STEPHENSON — After giving up 18-first quarter points to Big Bay de Noc, the Stephenson boys basketball team locked up on defense and allowed 17 points the rest of the way in an 82-35 rout here Thursday.

“We played very well tonight,” Stephenson coach Eric Panske said.

“I wasn’t happy that we gave up 18 in the first quarter, but 17 the rest of the way is great.”

Stephenson shot well from behind the 3-point line in the game, making 12. They were led by Tayler Monette’s four. Preston Kuntze and Aaron Cappaert also made a pair.

“I thought Preston did a great job in his first start of the year,” Panske said. “I was very happy with the way we shot the ball.”

After giving up 18 in the first quarter, the Stephenson defense allowed just two points in the second to take a 48-20 lead at the half.

Joey Starzynski scored all 12 of his points in the first half.

Monette led the way for Stephenson with 16 points while the Eagles usual scoring duo, Starzynski and Bryce Kuehnau, took a distribution role and found the open man for good, wide open shots.

“Joey and Bryce did a fantastic job of facilitating and getting their teammates involved,” Panske said.

Everyone scored at least four points for Stephenson, with Starzynski’s 12 and Merlin Thoune’s 11 backing Monette.

Alex LaLonde led Big Bay with 17 points and Chris Chaperson added 11.

Stephenson — Monette 16, Starzynski 12, Thoune 11, Tickler 8, Kuntze 8, Keuhnau 7, Coldren 7, Larson 5, Cappaert 4, Barstow 4.

Big Bay — LaLonde 17, Chapersan 11, Sundling 5, Lefevre 2.