indicated by the lively, near-capacity gym. On Friday, it was the visiting Pacers that were able to overcome a blown double-digit lead as they secured a 59-58 victory to not only remain undefeated, but take an early lead for the OCC-Capital.

After a slow start in the opening minutes that saw the Warriors take a 10-3 lead, the Pacers overcame early foul trouble from star guard Jesse Burris and finished the period on a 13-3 run. They'd go on to dominate the next two quarters that saw their lead build up to 15 points halfway through the third and remain a double-digit difference through the first two minutes of the fourth.

Already accustomed to tight endings against quality competition, the Warriors upped their defensive pressure and put the Pacers on their heels. With an eight-point Pacers lead in hand and roughly three minutes to spare, Burris had what appeared to be the play of the game, a baseline slam, but was called for the charge.

Momentum quickly shifted and almost single-handedly as Warriors' rising star freshman Tyson Perkins ignited the gym with seven straight points along with two steals to bring the Warriors within a point. 

Another costly Hayes turnover on the inbound led to Warriors senior Na’Varion Adams to easily put in his only bucket of the game to give North their first lead since halfway through the first quarter.

On the next possession, two made free throws from Burris would regain Hayes a one-point advantage. But Perkins continued his impeccable stretch with a strong drive left of the hoop to recapture the lead for North with 7.7 seconds to go.

After coming out of a timeout to get a look at Westerville North's defense, Burris would inbound near half-court and receive a quick handoff from Jake Lowman. Defended by Micah Young, who had a magnificent all-around game, Burris would find his way near the charity stripe and drew a foul as he went up for a mid-range attempt.

"We just wanted the ball in Jesse's hands in some capacity," Hayes head coach Adam Vincenzo said. "We didn't want him to just go iso and be stagnant, but we got him downhill, he made a play and got fouled."

With two attempts that could either tie or take the lead, Burris was faced with the utmost pressure as he stood at the line with 1.1 seconds left. As if he were in his own driveway, the four-year starter calmly sunk both shots. A subsequent 65-foot attempt from North fell short at the buzzer which led the Pacers to celebrate with their well-traveled fan base.

"I practice all the time for shots like that," Burris, an Ohio University commit, said. "I was just laid back and knew I was good."

While Hayes nearly let go of a golden opportunity to defeat their stiffest division competition, the grind-out nature to respond to North's talent and pressure was a credit to the depth the Pacers possess, even without junior forward Landon Vanderwarker, who was sidelined with a wrist injury.

"We were just trying to survive it," Vincenzo said. "We made just enough plays. We're accustomed to do different things in different scenarios. Togetherness is what it's all about."

Together, the Hayes put forth a tremendous all-around effort. Burris led the Pacers with 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists. He was joined by junior Carter Piatt-Brown and Jeremiah Russell, who had 14 a piece.

"Carter was a difference tonight, we knew he could do that, he adds a new piece to the puzzle," Vincenzo said. "And Russell is a gamer and competes and does so much."

Even in defeat, the Warriors had some gamers of their own. Young was tremendous and had the most impactful four quarters for North, as he finished with 21 points and five rebounds. Junior Tai Perkins scored 12, including two timely threes in the fourth, while younger brother Tyson had all nine of his points in the final minutes of the game. Senior Eyon Robinson finished with nine points of his own along with three assists. 

"Those guys are really good, that's a battle," Vincenzo said in regard to his opponent. "That's what makes our league fun and Central Ohio basketball fun."

For more on the breathtakingly fun game on Friday, check out the 5 Keys

1. Pick Your Poison - That's how coach Vincenzo described the variety of ballplayers he has, as his mostly seven-deep rotation made contributions in multiple ways. What makes them even more lethal is neither player really specializes in one area, but they play an all-around team game that consistently displays strong ball movement, an initiative on defense and hungry effort on the glass. This was even more impressive considering the absence of Vanderwarker (more on him in a bit). Burris may be the guy to take over in the final moment, but he can easily find any teammate to make a big shot of their own.

2. Stone Cold Jesse - There's no other way to describe the six-foot-three, do-it-all guard that's as tough as he is skilled. After he overcame two early fouls in the first quarter, Burris returned and didn't hold back. He made difficult finishes, grabbed contested rebounds and found open teammates despite difficult traps. It was almost eerie how unphased he was as he approached the line with do-or-die free throws. Burris takes pride in his team and his community and knows he has an opportunity to lead a special roster to uncharted territories. Friday night's performance showed he's up for the task.

3. Warrior-like Backcourt - Even in defeat, it was hard to not recognize the vast amount of talent Westerville North possess in their backcourt. The Warriors are gifted with a selection of guards and Friday night showcased their abilities. Young was the most impressive through his consistency, which allowed the Warriors to stay within reach. Tai not only hit three triples, but also led with four assists, while Robinson added nine points and three assists of his own. But the talk of the town will be those final minutes from Tyson, as he took over against one of the area's best team and adds a dangerous element to an already dangerous team.

4. The Return of Landon - Before the game, much of the chatter focused around how the Pacers would once again be without their junior transfer and highly sought-after recruit, Landon Vanderwarker. Despite Hayes' already well-rounded depth, the six-foot-seven forward adds an entire new dimension to the Pacers. Vanderwarker has battled a minor illness combined with a wrist injury, but good news Hayes fans. He's considered day-to-day and hope to be cleared by early next week. The region is on notice.

5. Division Outlook - The frustrating beauty of basketball is that one team has to win and the other has to lose. On Friday, it was Hayes' night, which they earned through toughness, perseverance and pressured shots. Despite the loss, North showed they absolutely are in the conversation as one of the area's best teams. Even with the expected return of Vanderwarker in the next contest, expect another lively battle between these two when the Warriors visit the Pacers on January 23rd. While both of these teams contend for a league championship, they'll both have an opportunity to win a district title and beyond.