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First semester finals aren’t until after the holiday break and mid-terms have already passed, but the Northside boys basketball team will be tested this week with consecutive road games and one at home before taking a holiday break.

The Panthers (9-0) are off to their best start in years and have already matched their victory total from two seasons ago and surpassed last year’s six wins.

Coach Jared Adams played without any seniors last year and the young group took its lumps, which Adams thinks is one of the reasons for their successful start.

“We worked hard during the summer on all phases of our game and it’s paying off for us,” he said. “Experience is important and our guys are using what they learned last year to be more comfortable with themselves and each other on the floor.”

The Panthers started the week with a trip to Pasquotank Tuesday night. Northside trailed by 12 in the first half in the first meeting a couple of weeks ago in Pinetown, but stormed back in the second half to win 65-50.

“That was a huge confidence-builder for us and it proved to our guys that they could win if they played to their ability. We didn’t crumble, but instead fought back and earned a huge win. They learned that good things happen when they play like they are capable of.”

The major test looms Thursday with a trip to Washington. The Pam Pack (4-2) put together consecutive blowouts of East Carteret and D.H. Conley after a four-overtime loss to Hertford Co. and Adams knows they will be ready.

“Without a doubt they will be our toughest test yet,” Adams said. “They are quick, long and can shoot, but I think we will compete hard. When one guy is off for us, somebody else steps up. Malachi Moore is our leading scorer (17.9), but Griffin Johnson scored 27 the other night when he was struggling. Tate Gibbs, (point guard) Max Vansant and Brandon Arthur have played well as starters also, so I’m excited to see how we stack up.”

Johnson averages 13 points and a team-best eight rebounds, while Arthur had a perfect offensive game last week. He hit all five three-point shots, both his two-pointers and made his only free throw attempt at Columbia.