(Matt McCarthy/Daily News photo) Norway's Averie Popp powers up for a layup over Stephenson's Justine Havelka (22), in a Skyline Conference game Saturday afternoon at Norway. Popp finished with 12 points in the game.

NORWAY — In what was their second game in as many days, and their third in the last four days, Norway’s girls basketball team defeated Skyline Central Conference foe Stephenson 56-47 here Saturday afternoon.

Sophomore Donna VanHolla led the Lady Knights with 17 points, while junior Averie Popp chipped in a season high 12 points.

“The girls came to play, they worked through having to play back-to-back games. We were able to press and use our bench because of the JV girls that could play part of the varsity game with us,” said Norway head coach Joe Tinti.

Beginning with this season, the MHSAA adopted a similar rule used in Wisconsin, which allows JV players to play a portion of each the JV and varsity games in a given day.

“When we used our press, it gave us some points off of their turnovers, which helped us be able to control the tempo of the game down the stretch,” Tinti added. This is a good way for us to start the season.”

Stephenson and first-year head coach Missy Wangerin, were led in scoring by senior Paige Cappaert who netted a game-high 18 points. Missy Anderson added 10 points for the Eagles.

Norway, who won the JV game 48-5, improves to 2-1 (2-1

(Matt McCarthy/Daily News photo) Norway’s Averie Popp powers up for a layup over Stephenson’s Justine Havelka (22), in a Skyline Conference game Saturday afternoon at Norway. Popp finished with 12 points in the game.

On Thursday, the Knights return home to host long-time rival Iron Mountain in a non-conference game, before hosting SCC foe North Central at 5:30 p.m. Friday evening.

Stephenson 9 13 14 11 — 47

Norway 12 20 8 16 — 56

STEPHENSON: A. Cappaert 6, P. Cappaert 18, J. Havelka 2, Paidl 1, S. Havelka 4, Cole 6, Anderson 10; FT: 16-25; F: 22; Fouled Out: Cole, P. Cappaert. 3-point FG: Cole, A. Cappaert.

NORWAY: Popp 12, Lindsley 1, Stanchina 2, Chellew 3, Gyselinck 7, Clifford 9, VanHolla 17, Burklund 5; FT: 10-25; F: 21; Fouled Out: None; 3-point FG: Popp, VanHolla.