RAPID RIVER — A well-executed second quarter on both sides of the ball helped the fifth-ranked Rapid River boys basketball team fly past the Stephenson Eagles 68-56 Tuesday in Rapid River.

The Skyline Central Conference contest was tied 14-14 after the first quarter.

The Rockets (7-3, 6-3 SCC) then outscored the Eagles 23-6 in the second with the help of eight points from Tyler Sundling.

“It was a great team win,” Rockets coach Mitch Hall said. “We moved the ball well on the perimeter. Defensive responsibilities were taken care of.”

The Rockets led 48-32 entering the third.

Stephenson (1-7, 1-5 SCC) scored 24 points in the fourth but it wasn’t enough for a comeback.

“(Stephenson) made a big run at the end, so compliments to them on that and for not giving up,” Hall said.

Bryce Kuehnau led the Eagles with 14 points and Joey Starzynski followed with 11.

The Rockets were led by Tony DeMars with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Sundling notched 15 points and six rebounds.

“Tyler and Tony DeMars had big games, not only in points but also defensively,” Hall said. “(Braydon) Moss shot well, and Max Lenaker is really starting to prove himself as a starter.”

Rapid River, which won the JV game 59-23, travels to Superior Central Friday. Stephenson hosts Ewen-Trout Creek Friday.

Stephenson 14 6 12 24 — 56

Rapid River 14 23 11 20 — 68

Stephenson — Kuehnau 14, Starzynski 11, Monette 8, J. Coldren 8, Barstow 4, Larson 4, Cappaert 4, S. Coldren 3. F: 7; Fouled out: none; FT: 3-11; 3-point field goals: Starzynski 2, S. Coldren 1.

Rapid River — DeMars 16, Sundling 15, Moss 8, M. Lenaker 6, Flath 6, Snay 3, Sefcik 3, Lundquist 3, Hernandez 2, Micheau 2, B. Lenaker 2, Dausey 2. F: 10; Fouled out: none; FT: 5-7; 3-point field goals: Sundling 2, Moss 2, M. Lenaker 2, Snay 1, Sefcik 1, Lundquist 1.