Dennis Grall | Daily Press Photo Sophomore Jordan Kraemer of Norway sails in for a layup Wednesday for Bay College against Alpena. She had 23 points in the 87-60 victory.

ESCANABA — Jordan Kraemer is like a microwave oven. She heats up quickly when she gets on the hardwood and keeps sizzling all game long.

The sophomore from Norway exhibited that ability again here Wednesday night as she led Bay College to an 87-60 conquest of Alpena Community College in women’s basketball.

Kraemer, scoring several times just moments after a brief bench break, finished with 23 points on 8-of-14 shooting , including all six free throws. She also had five rebounds, four assists and six steals in an all-around solid outing that has been typical of her game.

Kraemer said her “basketball IQ improves every day. We have a pretty good connection on the court. We know where each other is going to be.”

The former All-U.P. standout did most of her damage in the first half to break the game open against the Lumberjacks, who only had three reserves. The Norse has eight reserves and they all played extensively, allowing coach Rob Robinson to rotate players to keep everyone fresh.

An 11-2 outburst over a 94-second span late in the first half enabled the Norse to expand a 32-26 lead to 43-28, with Kraemer hitting two free throws and freshman Haley Trudell of Rock sinking two triples.

Full-court defensive pressure was also beneficial for the Norse, who forced 29 turnovers.

Kraemer said she is feeling more comfortable, and as that happens her teammates are also moving forward, especially after a 100-36 setback Friday against Mid-Michigan Community College.

“That big loss was really a big learning experience,” said Kraemer. “We stepped back and looked at what we needed to change. This win tonight is our first step in the right direction. We are building confidence. We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and that helps a lot.”

Kraemer has also settled in, which makes it easier when the leader is comfortable.

“The game has kind of slowed down. In the game, everything seems to be in slow motion. You don’t make as many mistakes when you slow down,” she said.

The Norse (7-4) visit Milwaukee this weekend, facing Harper College Friday and Milwaukee Area Tech Saturday.

Alpena CC 16 15 16 13 – 60

Bay College 20 24 30 13 – 87

Alpena – Nguyen 4, Livington 11, Dewald 8, Seaver 9, Jore 2, Feighner 13, Prevo 11, Larsen 2. FT: 9-15; F: 19; Fouled out: Dewald; 3-point field goals – Livington 1, Feighner 2.

Bay – Welch 10, Hunter 9, Kraemer 23, Trudell 9, M. Ackerman 1, Wickman 4, K. Ackerman 12, Dalgord 7, Belleville 6, Davis 6. FT: 20-28; F: 13; Fouled out: None; 3-point field goals – Welch 1, Kraemer 1, Trudell 3, K. Ackerman 4, Belleville 1.