POWERS — A fourth-quarter surge proved helpful to the North Central boys in a season-opening 49-38 basketball triumph over the Stephenson Eagles here Monday night.

The Jets led 21-19 at halftime and 37-34 after the third quarter.

“They made bit of a run in the third quarter,” said Jets’ coach Mike Malone. “Stephenson gave everything they had which is a testament to them. Without Luke (Gorzinski) on the floor, our leadership and poise struggled tonight. Six days of practice isn’t very many. That’s not the way I wanted to draw it up, but that’s the hand we’re dealt.”

Connor Florenski scored 22 points for the Jets, who also won the jayvee game.

Owen Kuehnau hit 14 and Zack Schwartz added 12 for the Eagles.

“Jesse Sampson had the job of defending Schwartz, who’s 6-foot-6, and did a pretty good job,” said Malone. “He did real well on defensive rebounds. As a team we definitely didn’t box out the way we should and had quite a few turnovers.”

The Jets, who also won the jayvee game, host Rapid River Thursday. The Eagles host Munising Thursday.

Stephenson 8 11 16 3 — 38

North Central 13 8 16 12 — 49

Stephenson — Kuehnau 14, Schwartz 12, Coldren 8, Brown 2, Spaude 2. FT: 5-11; F: 15; Fouled out: None; 3-point field goals: Kenhnau, Schwartz.

North Central — Florenski 22, Robinson 9, Plunger 8, Cordy 8, Sampson 2. FT: 12-17; F: 13; Fouled out: None; Technical foul; Plunger; 3-point field goals: Plunger 2, Cordy 2.