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STEPHENSON -- Stephenson, behind Emily Johnson's 24 points and Autumn Rasner's 18, spilled Norway 68-49 in a non-conference girls basketball game between Skyline Central teams.
The visiting Knights (2-8) trailed 31-24 at halftime.
"We did many good things on offense but our defense was too relaxed," said Norway coach Joe Tinti. "We never were able to get into an effective half-court defense. We were able to apply pressure and get the game within 10 multiple times in the second half and fourth quarter, but gave up too many big 3s and easy putbacks down the stretch."
Stephenson outscored 37-25 in the second half.
Khalajia Hannah's 11 points led the Knights, who visit North Dickinson on Friday.
"We had many offensive contributors and we hope to carry the offensive momentum into Friday's game," Tinti said.
Norway 6 18 12 13 -- 49
Stephenson 15 16 15 22 -- 68
NORWAY (49): H. Clifford 6, Hosking 2, Neuens 1, Mattia 6, Hannah 11, M. Clifford 4, Gyselinck 5, VanHolla 4. FT: 11-16. F: 15. 3PT: H. Clifford, Hannah 2, Gyselinck 1.
STEPHENSON (68): Kuchneau 4, Rasner 18, Schultz 6, Emily Johnson 24, M. Johnson 5, Kuntze 11. FT: 11-19. F: 17. 3PT: Rasner 2, E. Johnson 3.
Simmons, Forest Park beat Nordics
CRYSTAL FALLS -- Mercedes Simmons scored 10 of her game-high 24 points in the first quarter and Forest Part defeated North Dickinson 49-39 on Tuesday.
The Lady Trojans (5-3) jumped out to a 17-5 lead in the first quarter.
"We had a great start and came out ready to play," said FP coach Jackie Giuliani. "We had real nice passes.
"North Dickinson did a good job and fought hard."
Simmons, a 6-foot-1 junior, grabbed 22 rebounds. Sydney Honkala added 13 as the Trojans gained a 51-26 rebound advantage.
"We had a hard time matching up with Simmons," said ND coach Kirk Mattson. "Offensively we're struggling and we don't start games very well. We're not good enough to have slow starts."
ND shot 23 percent from the floor. Ashton Hord's 15 points led the Nordics (4-5), who did close to single digits in the fourth quarter after trailing 39-27 after three quarters.
"Our girls are learning what do in those pressure situations," Giuliani said.
FP edged ND 44-41 in the junior varsity game.
Both teams play Skyline Central Conference games Friday. The Trojans visit Big Bay de Noc for a varsity-only match-up and the Nordics host the Knights.
North Dickinson 5 14 8 12 -- 39
Forest Park 17 12 10 10 -- 49
NORTH DICKINSON: Hord 15, B. Smith 8, K. Smith 8, Ledzian 6, Clark 2. 3-point FG: Hord 2. FG: 16-68. Rebounds: 26 (Ledzian 8). FT: 5-8. F: 14.
FOREST PARK: Simmons 24, Loehr 6, Bloomburg 5, Soderberg 4, Divine 4, Nocerini 4, Honkala 2. 3-point FG: none. FG: 21-59. Rebounds: 51 (Simmons 22, Honkala 13). FT: 7-16. F: 12.
Jets rout Big Bay
GARDEN CORNERS -- The North Central Jets took off fast and went into cruise control here Tuesday as they whipped Big Bay de Noc 74-39 in a Skyline Central Conference game.
The Jets vaulted to a 19-4 first quarter lead and kept soaring, with a 36-15 halftime lead.
"We played fairly well offensively," said Jets' coach Lee Vincent. "Our defense could have been a little better."
Chloe Wells led the Jets (6-2, 2-0 SCC) with 21 points. "Chloe had a good, steady game," said Vincent, who noted Andie Arsenault (17 points) played well and Taylor Poupore "was tough on the boards for us."
Holli Stapleton had 21 points for the Black Bears (1-5 overall, 0-5 SCC) and Meagan Yonker added 10.
Big Bay coach Jenna Bradshaw knew the Black Bears had a tough assignment, so she adjusted her goals before the game. "We had our own personal goals, which we achieved, so I'm proud of my girls and how they played," she said.
The Black Bears visit Forest Park Friday while North Central hosts arch-rival Carney-Nadeau Monday.
North Central 19 17 19 19 -- 74
Big Bay 4 11 15 9 -- 39
NORTH CENTRAL (74): Neville 3, Smith 3, B. Arsenault 10, A. Arsenault 20, Poupore 8, Pavlat 5, Linder 4, Wells 21. FT: 12-18. F: 16. 3PT: B. Arsenault 2, A. Arsenault 3, Pavlat 1.
RAPID RIVER (39): Yonker 10, Bleau 6, Stapleton 21, Massengill 2. FT: 7-20. F: 15.