CRYSTAL FALLS — Forest Park took command in the second quarter and turned back North Dickinson 59-35 in an MHSAA Division 4 boys basketball District opener Tuesday.

The Trojans (6-8) were led by seniors Keall Emmers, with 18 points, and Tommy Showers, 17 points.

“I thought we moved the ball really well and played good help defense,” said Forest Park coach Kurt Lehmann. “It was a good team win.”

Maximus Mattson led the Nordics (2-13) with 13 points, including a pair of 3s in the first quarter to give the visitors an 11-8 advantage. The Trojans then responded with a 16-4 run to lead 24-15 at halftime.

“In the second quarter they geared up their defense and bumped up a lead,” said North Dickinson coach Chris Mattson. “I thought Showers had one of his better games and controlled the inside.”

The Trojans also got 12 points from freshman Gaven Rintala, all from beyond the arc.

“After a slow start we stayed on them and played with a higher level of defensive intensity than we have in the past, so that was good to see,” Lehmann said.

Forest Park led 36-24 entering the fourth quarter.

Tucker Mattson, a senior, netted 11 points in his final game with the Nordics while fellow senior Colin Graham scored nine points. The Nordics’ third senior, Brennan Donaldson, led with seven rebounds and scored two points.

“I was happy with our effort,” Mattson said. “We feel fortunate that we played this year. You never have the right words for your kids at the end of the year, but we were happy to get the opportunity to play. We had some good moments.”

Forest Park is slated to play at 7 p.m. Eastern time Thursday at Hannahville.

N Dickinson 11 4 9 11 — 35

Forest Park 8 16 12 23 — 59

NORTH DICKINSON: T. Mattson 11, Donaldson 2, M. Mattson 13, C. Graham 9. FT: 11-13. F: 8. 3-point FG: M. Mattson 3, C. Graham.

FOREST PARK: Scarlassara 2, Johnson 6, Emmers 18, McKissack 4, Rintala 12, Showers 17. FT: 7-9. F: 10. 3-point FG: Emmers 2, Rintala 4.