CARBONDALE — The Carbondale Terriers jumped out to a 9-0 lead and never trailed, beating Mt. Vernon 54-39 in the South 7 opener for both teams.
The Terriers led 14-7 after one quarter, but the Rams closed within 23-21 late in the second. Carbondale scored five of the last six points of the half to lead 28-22 at the break.
The Terriers held Mt. Vernon to only one field and two points in the third quarter, as they extended their lead to 37-24 before winning by 15.
Carbondale will face Champaign Central Saturday at 4:30 in the Wildcat Shootout at Marion. Mt. Vernon is off until next Friday when the Rams will visit Centralia.