MIDLAND – The Midland Rebels got off to a quick start and never looked back Tuesday, downing the Starks Panthers, 76-20, on their home court to improve to 5-2 on the season.

The Rebels got 10 points from Allen Fontenot in the first quarter and jumped out to an early 24-2 advantage after the first eight minutes of play.

Starks continued to struggle offensively in the second quarter, scoring just three points, and fell behind 43-5 at the intermission.

Midland went on to outscore Starks 17-4 in the third quarter and 16-11 in the fourth to close out the game.

Fontenot led all scorers on the night with 16 points. He was followed by Jake Gautreaux, who drained five 3-pointers and finished with 15 points. Andrew Hains also hit double figures with 12 points.

Also contributing in the victory were: Darren Arceaneaux, eight points; Chase Vincent and Cody Stutes, four points each; Randy Primeaux, three and Stephen Primeaux, Nick Primeaux and Treven Guidry, two points each.

Midland will be on the road Friday when the Rebels participate in the Elizabeth Tournament. The Rebels received a first-round bye and will take on either Fairview or Hathaway at 5:30 p.m. A victory Friday puts the Rebels in the finals Saturday at 7 while a loss would have them playing in the consolation game at 3:30.

Over in Crowley, Northside Christian improved to 3-3 overall with a 40-37 victory over the Plainview Hornets.

The victory avenged a 65-50 loss to the Hornets just three days earlier in the Plainview tournament.

Tuesday, the Warriors jumped out to a 20-16 advantage at the half before the Hornets stormed back to tie the game at 27-27 heading into the final stanza.

Northside hit two 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and went on to outscore Plainview 13-10 to seal the victory.

Pierce Rivera knocked down three 3-pointers and led the Warriors with 15 points. Nick Gotte and Ben Rogers each added seven points; Josh Wheeler chipped in five and B.J. Starks and Kade Miller each finished with three.

Jared Maricle dropped in five 3-points and paced the Hornets with a game-high 19 points. Erby Thompson followed with 10 points.

Northside will be in action again Thursday when they travel to Baton Rouge to take on Hosanna Christian