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Boys basketball: Mercier wins 200th as Jets beat Norway

POWERS — North Central edged Norway 57-52 in Skyline Central Conference action Friday.

The win for North Central (12-4, 6-1) marked the 200th for head coach Adam Mercier.

“The former players that we’ve had over the past 12 years, I thank them for having the patience and always keeping the team-first mentality,” Mercier said. “Of course we’ve had some great players over the years. I didn’t think I would get to 20 wins let alone 200. Our team this year is coming along. They’re doing evertyhing I’ve asked them. I’m glad to do it with a group like this and the past kids, it’s a credit to them as well.”

Noah Gorzinski’s 14 points led the Jets.

“Noah hit some big shots in the fourth quarter and really stepped up for us when we needed him,” Mercier said. “Josh Plante was doing a good job on Dombrowski. We needed another guard to step up.”

North Central hit eight 3-pointers in the first half and held a 38-32 halftime lead.

“North Central came out hitting their shots — six 3s in the first quarter,” Norway head coach Jeff Gallino said. “We dug ourselves a little hole. They were patient in the second half and ran their offense effectively. We did not. Credit coach Mercier and his basketball team. We need to get back to work and get better.”

Plante’s 18 points led Norway (10-6, 5-3).

The Knights have lost three straight, while North Central has won three in a row.

The Knights host Superior Central on Monday while North Central hosts Munising on Tuesday.

Norway 16 16 6 14 — 52

North Central 22 16 8 11 — 57

NORWAY (52): Plante 18, Ortman 13, Wilson 9, Boulden 4, Hendricks 3, Faull 2, Doda 2. FT: 5-6. F: 15 (Faull fouled out). 3PT: Wilson 1, Plante 1, Ortman 1.

NORTH CENTRAL (57): Gorzinski 14, Schaff 10, Poupore 8, Holle 7, Dombrowski 6, Snyder 5, Johnson 5, Riley 2. FT: 10-13. F: 8.

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