TROY — Tri-County North’s boys basketball team opened sectional tournament play with a 53-50 win over No. 5 seed Southeastern on Saturday, Feb. 22, at Troy High School.

The sixth-seeded Panthers were led by junior Dylan Stinson’s 23 points and 12 rebounds. Junior Wyatt Royer tossed in 11 and sophomore Luke Eby added nine. Junior Ethan Rike contributed six points.

“We came out and played a solid team effort,” North coach Joe Smith said. “Every guy that played contributed. Our defense is what led us. We allowed 16 points in the first half. I told the guys we have to let our defense lead our offense.”

North, now 11-12, will play No. 7 seed Franklin-Monroe on Thursday, Feb. 27, at 7:30 p.m. in the sectional final, at Troy High School.

North, winners of four straight, won the first meeting of the season 75-66 on Feb. 7.