COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Falling in an early 11-2 hole on the road at Mifflin, it appeared as if Northland thought it was still on a snow day. Quickly responding in the second quarter, Northland (7-4, 5-1) overcame an 18-10 first quarter deficit to take down Mifflin (6-7, 3-3), 64-58 on Thursday.

As Mifflin landed the first few punches in the early going, Northland went on a 21-2 run in the first five minutes of the second quarter to establish a double-digit lead. Not backing down, Mifflin went on a run to end the quarter, going into halftime trailing 36-32.

After scoring six points in the first half, Northland junior guard William Mfum got going in the third quarter. Scoring nine points in the period, Mfum showcased his expanding skill set, getting to the rim, knocking down mid-range jumpers an even hitting a rhythm tripe in the quarter.

For as good as Mfum was in the third quarter, Mifflin did not seem fazed, as the Punchers took a momentary 44-42 lead with 2:23 remaining in the period. Behind senior guard James Watkins and senior wing Jamal Dorsey, the duo continually pushed the tempo in transition for the Punchers. 

Northland would regain control of the game, however, forcing Mifflin into several turnovers to go into the fourth quarter with a 51-48 lead.

Much like the third quarter, Northland would allow a quick Mifflin run, as the Punchers took a 52-51 lead with 5:45 to go. Responding with a 6-0, Northland's points off turnovers again came to haunt Mifflin, as a steal and layup from senior guard Jejuan Weatherspoon put the Vikings up 57-52 with 4:39 to go.

From that point forward, Mifflin got no closer than five points, as Northland converted at the line in the final minute, coming away with a 64-58 victory.

Leading the charge for Northland was Mfum, who finished with a game-high 17 points, in addition to seven rebounds and a game-high five assists. Mfum's ability to sky for rebounds and go is critical for Northland, as the 6-foot-2 guard is a terror in transition. One of the strongest finishers at the rim, Mfum is growing as a scorer, as his jump shot has come a long way since last year. A willing defender who enjoys physicality, Mfum is the alpha male of this Northland team.

Outside of Mfum, junior guard N'Keeley Elmore added 10 points and five rebounds. As Mifflin took a brief lead in the fourth quarter, Elmore quelled that on the next possession, knocking down a go-ahead triple for Northland's final lead of the game. 

Every scorer scored at least seven points for Northland as a balanced offensive effort was key for the Vikings. Senior wing DiShon Daniels added eight points, seven of which in the first half, while junior forward Mark Lee, who is Northland's glue guy of sorts, finished with eight points as well.

Seniors Weatherspoon, LaMonte Powell and Gabe Towns each finished with seven points.

For Mifflin, Watkins led the charge with 16 points, five rebounds and three assists. An athletic force with the ball, Watkins got to the rim with great consistency, as the 5-foot-11 senior exploded off the bounce. One of the toughest guards that we have seen in the City League all season, Watkins was the best player on the floor for many stretches in the game.

Dorsey added 16 points, six rebounds and three steals. A high wire wing who reminds me a lot of former Mifflin forward J'Saun Davis, Dorsey has been the Punchers' top scorer all season long, as he plays with a great motor. 

No other Mifflin player added more than six points, as Watkins and Dorsey truly carried the load against a lengthy and athletic Northland defense. Senior guard Kelvin Frempong was effective off the bench, adding six points, five rebounds and two steals.

Mifflin must quickly rebound as a road trip to East, who is tied for second in the City League North with Northland, awaits on Friday.

For Northland, the Vikings will take on International on Friday in a more than winnable matchup.