First-year head coach Joe Kuhn and the Chaparrals earned their first home win of the season, running an impressive run late in the second half in their 89-76 Region 4 victory over Carl Sandburg on Thursday night.
 
Five Chaps, led by Derome White's 25 points, scored in double figures as COD improved to 2-4 overall heading into Saturday afternoon's home game against Wilbur Wright.
 
Tip is 3 p.m.
 
"We defended so much better in the second half,'' Kuhn said. "We played very well in 35 minutes tonight. We shot the ball in the second half much better, and it was fun to see the guys play strong down the stretch. Learning how to win and close out games is what good teams do.''
 
Drew Gaston added 16 points, followed by Kendell Cross's 15 (all on five 3's), Jacob Lim with 12 and Matt Elliott 11 with 11 rebounds.
 
COD fired 51.4 percent from the floor on 18 of 35 shooting in the second half and for the game hit all 11 of their free throw attempts.
 
They out-rebounded their foe, 45-31.
 
The story of the game was COD's closing-out effort. Trailing 70-69 with 7:32 left in the game, COD outscored the Chargers 20-7 and allowed just one field goal down the stretch for the 13-point margin.
 
Gaston hit nine of his points during that stretch.
 
"It was good to see so many find success tonight,'' Kuhn said. "Derome was a one-man transition offense in the first half, and Jacob has such a calming presence on the court. He creates very well with an ability to knock down shots.''
 
Tyrese Grose led the Chargers with 12 points.