RAPID RIVER — A dominant first quarter was enough to propel the Rapid River Rockets past Norway 62-44 in Skyline Central Conference boys basketball action here Thursday.

The Rockets outscored the Knights 17-6 in the opening frame on the back of eight points from Tony DeMars, among others.

“We had a great game tonight,” Rockets coach Mitch Hall said. “Tony DeMars had a big night shooting and had eight rebounds.

“I thought our defensive effort was there all night. I thought we dictated the game well, and we took good care of the basketball.”

The Knights (11-7, 9-4 SC) fought back to trim their deficit to 43-38 at the end of the third quarter before the Rockets (11-6, 10-5 SC) put the game away with another dominant fourth quarter.

“There was a stretch in the third quarter where we got a little cold,” Hall said. “We started settling for not so great shots. Compliments to Norway. They made a great run. Fortunately for us, we were able to weather that storm, get a few transition layups and control the ball to run the clock out.”

DeMars led the Rockets with 24 points. Tyler Sundling followed with 17.

The Knights were led by Kody Hendricks with 17.

Rapid River hosts North Dickinson tonight at 7:30 in its final home game of the regular season.

Norway 6 17 15 6 — 44

Rapid River 17 16 10 19 — 62

Norway — Hendricks 17, VanHolla 9, Parolini 8, Lasater 4, Paulitch 4, Seat 2, Bray 2. F: 12; Fouled out: none; FT: 10-14; 3-point field goals: VanHolla, Lasater, Hendricks, Parolini.

Rapid River — DeMars 24, Sundling 17, Lenaker 5, Flath 5, Moss 4, Micheau 4. F: 13; Fouled out: none; FT: 1-2; 3-point field goals: Sundling 2, Lenaker 1.