POWERS — The top-ranked Menominee boys varsity basketball team had nearly everything their way Tuesday in a 72-40 rout of shorthanded North Central.

Menominee immediately set the tone as senior point guard Aidan Bellisle sank a layup and free throw just nine seconds into the non-conference outing.

A layup by sophomore Trevor Theuerkauf gave the Maroons a 12-0 cushion before junior Connor Florenski got the Jets on the board by splitting a pair of free throws more than 4 1/2 minutes into the varsity contest.

The Maroons (14-1), running the floor with authority, raced to a 27-5 advantage by the end of the opening frame.

“I thought we came out with great intensity,” said Menominee coach Sam Larsen. “What I’m most proud of is the way everybody ran the floor. If we can do that, we can be a pretty dangerous team to guard. They’re a good, athletic team. They didn’t shoot as well as they’d like, but I think our defensive pressure had something to do with that. If we create a little bit of chaos defensively, we’re usually in good shape.”

The Jets (12-2) started without senior Bradey Anderson, then lost classmate Trent Naser for the remainder of the contest due to a hip injury resulting from a fall in the second quarter.

“Trent hit the floor real hard,” said Jets’ coach Mike Malone. “Hopefully, he’s going to be okay. We were down two starters, but that’s no excuse. Other kids have to step up. Our effort was very poor except for a few JV players who came off the bench. It was definitely not where we needed it to be. Yes, they’re a very fast team. We had a game plan for all of it but didn’t execute.

“No doubt, they’re a very good team. Their whole program is heading in the right direction,” he added.

The Maroons, who were able to substitute freely during Tuesday’s game, built a 43-12 halftime advantage on an eight-foot jumper and free throw by senior Brody Waara.

Waara led the Maroons with 19 points. Sophomore Connor Coduti added 15 in a reserve role. Bellisle and senior Brady Badker scored 10 apiece.

“I think Connor did a good job, and Aden Laurin gave us some good minutes,” said Larsen. “I thought we shared the ball well. We wanted to come out strong and keep our foot on the gas, and I think we did that.”

Menominee committed 13 turnovers, while North Central had 18.

Florenski led the Jets with 11 points. Senior guard Luke Gorzinski had 10.