Monroe — The Monroe High boys basketball team improved to 6-0 with a run-away win over North Stanly, 80-51, on Friday.

The Redhawks jumped out to a 6-0 lead to start the game and eventually went up by 11 in the first quarter before the Comets (3-4) hit two late field goals to stay in the game (19-12).

Monroe then used a 12-4 run to start the second period to push the lead to 15 on the way to a 42-24 advantage at halftime.

The Comets were down but not out as they fought back in the third, using a 14-4 run to cut the Redhawks lead to eight. But North scored only one more field goal the rest of the way, and the Redhawks ended the third on a 10-2 run that pushed their lead back to 16 going into the fourth quarter.

A 12-0 run to start the final period allowed the Redhawks to coast the rest of the way while pushing their lead to as much as 32 points after coach Johnny Sowell had put most of his bench on the floor.

“Them cutting the lead in the third quarter didn’t bother me,” Sowell said. “I know why they cut it, they cut it because we forgot to move the ball around. Everybody wanted to take a shot and you can’t do that. A team like this and you’re OK but you start playing a team that’s a lot better, just as equal as we are, you have five different guys taking shots without the rebound and that’s 10 points.”

Issac Blakeney, a 6-6 senior center, had another double-double for MHS with a game-high 17 rebounds and 15 points on the night.

Three other Redhawks scored in double digts, including junior point guard Jamison Crowder (18), junior shooting guard Qwadarius Duboise (14) and senior wing Quontez Threat (15).

Shamiir Hailey, a senior wing, added 11 rebounds for the Redhawks.

Alex Russell scored a team-high 17 points for the Comets.

North downs MHS girls

North Stanly held off the Redhawks’ upset bid in the girls game, 72-58.

The unbeaten Comets (7-0) led by just two at halftime (32-30).

Monroe (1-4) tied the game midway through the third quarter (39-all), but the Comets responded with a 10-0 run.

DeQuisha McCain scored a game-high 24 points for the Monroe and Shakira Jordan added 15.

Holly Chandler scored 19 points for the Comets and three others were in double figures — Tanya Bryant (16), Elizabeth Deck (14) and Lindsey Burleson (10).

Katie Bention had 17 rebounds for the Redhawks, who outrebounded the visitors 40-32 as a team.