PERU – The Whitko boys basketball team picked up its first win of the season in impressive fashion Tuesday.

The Wildcats used a fast start to best North Miami 77-55 in the consolation game of the Miami County Tournament.

Whitko outscored North Miami 21-8 in the first period en route to the win.

The duo of Nate Walpole and River West each had big games to lead the Wildcats. Walpole had 27 points to go with eight rebounds and eight assists. West finished with 20 points to go with seven rebounds and five assists.

Cole Kessie netted 17 points for the Wildcats. Devon Adkins had 11 points, three rebounds and four assists for the winners.

Whitko improves to 1-7, while North Miami drops to 1-7.

Whitko returns to action by hosting conference foe Rochester on Jan. 9.