The Northwestern 3A/4A Conference season officially tipped off Tuesday night. The Alexander Central girls (10-0 overall; 1-0 NW3A/4A) remained perfect as

they knocked off St. Stephens, 67-49. Marie Ritchie led the way with 16 points. The Cougars led 43-21 at halftime and cruised home. Alexander Central also played without its best player Maddi Suddreth, who has missed the last two games with a foot injury.
Head coach Matt Taylor expects to have her back by January. St. Stephens (2-6; 0-1) was led by Virginia McMahan with 14 points and Autumn Williams with 11 points.
The St. Stephens boys (8-0; 1-0) remained undefeated with a 58-38 win against Alexander Central.
The Indians, who shot 48% from the floor in the first half, were led by Zack Houston with 17 points.

NORTHWESTERN 3A/4A CONFERENCE

TUESDAY'S GAMES
GIRLS:

ALEXANDER CENTRAL 67, ST. STEPHENS 49
HICKORY 86, NEWTON-CONOVER 62
WATAUGA @ FRED T. FOARD, POSTPONED

BOYS:

ST. STEPHENS 58, ALEXANDER CENTRAL 38
HICKORY 78, NEWTON-CONOVER 47
WATAUGA @ FRED T. FOARD, POSTPONED

WEDNESDAY'S GAMES

HUNTER HUSS @ HICKORY