Florala coach Daniel Allison told his Wildcats at halftime that every possession in the second half was going to have to count.

The Wildcats took that to heart, outscored Kinston 19-7 in the third period and made 11 free throws in the fourth to edge the Bulldogs 61-58 in area action on Friday night.

KHS led 16-11 after the first period and 33-25 at halftime.

“I just told the kids that in the second half, every possession was going to have to count,” Allison said. “Overall, I’m very proud of the effort everybody gave.”

Florala’s Khalen Ball, who got moved up from the B-team, scored 20 points and was 100 percent from the foul line. Austin McNeil led FHS with 21 points and hit some big free throws for the Wildcats, Allison said.

John Bess paced FHS with nine points.

Florala led 44-40 at the end of the third period.

With this victory, the Wildcats improve to 2-11 overall, and 1-1 in Class 1A, Area 2.