ST. NICHOLAS — The fourth-ranked North Central boys found a way to grind out a basketball victory here Tuesday night, topping the Mid Peninsula Wolverines 44-35.

“We did not shoot well,” said Jets coach Mike Malone. “Although, they handled the pressure well. They were very patient on offense and got a lot of open looks we didn’t close out on quick enough. We didn’t play bad defense, but it wasn’t perfect. Hats off to Mid Pen. They played their hearts out. Mark (coach Branstrom) gets the most out of them. I have a lot of respect for him.”

Luke Gorzinski scored 16 points and Noah Gorzinski added 13 for the Jets, who led 31-27 after the third quarter of this Skyline Central Conference contest.

“We had to play extremely well and keep our turnovers down, and that’s what we did,” said Branstrom. “We had to execute everything just about perfect and we executed well, only we didn’t shoot well. They’re such a good team. We did pretty well with our execution on defense, but the kids got tired in the end. Overall, we played well. It was a very good ball game, a good one to watch. I think the world of Mike. They have a good coach. They’re going to go a long way.”

Zach Englund led the Wolverines with 14 points.

North Central held a 27-24 rebounding edge, hit 15-of-44 field goals and committed eight turnovers. Mid Pen was 12-of-42 from the field and had 10 miscues.

The Jets, who won the JV game 61-17, travel to Munising Friday. The Wolverines visit North Dickinson Friday.

North Central 11 12 8 13 — 44

Mid Peninsula 14 9 4 8 — 35

North Central — Luke Gorzinski 16, N. Gorzinski 13, Timblin 4, Eichmeier 4, Riley 3, I. Gorzinski 2, Leo Gorzinski 2. FT: 12-17; F: 15; Fouled out: None; 3-point field goals: N. Gorzinski 2.

Mid Peninsula — Z. Englund 13, Trudell 7, M. Englund 5, Temple 3, O’Neil 3, Lehtikangas 2, McNally 2. FT: 8-13; F: 17; Fouled out: McNally; 3-point field goals: M. Englund, Z. Englund, Temple.