In the first quarter, as DeKalb opened a 16-point lead against Rock Falls , the Barbs were converting turnovers into points.

As the Rockets tried to get back into the game in the third quarter, the Barbs closed the lid with another defense-led run, sealing the 72-43 home win on Tuesday.

“That’s our first priority, that’s everything we do is around our defense,” said DeKalb senior Myles Newman, who drained two of his four first-quarter 3-pointers in transition off turnovers. “So every time we do good on defense, it’s going to lead to offensive buckets.”

The Barbs (2-1) forced seven turnovers in the first quarter, leading to 14 points. They led by as much as 24-8.

The Rockets (1-4), a Class 2A Sterling Supersectional qualifier last year, but like DeKalb in rebuilding mode, got back t

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