CRYSTAL FALLS — The Rapid River boys’ basketball team edged the Forest Park Trojans 50-44 here Thursday in a Skyline Central Conference contest.

The Rockets led 43-29 as they entered the fourth quarter and managed to hold on after a late Trojans’ rally.

“We almost gave another one up at the end,” Rockets’ coach Mitch Hall said. “Forest Park came storming back, but we weathered their 16-7 run in the fourth.”

The first half was dominated by Rapid River senior Tyler Sundling.

“Tyler creates so much with his defense, and he’s also a threat on the 3-point line,” Hall said.

Tony DeMars took over in the second half.

“Tony DeMars was not happy with his first half effort, so I gave him a little talk at half,” Hall said. “We spoke with the rest of the team and he was able to get the ball and score, extending our lead.”

Hall was happy with the performance of his team under pressure.

“(Brayden) Moss and Vincent Micheau continue to have good floor games,” he said. “Our bench helped tonight as well, and Parker Dausey came off the bench with six points.

“I give lots of credit to Forest Park for playing hard the full game and finishing hard.”

Sundling led Rapid River (1-1) with 19 points, followed by DeMars with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Keall Emmers led the Trojans (1-1) with 18 points, while Tommy Peltoma added 12.

Rapid River, which won the jayvee game 56-40, hosts Munising Jan. 8.

Rapid River 16 11 16 7 — 50

Forest Park 14 5 9 16 — 44

Rapid River — Sundling 19, Demars 12, Moss 6, Dausey 6, Kudich 4, Micheau 3. FT: 3-8; F: 18; Fouled out: None. 3-point field goals: Sundling 2, Moss 2.

Forest Park — Emmers 18, Deltoma 12, Showers 9, Johnson 2, Bendick 2. FT: 8-19; F: 11; Fouled out: None. 3-point field goals: Emmers 2.