RAPID RIVER — The Rapid River Rockets got defensive in a 53-34 home win over Skyline Central Conference foe Superior Central Friday night in a boys basketball game.

The Rockets (5-2, 4-2 SC) forced the Cougars into 25 turnovers and held them to 12 for 51 shooting from the field. Rapid River also won the battle on the boards, 36-23.

“Tonight was all about defense for us — make them turn the ball over for transition layups,” Rockets coach Mitch Hall said. “(Griffin) Flath had another good defensive night. Tyler (Sundling) had lots of steals. We rebounded a bit better.”

The Rockets jumped out to a 30-14 halftime lead behind a balanced effort, then held on in the second half.

Sundling led the way with 14 points, seven rebounds, six steals and four assists. Braydon Moss chipped in eight points, four rebounds and three steals for the Rockets, who shot 22 for 59 and committed 18 turnovers.

“Our bench picked up lots of time and I didn’t think we lost much on either side of the court,” Hall said. “Max Lenaker had a big game on both sides of the court.”

Parker Maki led the Cougars (1-7, 0-6) with 11 points.

“Credit to the Cougars’ play, knowing we couldn’t take the gas off or they’d be right back in the game,” Hall said. “They are doing it with a few less guys.”

The Rockets visit North Central Monday, while the Cougars host Republic-Michigamme.

Superior Central 7 7 4 16 — 34

Rapid River 15 15 11 12 — 53

Superior Central — Maki 11, Rondeau 8, Leppanen 2, Carlson 4, Koski 5, McLaury 2, Porter 2. FT: 6-13; 3-point field goals: Maki 2, Rondeau 1, Koski 1. F: 12; Fouled out: None.

Rapid River — Kudlick 1, Sundling 14, Moss 8, Flath 8, DeMars 7, Sefcik 2, Hernandez 1, Dittrich 3, Berg 2, Lenaker 5, Lundquist 2. FT: 4-9; 3-point field goals: Sundling 2, Moss 2, Dittrich 1. F: 15; Fouled out: None.