PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- In a game that looked to be well on its way to a blowout by halftime, No. 9 Pickerington North outlasted a second half charge by No. 18 Delaware Hayes to come out with a 62-52 win at home on Tuesday. Behind 16 points from junior forward Jerome Hunter, Pickerington North shut the door on Delaware Hayes in the second half of an exciting game.

After building a 38-16 lead at halftime, Pickerington North looked to be in complete control over Delaware Hayes. That large lead would not last for long, as a second half charge by the Pacers brought Tuesday's game to as close as seven points in the fourth quarter.

With Delaware Hayes senior wing guard Will Yoakum scoring 16 of his game-high 24 points in the second half, the Pacers finally cut down on turnovers in the final two periods to come as close as 56-49 with 2:40 to go.

However, Pickerington North would turn up its defensive pressure, holding Delaware Hayes to just three points for the remainder of the game to come away with the win.

For Hunter, Tuesday's performance was encouraging, considering that the 6-foot-7 junior went out in the first quarter with two early fouls. Committing just one foul for the remainder of the game, Hunter impressed as a slasher, scoring 16 points and throwing down a few thunderous jams.

Outside of Hunter, Pickerington North got double-digit scoring performances from junior point guard Ty Wiley and junior forward Eli McNamara, who scored 12 points each. Wiley also had three steals, creating opportunities for North with his devastating speed in transition. For McNamara, the 6-foot-8 post showed incredible touch in the post, making several impressive moves for scores from eight feet and in.

For Delaware, Yoakum's 24 points were a game-high, as the senior knocked down five three-point field goals. Catching heat in the third quarter, Yoakum knocked down four threes in the period alone, helping Delaware outscore Pickerington North 20-10 in the frame.

Sophomore forward Terin Kinsway added 14 points and six rebounds, showing strength and toughness inside, while getting to the line several times on Tuesday. No other Delaware player scored more than six, as the Pacers' first half turnover problems proved to be the difference in the game. Putting themselves in an early hole, Delaware was never able to get within seven points on the night, despite Yoakum's impressive performance from deep.

With the win, Pickerington North advances to open up OCC-Ohio play with a home matchup vs. rival No. 2 Pickerington Central. For Delaware, the Pacers begin OCC-Cardinal play with a road matchup at Hilliard Darby, who knocked off No. 25 Central Crossing on Tuesday.