The Model Blue Devils came into the Holiday Festival with the goal of hoisting the Gold Ball, but a loss to Woodland on Friday in their second game derailed those plans.

They could have come out on Tuesday in their fifth-place against Pepperell with a lackluster effort because they fell short of that championship appearance.

But that was not the case.

The Devils dominated Pepperell on both ends of the floor to roll to a 48-25 win over the Dragons at Berry College.

“We came out ready to play today,” said Model coach Andy Akin. “Our defense played really well and forced some turnovers. Pepperell plays good defense so being able to get out in transition to get some easy baskets helped.”

Donald Johnson led the way for the Devils (7-4) with 13 points including eight in the second half. Shaqueille Calhoun was steady again with 11 to continue his strong showing in the tournament.

Pepperell scored the first basket of the game, but Model came back with a 13-point run to take control of the game early. The Dragons cut the lead to nine just before halftime, but that was as close as they would get as the Blue Devils continued to pour in points. On top of that, the Model defense only gave up three points in the first quarter and six points in the third.

“I think it was an all-around good effort from our team,” said Akin. “I think our scoring was pretty balanced. Almost everybody contributed in this game.”

The Dragons (x-x) had no scorer reach double figures. Andy Dodd was their leading scorer with nine.

Akin said that he was pleased with the way his team came back after the loss earlier in the tournament.

“We struggled against Woodland, but they’re a really good team,” said Akin. “Our guys came back focused and played very well today.”

Both teams will now break for until after the New Year. Pepperell next plays on Jan. 5 when they host Calhoun.

The Blue Devils will next be in action on Dec. 29 at Forsyth Central.

PEPPERELL (25)

Ben Lovingood 2, Marcus Jackson 1, Fabien Maciel 2, Chris Cox 4, Jerrick Ferguson 3, Landon Brooks 2, P.J. Crawford 2, Andy Dodd 9.

MODEL (48)

Donald Johnson 13, Shaq Calhoun 11, Taylor Meeks 2, Ben Mathis 2, Gabe Johnson 2, Dustin Fincher 2, Josh Haywood 10, Ryan Leonard 6.

Pepperell 3 7 6 9 — 25

Model 13 8 17 10 — 48

3-Pointers — Pepperell 1 (Ferguson 1); Model (Calhoun 1). Free throws — Pepperell 4-9, Model 5-10.