CRYSTAL FALLS — Mercedes Simmons posted a double-double and game highs of 24 points and 16 rebounds, and Sydney Honkala added 11 points as Forest Park shut down West Iron County 40-34 Thursday evening.

“We played great defense,” Forest Park head coach Kim Bjork said. “Everyone played to win. It was nice to finally win a close one. We knew this was going to be a defensive battle.”

Simmons was 7-of-17 from the floor and 9-of-15 from the charity stripe. She also had seven blocks. Honkala’s total included two 3-pointers.

“Mercedes had an excellent night on both ends of the floor,” Bjork said. “Sydney hit some big shots. Amya (Johnson) played excellent defense. We are proud of how our girls battled to the end. It was an amazing team win.”

Anna Malmquist led the Wykons with 14 points, and Jordan Shamion scored nine.

“Our struggles continue on offense,” WIC coach Eric Shamion said. “Forest Park limited us to one shot most possessions. Credit them with the good defensive effort. Anna Malmquist pushed the tempo for us and kept us in the game with her aggressiveness on offense.”

The Lady Trojans collected 15 points at the foul line compared to two for the Wykons.

West Iron County (9-7) won the jayvee game 57-6. The Wykons host Calumet Friday night in a make-up game form Dec. 12. Forest Park (6-10) hosts Florence Monday night.

WIC 7 10 7 10 – 34

FP 8 6 13 13 – 40

WEST IRON COUNTY: Malmquist 14, Shamion 9, Bociek 5, Mazurek 4, Nelson 2. FT: 2-4. F: 19. FO: Shamion. 3-pt FGs: Malmquist (2), Bociek, Mazurek. Rebounds: 27 (Nelson 7).

FOREST PARK: Simmons 24, Honkala 11, Johnson 2, Jacobson 2, Peterson 1. FT: 15-27. F: 7. FO: None. 3-pt FGs: Honkala (2), Simmons. Rebounds: 30 (Simmons 16).