It may have been a lopsided score, but the real story in Noxon’s 78-47 win over Alberton Thursday night was the heart involved.

Noxon was looking to crank it up and get the season rolling and that mission was accomplished against the Panthers in Alberton.

And Alberton, in turn, may have shown it is still battling, playing better basketball with a very inexperienced roster and showing good progress as the new season unfolds.

An indication of the determination on both sides was the first quarter of Thursday’s Western 14C game. Both teams came out scrapping and scoring, producing a spirited display that resulted in a 20-17 first quarter lead for the visiting Red Devils.

Then, in the second quarter, the Noxon defense clamped down on the home team, outscoring them 19-4 to take a relatively comfortable 39-21 lead at halftime.

But Alberton came back strong in the third quarter (youth does have some advantages) and battled back and forth with Noxon. By the end of the third quarter the score was 57-36 in favor of the Red Devils.

In the fourth quarter, Noxon’s height and athleticism kicked in as the Red Devils outscored the home team 21-11 to secure the win, their first of the season against two losses.

Alberton, meanwhile, fell to 1-5 on the season with the loss.

Noxon had four players score in double figures, led by 6-4 junior Shane Murray’s game-best 20 points. The Red Devils also got 19 from Justice Kayser, 18 from junior forward Ricky Williams, and 10 from Currie.

Sophomore forward Shea Fredette led Alberton with 14 points, while teammate Jaxson Zimmerman added 13 for the Panthers.

Next up for Noxon is a trip to Plains after the Holiday break to take on the red-hot Plains teams Friday, January 5.

Alberton, meanwhile, travels to Victor January 4 (Thurs) for a game with the Pirates.