STEPHENSON – Mercedes Simmons’ double-double of 20 points and 17 rebounds powered Forest Park to a 42-29 girls basketball victory over Stephenson Friday night.

“We had to take a lot of outside shots to extend their zone, and our girls hit some big threes tonight,” FP head coach Kim Bjork said. “We played tough defense in the second half and rebounded well.”

Sydney Honkala and Lea LaChapelle each canned a couple of triples for Forest Park. Honkala totaled 10 points and LaChapelle had eight.

The Lady Trojans (4-5) trailed after the first quarter but worked to an 18-18 tie by halftime. Forest Park outscored the Eagles 24-11 after halftime, holding the home team to just two points in the final quarter.

“It was a physical game,” Bjork said. “We were diving after loose balls on the floor. Our effort was definitely 100 percent tonight.”

Forest Park’s jayvees fell 34-13. Rayven Jacobson had four points for Forest Park. The Lady Trojans head to West Iron County next Thursday.

Forest Park 8 10 14 10 – 42

Stephenson 12 6 9 2 – 29

FOREST PARK: Simmons 20, Honkala 10, LaChapelle 8, Peterson 3, Johnson 1. FT: 13-19. FGs: 12-54 (5-18 3-pt). 3-pt FGs: LaChapelle (3), Honkala (2). Rebounds 35 (Simmons 17).

STEPHENSON: Johnson 14, Cappaert 10, Johnson 3, Cole 2. FT: 5-6. FGs: 10-52 (4-12 3-pt). 3-pt FGs: Johnson (4). Rebounds: 23 (Cappaert 7).