REPUBLIC — The North Central girls started off a little slow, but they kept adding to their momentum to roll past Republic-Michigamme 56-40 with a big third quarter Monday at Republic during an MHSAA Division 4 basketball district opener.

“In the second quarter, we played basketball the way we like to play it and the kids relaxed,” said Jets coach Pete Schlenvogt. “I don’t know if it was nerves or the bus, but we picked the tempo up in the second … They had a tough time keeping up with us.”

After leading 19-17 at the end of the first, the Jets extended the to 30-27 to end the half.

They kept the ball rolling into the second half with a strong third quarter, outscoring the Hawks 20-4.

“Zoe LaBonte did a nice job on (Allie) Radcliffe,” said Schlenvogt. “We put her on (Radcliffe) in the second quarter, and she only scored 3 (then) none in the third.

“That’s how we were able to create some distance.”

Andie Arsenault led the Jets offensively with 26 points. Gracie Kleikamp also netted 10 — sinking three 3-point shots — for North Central.

While the win was good, Schlenvogt said it was nice to see them enjoying the game.

“I think the kids had fun,” he said. “That was nice to see.”

Allie Radcliffe (20) and Leah McCracken (15) both hit double digits for the Hawks.

The Jets now look forward to facing the North Dickinson Nordics Wednesday in the Division 4 semifinals.

“They’re tough. They’re a very physical team,” said Schlenvogt. “We played them here toward the beginning of the season, and they play a real tough zone defense.

“We’re excited for the challenge. It’ll be interesting to see how much they — and we — have changed.”

North Central 19 11 20 6 — 56

Republic-Michigamme 17 6 4 13 — 40

North Central — Burton 3, LaFave 2, Kleikamp 10, Arsenault 26, Smith 4, LaBonte 1, LaCoursier 8, Naser 2; F: 16; Fouled out: none; FT: 9-19; 3-point field goals: Kleikamp 3, Arsenault 2.

Republic-Michigamme — Allie Radcliffe 20, Jarvi 2, Gransinger 3, Alexa Radcliffe 2, Leah McCracken 15; F: 18; Fouled out: none; FT: 9-16; 3-point field goals: Allie Radcliffe 1.