POWERS — The second-ranked North Central boys hit their shots and ran the floor with authority here Monday night in a 70-44 basketball triumph over the Rapid River Rockets.

North Central drained five 3-point shots in the first quarter of this Skyline Central Conference contest while racing to a 27-10 advantage.

Rapid River answered with a 7-0 run, shaving its deficit to 27-17 early in the second.

The Rockets were still within 30-20 following a jump shot from top of the key by senior Rease Dawley.

North Central, however, finished the second with an 11-2 run, gaining a 41-22 halftime cushion on a pair of free throws by junior Connor Florenski.

“We shot the ball real well,” said Jets’ coach Mike Malone. “We got good looks most of the time. We also played well defensively but got outworked on the boards. I’m not happy about that.”

The Jets outscored the Rockets 19-4 in the third and led 62-26 early in the fourth following a seven-foot jumper by junior Collin Cordy.

Rapid River then went on a 10-0 run, trimming its deficit to 62-36 on a reverse layup by senior Damyn Smith.

North Central, however, didn’t allow the Rockets to get any closer.

“A poor third quarter is kind of what sealed it,” said Rockets’ coach Hayden Hardwick. “We didn’t turn the ball over a ton, but our offense was stagnant. We didn’t move the ball enough and put them at the line too many times. It’s hard to beat any team, especially a good team, when you do that. They have great coaching and culture over here.”

Florenski led the Jets (9-0) with 16 points. Senior Bradey Anderson added 13. Junior Jesse Sampson scored 12, and Naser had 10.

Junior Ian Sundling, who sank five 3-point field goals, paced the Rockets with 23 points.

“Sundling shot real well,” said Malone. “They have five guys who can shoot. They also ran the floor pretty well. Hats off to them. They’re definitely getting better.”

Rapid River committed 14 turnovers, and North Central had 11.

“Our guys played hard all night,” said Hardwick. “They never gave up.”

The Jets, who also won the jayvee game 41-23, visit top-ranked Menominee Friday. The Rockets host Bark River-Harris Thursday.

Rapid River 10 12 4 18 — 44

North Central 27 14 19 10 — 70

Rapid River — Sundling 23, Dawley 3, McCarty 2, T. Cambron 6, N. Nelson 6, Goldi 2, Smith 2. FT: 2-4; F: 16; Fouled out: None. 3-point field goals: Sundling 5, N. Nelson 2, Dawley.

North Central — Florenski 16, Tietz 2, Anderson 13, Mercier 4, Gorzinski 6, Naser 10, Sampson 12, Walters 1, Cordy 6. FT: 12-18; F: 6; Fouled out: None; 3-point field goals: Florenski 4, Anderson 2, Sampson 2.