Austin Hemmingson | Daily Press Carney-Nadeau’s Max Baumler goes up for a shot against Stephenson’s Trae Larson while teammate Spencer Coldren (12) looks on during Wednesday’s Division 4 district semifinal in Carney.

CARNEY — Earlier this season, the Carney-Nadeau Wolves often struggled to win close basketball games or close them out down the stretch.

That has changed at the best time possible, as the Wolves closed Wednesday night’s Division 4 boys district semifinal against Stephenson on a 13-7 run to pull away for a 56-50 victory and advance to the district final at arch-rival North Central Friday night.

“We made our shots at the right time of the game,” C-N coach Paul Polfus said.

“We’ve played other games where we’re in the same situation, and the other team scores two or four to put them in that type of position (to win). It’s always good at that part of the game to have some kind of a lead. We made our free throws down the stretch and we got a couple big stops when we needed to.”

The U.P.’s fourth-ranked Wolves (15-7), who won their seventh straight game, were led by Skyline Central Conference Player of the Year Brett LaFord with 25 points, nine rebounds and three steals. Max Baumler added 12 points and seven boards.

“Give the kids credit,” Polfus said. “We didn’t play the best defense, we didn’t cover the gaps very well, we didn’t keep the ball in front all that well, but we played hard enough and got enough rebounds and loose balls and stuff like that to come out on top.”

Bryce Kuehnau led the Eagles with 17 points. Spencer Coldren added 11 while Tayler Monette chipped in 10.

After a back-and-forth first half, the Wolves went into the locker room with a 30-24 halftime lead. Their lead swelled to 38-28 after a 3-pointer from the left corner by Max Baumler before the Eagles responded with a 15-5 run to pull even at 43 after a pair of free throws by Coldren at the 6:36 mark.

LaFord then took over down the stretch, scoring seven of his team’s final 13 points by attacking Stephenson’s 3-2 zone defense while also playing tough defense on Kuehnau at the other end.

“We had put Brett in the paint a little bit to get him some looks in there and he had some opportunities, but then we decided to put him up top and have Mike (Flanagan) set that high screen for him because we thought the lane was sort of open,” Polfus said. “Brett took advantage of it. He was pretty patient, he attacked it when he needed to, and enough of them went in for us to end up all right.”

After LaFord knocked down 1 of 2 free throws with just over a minute to go, the Eagles (2-18) still had a chance when Jett Starzynski tripled from the left wing to pull within 52-50 with 50 seconds left.

But LaFord knocked down two more free throws on Carney’s next possession and the Wolves got another stop to seal the verdict.

“At times, we struggle to make shots. That’s been our undoing all year,” Eagles coach Eric Panske said. “We’re right there all the time. I couldn’t be more proud of the kids, though. We played Carney twice this year and lost by 19 and 27 the first two times. We had three days to prepare, so we spent a lot of time going over individual assignments and what their strengths and stuff were. For the most part, the kids did exactly what we asked of them.

“That’s a great basketball team on their home floor, with a hall of fame coach. We were right there.”

The Wolves now turn their attention to North Central, which blasted North Dickinson 64-33 Wednesday night. The two teams split during the regular season, with each winning on its home court.

“The two Gorzinski kids — Luke and Noah — they gave us trouble the last time they were here,” Polfus said. “The game went to overtime here and it was a five-point game over there, so the teams are pretty well matched. We need to be efficient on offense, not turn the ball over and just do the things that we’re good at. If we’re successful making shots and shooting a good percentage and keeping them out of the gaps, I think we’ll be in good shape.”

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EDT.

Stephenson 15 9 14 12 — 50

Carney-Nadeau 16 14 13 13 — 56

Stephenson — Kuehnau 17, Cappaert 2, Larson 4, Monette 10, Starzynski 6, S. Coldren 11. FT: 10-16; F: 23; Fouled out: None. 3-point field goals: Monette 2, Starzynski 2.

Carney-Nadeau — B. LaFord 25, Baumler 12, Koffman 6, Flanagan 6, Kakuk 5, J. LaFord 2. FT: 24-33; F: 15; Fouled out: Koffman. 3-point field goals: B. LaFord 3, Baumler 1.