After a season-opening loss at home, the North Hills 9th grade boys basketball team went on the road Tuesday to Butler - and the trip was worthwhile.

North Hills evened its record at 1-1 with a 50-44 victory against the Golden Tornado. After a slow start and falling behind by seven points, North Hills came on and took a 24-19 halftime lead. Sparked by 11 second-half points by "Slick" Nick Richter, North Hills opened up an11-point advantage in the fourth quarter. Butler hit a few baskets in the final minute to make it close.

Richter led North Hills with 15 points. Jack Broderick and Michael Murphy pitched in with 11 apiece.

The Indians opened the season last Friday with a 51-37 loss to North Allegheny. Richter scored 11 and Pavle Zdravkovic 10 for North Hills.

The team's next game is Wednesday, Dec. 13 at home against Seneca Valley. Game time is 3:30 at the Senior High.