POWERS — It was a triumphant return to coaching for Lee Vincent Tuesday night as the North Central girls hung on for a season-opening 51-47 basketball victory over the Forest Park Trojans.

Jadie Linder secured the Skyline Central Conference decision with a pair of free throws with seven seconds left to play.

“It was a close game,” Vincent said after his first head coaching assignment in 18 years. “They were bigger than we were, but we played great defense. All the girls played great and were hustling tonight. They pressed us pretty good and we broke it fairly good. I’m very proud of the effort, especially on the defensive end.”

North Central’s Chloe Wells finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Linder also had 14 points and Natalie Dombrowski added 12 points and 10 boards. Hannah Cross paced the Trojans with 13 points.

The Jets hit 20 of 49 field goals.

“I think there’s a lot of potential in this team,” said Forest Park coach Jackie Giuliani. “We have a lot of young girls. It’s going to take time.”

Hannah Cross led the Trojans with 13 points. Maddie Scarlassara scored nine points and collected seven rebounds.

North Central, which won the JV contest by three points, visits Rapid River Friday. Forest Park visits Bark River-Harris on Friday.

Forest Park 4 13 14 16 — 47

North Central 6 11 17 14 — 51

FOREST PARK (47) — Ferrera 1, Emmers 2, Scarlassara 9, Honkala 8, Loehr 6, Nocerini 5, Aberly 3, Cross 13. FT: 5-11. F: 14. 3PT: Honkala 2, Cross 1, Nocerini 1.

NORTH CENTRAL (51) — Laurila 5, Dombrowski 12, Linder 14, Wells 14, Smith 1, Paupore 3, Plunger 2. FT: 7-11. F: 14. 3PT: Laurila 1, Dombrowski 1, Linder 1, Paupore 1.