PROSPERITY - Whitmire Community School boys' basketball coach Eric Thompson delivered a clear message from the bench with about three minutes to play in the first half.

“Finish the half strong,” he yelled repeatedly.

The only problem was the Wolverines didn't heed the advice - but Mid-Carolina did.

The Rebels closed the first half on a 13-4 run and cruised from there to a 70-54 win last night in the first game in their new gym

The win improved Mid-Carolina's record to 2-1 on the season.

“We've got guys that have been with us a while and we're getting after it,” Mid-Carolina coach Zeb Reid said. “They've worked hard this summer and we're improving. We've got a lot of young guys, but some of these guys have been with us a while. Youth can be a good thing or a bad thing, but hopefully we'll continue to grow and mature.”

The Rebels took a 30-19 lead into the second half and blew the game open in the third, outscoring the Wolverines 21-12.

Many of the Mid-Carolina's baskets were in transition after Whitmire turnovers.

“Our press got us going,” Reid said. “We were able to force some turnovers, and only committed three of our own. That's the best we've taken care of the ball since I've been here. That's huge for us.”

The loss dropped Whitmire to 1-3 on the season.

“We can't shoot the basketball right now,” Thompson said. “With no more depth than we've got, if we can't shoot the basketball, we're going to have problems. I thought we took a step back tonight.”

The Wolverines will be off until they host Mid-Carolina next Tuesday.

Lamarcus Lindsay led the Wolverines with 23 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter.

Jarrell Ruff-Smalls chipped in 12, while Blake Chick had a big night off the bench with eight points and 10 blocks, including three rejections on one possession.

“He's starting to understand things that we need from him,” Thompson said. “He's filling a role that we need. He was one of the few that played well.”

C.J. Edwards paced the Rebels with 14 points, while Calvin Herbert added 10, including the first dunk in the new gym.

Mac Lake poured in 10, while Shaq Boyd added nine.

Nine players scored for Mid-Carolina in the win.

The Rebels will be back in action tonight when they host McCormick.

They will also face Chapin at home Friday.

Tipoff for both games is set for 7:30 p.m.