The North Hills 9th grade basketball team goes into the holidays on a high note.

The Indians went on the road Thursday afternoon and won their second consecutive game with a 58-51 victory against North Catholic.

North Hills came out of the gate quickly and led by 15-5 after the first quarter. Sparked by Mason Giesey's 12 first-half points, the Indians stretched the margin to 12 at halftime (32-20).

North Catholic made things a little interesting in the fourth quarter, closing the deficit to six at one point. But some clutch foul shooting by Austin Ellis helped North HIlls hold off the Trojans. Ellis made 5 of 6 free throws in the final quarter.

This was the most balanced offensive attack of the season for North Hills as four players scored in double figures. Giesey led the Indians for the second straight game with 16 points. Jack Broderick scored eight of his 12 in the first half. Ellis and Michael Murphy each finished with 11 and Liam Connolly hit two big 3-pointers.

North Hills is next in action Wednesday against Chartiers Valley in the North Allegheny Tournament.