POWERS — Senior Connor Florenski had whale of a second half here Thursday night, helping the North Central boys break away for a 64-38 basketball triumph over the Forest Park Trojans.

Florenski sank 8-of-11 free throws and scored all 19 of his points after the intermission for the Jets, who improved to 16-5.

“The boys played their tails off and they played together,” said Jets’ coach Mike Malone. “They’re playing at a high level. I like where we’re at.”

A 20-foot jump shot at the buzzer by junior Jake Poquette gave the Jets a 25-15 halftime cushion in their regular-season finale.

Senior Dylan Plunger provided the Jets with a jumper from the lane for a 27-15 advantage early in the third quarter.

Forerst Park (13-8) answered with a 9-1 run, shaving its deficit to 28-24 on a layup by sophomore Kevin Giuliani midway through the third.

North Central’s response was a 6-2 run for a 34-26 cushion on a lay-in by senior Luke Gorzinski.

Florenski drained a pair of free throws with 31.7 seconds left in the third for a 39-28 advantage.

The Trojans got back within single digits (38-30) on a steal and layup by sophomore Matt Showers early in the fourth.

North Central then scored 18 unanswered points, gaining an insurmountable 56-30 advantage on a steal and layup by Florenski.

“We couldn’t make a shot in the fourth quarter when we really needed it,” said Forest Park coach Jason Price. “North Central is tough. When you play against five good seniors who have around the game for a long time, it’s a challenge. You’ve got to keep your composure. There’s lots of learning in every basketball game.”

Forest Park sophomore Grayson Sundell drained a 21-foot jumper just nine seconds into the game. North Central, however, led 12-8 after the opening frame.

Plunger added 17 points for the Jets and Giuliani paced the Trojans with 12.

The Jets committed 15 turnovers and the Trojans had nine.

North Central, which won the jayvee game 71-33, opens district play Wednesday by visiting the winner of Monday’s Hannahville at Mid Peninsula contest.

“It’s going to be tough road in the district,” said Malone. “That’s why we wanted to load up our schedule. We wanted to be prepared for the tournaments. I think we’re prepared for a long run, although anything can happen.”

Forest Park, which hosted L’Anse for its regular-season finale Friday, visits Norway in its post-season opener Wednesday.

Forest Park 8 7 13 10 — 38

North Central 12 13 13 26 — 64

Forest Park — Sundell 5, Showers 6, Giuliani 12, Brazeika 2, G. Quevedo 1, McKissack 4, Rintala 6, Saario 2. FT: 4-13; F: 23; Fouled out: G. Quevedo; Technical foul: coach Price; 3-point field goals: Rintala 2, Sundell.

North Central — Florenski 19, J. Gorzinski 2, Poquette 8, Plunger 17, L. Gorzinksi 7, Webber 4, Cordy 7. FT: 20-28; F: 14; Fouled out: None; 3-point field goals: Poquette 2, Florenski, Plunger.