HARTFORD CITY – NorthWood shook off a cold first half to down Columbia City 39-33 Saturday in regional play.

The No. 7 Panthers outscored the Eagles 15-9 in the final quarter to earn the semifinal win in the Class 3-A Blackford Regional.

NorthWood, which beat Wawasee in the sectional title game of the West Noble Sectional last weekend, advances to play Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger Saturday night in the regional final. Dwenger beat Hamilton Heights 58-53 in the other semifinal Saturday.

Columbia City led 12-9 after the opening period and 19-16 at halftime. The teams were tied at 24-24 entering the final period of play.

Senior Cam Simpson led NorthWood, now 23-2, with a game-high 15 points. He hit four huge 3-pointers in the win.

Dakiryon Fox had 12 points and 15 rebounds for the Panthers.

Columbia City finishes its season at 19-8.