Matt “Sweets” McCarthy | Iron Mountain Daily News North Central’s Bree Arsenault drives in for a layup against Carney-Nadeau’s Tessa Wagner (25) during Saturday’s game in Powers.

POWERS — Often times in a basketball game, the team which has a significant height advantage has an increased chance of winning. Behind a game-high 16 points apiece from post players Sandra Boulton and Tessa Wagner, Carney-Nadeau cruised past arch-rival North Central 54-38 here on Saturday afternoon.

The Skyline Central Conference matchup was a makeup game from Feb. 10, and with the win over the host Jets, the Wolves improved to 15-3 on the season, winning their 13th game in a row in the process.

Alex Neville led the Jets with 15 points, while Bree Arsenault chipped in nine. The Jets slipped to 11-7 on the season with the loss.

Carney-Nadeau head coach Ken Linder noted that this was the Wolves’ third game of the week, which may have accounted for their slow start.

“I was upset by our slow start, especially with not getting the ball inside to our post players. That’s been our identity throughout the season,” Linder said.

The Wolves also used crisp ball movement and passing, both in half-court sets and in full-court transition. With the whole team seeing the floor very well, they were able to find the open teammate as they moved down the court.

North Central, which suited up only seven players, were missing Andie Arsenault (illness) again. She’s missed the last few games, noted Jets head coach Lee Vincent. He also noted that Jaiden Fleetwood injured her elbow early in the game and didn’t return to the lineup.

The Jets struggled offensively on and off during the contest, which may have been a result of the Wolves’ tight defense in the half court.

“We did get into our transition game in the fourth quarter, which is something we’re good at as well,” Linder said. “The amount of turnovers we had today is uncharacteristic of us. We’ll have to clean that up. Maybe it was the Saturday game that threw us off today, or being our third game of the week. Either way we got the win.”

Vincent noted Carney’s post players made things difficult.

“Their post players hurt us today. We knew how we needed to play against them (but) we didn’t do it good enough,” he said. “When a 5’7 girl is guarding a 6’3 girl (Wagner), it’s very tough going.”

Vincent noted how well he thought Neville played.

“She was our top scorer and rebounder,” he said.

“Plus, we turned the ball over less than we usually do and I am happy about that. I am proud of the girls. They got tired but they played hard.”

Both teams return to SCC action tonight, with the Jets making the short trip to rival Bark River-Harris. Carney-Nadeau remains on the road, traveling to Superior Central.

These teams play one another again to begin MHSAA District play on Monday, March 2 at Carney-Nadeau. C-N’s last loss was Dec. 20 at North Dickinson, and the two teams play one another again on Thursday at Carney.

The Jets won the JV contest, 38-26. Katelyn Whitens netted 18 points for NC, while Shae Linder led the Wolves with eight points.

Carney-Nadeau 5 16 9 24 — 54

North Central 3 9 10 16 — 38

Carney-Nadeau — Boulton 16, Charlier 6, Laurila 7, Poupore 2, Ernest 2, Kedsch 4, LaLonde 1, Wagner 16. FT: 5-15. F: 19. Fouled Out: Wagner. 3-point FG: Laurila.

North Central — Neville 15, B. Arsenault 9, Webber 8, Pavlat 3, Eichhorn 2, Hundsrucker 1. FT: 16-26. F: 13. Fouled Out: None. 3-point FG: Webber, B. Arsenault.