Dennis Grall | Daily Press Jason Whitens of North Central soars in for a two-handed dunk in the second quarter Tuesday at Powers, one of three dunks in a 33-point scoring effort that helped the Jets whip Mid Peninsula 76-24. The victory ties Chassell’s 59-year-old state record of 65 consecutive victories.

POWERS — Jason Whitens and his North Central boys basketball teammates have been together a long time.

They’ve shared in two state championships together. And Tuesday night they tied a 59-year-old state record together with a convincing 76-24 win against visiting Mid Peninsula.

Whitens scored a season-high 33 points as the Jets tied Chassell’s 65-game win streak set from Feb. 1, 1956 to Nov. 23, 1958.

Afterward, Whitens was just glad to be a part of this team.

“It feels good to share it with this group of guys,” Whitens said. “To win this, hopefully gives us momentum for the rest of the season.”

Teammate Dawson Bilski scored 19 points, giving him 971 for his career. But he also was happy to tie the record and keep working toward more goals.

“It feels great to get a win like this tonight,” Bilski said. “Our focus is still on another state championship. We’ll keep taking it one game at a time.”

The Jets (10-0, 6-0 Skyline Central), will be out to set the new state record of 66 straight wins Friday night when they host neighboring rival Bark River-Harris.

North Central took care of business early against Mid Pen as the hype this week picked up toward breaking a state record. The Jets raced out to a 12-2 lead and 27-5 first-quarter advantage.

It’s just the kind of start Jets’ coach Adam Mercier wanted.

“We handled the atmosphere with steadiness and preparation,” Mercier said. “Our kids’ effort in the first quarter showed how involved we were. When the lights go on, it’s about playing the next game and being ready. And we were ready tonight.”

North Central made 12-of-16 shots in the first quarter and scored many times on transition baskets caused by defensive pressure and turnovers.

“It all starts with our defense,” Mercier said. “Our defense was not good last week. Tonight, we had better communication and we attacked the basket. With our speed and athleticism, it leads to transition baskets.”

Marcus Krachinski added 10 points for the Jets, who made 33-of-68 shots from the field for 49 percent and had eight turnovers.

Terry Brower scored seven points to lead the Wolverines, who trailed 52-13 at halftime.

Mid-Pen (4-7, 3-5) suffered from cold shooting, hitting 9-of-46 shots for 20 percent. The Wolverines also were outrebounded 33-21 and had 21 turnovers.

Mid Pen coach Mark Branstrom knew his team faced a difficult test.

“Their defense was just smothering and we didn’t take advantage of how hard they overplayed us,” Branstrom said.

“Athletically, we were really outmatched. Athletically, they are one of the best, if not the best, to ever come out of this area. You try to stop one, and there are two, three, four others who will hurt you.”

Branstrom cited Evan Hall and Kyle Kayser for strong play coming off the bench for Mid Pen.

North Central, which extended its lead to 67-21 after three quarters against Mid Pen, will turn its attention to BR-H. A capacity crowd is expected to watch the Jets’ quest to make more history.

“It will be an amazing night for the community,” Bilski said. “Hopefully, we can pull it out. We’ll work as hard as we can to improve in practice the next two nights.”

Added Mercier: “Our focus will be on Bark River-Harris. This is always the one game our kids get up for. It will be a district atmosphere.”

Mid Pen, which lost the jayvee game 73-38. will host North Dickinson Friday.

Mid Peninsula 5 8 8 3 — 24

North Central 27 25 15 9 — 76

Mid Peninsula — Carlson 3, Englund 3, Brower 7, Hall 3, Kayser 5, Barron 1, Nelson 2. FT: 2-5; F: 9; Fouled out: none; 3-point field goals: Hall, Kayser, Brower, Englund.

North Central — Schaff 2, Krachinski 10, Polfus 3, Riley 2, Dombrowski 5, Bilski 19, Kleiman 2, Whitens 33. FT; 4-6; F: 9; Fouled out: none; 3-point field goals: Krachinski 2, Polfus, Bilski 2, Dombrowski