POWERS — Thanks to big first and fourth quarters, the North Central boys basketball team topped Stephenson 64-52 in Powers Friday.

After the first quarter, the Jets led by nine (19-10), but a colder second quarter only extended that lead by one.

“It was a good battle back and forth the entire game,” Jets coach Mike Malone said. “Stephenson runs a very active 1-3-1 that creates chaos, and they trap and rotate very well. Had they converted on more of their free throws, it would have been bad news for us. Fortunately, we came away with the ‘W’.”

The Eagles cut their deficit to 45-38 after the third but couldn’t capitalize on the momentum as the Jets put up 19 points in the fourth to seal the game.

“All my guys did a fantastic job, but tonight, we had a very important several minutes from the least likely of players,” Malone said. “Mr. Carter Tietz. He kept his head, used ball fakes and played outstanding defense. He needs to be recognized for the job he did.”

North Central hosts Superior Central Friday.

Stephenson 10 11 17 14 — 52

North Central 19 12 14 19 — 64

Stephenson — S. Coldren 18, Kuehnau 18, J. Coldren 7, Cappaert 5, Starzynski 3, Thoune 1; F: 20; Fouled out: J. Coldren; FT: 18-32; 3-point field goals: S. Coldren 1, Kuehnau 1, Cappaert 1.

North Central — L. Gorzinski 21, Anderson 11, Plunger 11, Sampson 7, I. Gorzinski 6, Tietz 4, Riley 2, Eichmeier 2; F: 25; Fouled out: Riley; FT: 18-23; 3-point field goals: Anderson 2, L. Gorzinski 2.