Courtesy photo by Rand Hruska North Dickinson’s John Briggs (21) and Justin Slagle battle for a rebound with Rapid River’s Tyler Sundling during Tuesday’s game at North Dickinson.

FELCH — The Rapid River boys held off a second-half surge by North Dickinson here Tuesday to hold on for a 78-67 basketball victory.

The Rockets jumped out to a 40-21 halftime lead in the Skyline Central Conference contest, thanks in part to Max Lenaker.

“We started real hot,” Rockets coach Mitch Hall said. “We had a great first half, and Max Lenaker had another big game and fast start.”

North Dickinson (2-10, 2-9 SCC) came out on fire in the second half, putting up 46 points. Rapid River (9-3, 8-3 SCC) maintained its offense, however, and held on despite being outscored 23-19 in both the third and fourth quarters.

“I give a ton of credit to North Dickinson for having a good second half,” Hall said. “(They) hit some big outside shots, and they were able to get transition buckets late in the game.”

Tyler Sundling led the Rockets with 22 points and four triples. Lenaker notched 21 points and three triples, while Vincent Micheau added 10 points.

“Tyler played well,” Hall said. “We had solid contribution from the bench. I thought Vinnie Micheau, Dayton (Dittrich), Parker (Dausey) and Bryce (Lundquist) played big roles tonight.”

The Nordics were led by Cameron Schultz with 17 points and three triples. Maximus Mattson followed with 14 points and four triples. Brennon Donaldson finished with 13 points, while Justin Slagle chipped in 10.

Rapid River hosts North Central next Tuesday, while North Dickinson visits Bark River-Harris Friday.

Rapid River 18 22 19 19 — 78

North Dickinson 6 15 23 23 — 67

Rapid River — Sundling 22, Lenaker 21, Micheau 10, Dausey 7, DeMars 7, Lundquist 4, Moss 3, Dittrich 3. F: 7; Fouled out: none; FT: 13-15; 3-point field goals: Sundling 4, Lenaker 3, Micheau 2, Moss 1, Dittrich 1.

North Dickinson — Schultz 17, Mattson 14, Donaldson 13, Slagle 10, Briggs 9, Graham 4. F: 15; Fouled out: none; FT: 0-1; 3-point field goals: Mattson 4, Briggs 3, Schultz 3.