Bay College sophomore Ryan Sweeney (5) drives the baseline to attempts a layup during a game against Kirtland Community College on Jan. 29, 2025 at Bay College. (“The Big Dog” Mitch Vosburg/Daily Press)

PETOSKEY –After suffering a Saturday sweep at the hands of Mid-Michigan, Bay College basketball aimed to bounce back.

The Norse managed to do exactly that, earning two convincing wins on Wednesday night over North Central Michigan Community College.

Here’s what went down.

Women’s basketball

Bay College 95, North Central Michigan 45

The Norse (13-9, 6-2) gave the No. 6 Lakers all they could handle on Saturday on the defensive end. That intensity did not yield.

Bay forced 46 turnovers which turned into 62 points and never looked back after taking a 33-10 lead after the first quarter.

Sophomore Kennedy Sproule led the way with 29 points, six rebounds and four blocks while finishing 4-of-11 from 3-point range. Freshman Anna Axtell added 27 points, nine steals, eight rebounds and five assists. Freshman Makenna Hendrickson chipped in 17 points, four rebounds, three steals and two helpers. Freshman McKenzie Hoffmeyer produced 10 points, six rebounds and six steals off the bench.

The Norse bottled NCM (3-19, 2-6) to 35% shooting.

Men’s basketball

Bay College 84, North Central Michigan 50

Also coming off a loss to the Lakers, the Norse (17-5, 6-2) popped off in the first half, finishing 21-of-35 from the floor and committing a mere seven turnovers. NCM (0-22, 0-8) were 5-of-24 in the game’s opening 20 minutes, missing all four attempts from beyond the arc as the Norse carried a comfortable 45-12 lead into halftime.

Sophomore Joe Ofori led the way offensively with 18 points and two steals, rebounds and assists. Nic Williams added 13 points, four assists and two rebounds. Ryan Sweeney and Mykel Williams totaled 11 points each.

What’s next

Bay host Montcalm Community College for a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday.

On the women’s side, the Centurions enter with an overall record of 3-13 and a conference record of 2-5 and are 1-6 on the road. The Norse earned a 92-40 win in the first meeting this season. MCC sophomore Makenna Rautio leads the team averaging 13.1 points per game.

The mens game features plenty of intrigue. The Centurions enter Saturday’s main event at 10-11 overall and 4-3 in conference play. One of those conference wins is a 76-70 win over the Norse on Jan. 11.

Freshman Taylen Carver is averaging 20.3 points per game and is shooting 44.1% from 3-point range.