SPALDING — The Powers North Central girls took care of the basketball and the lead for the most part here in a 44-14 triumph over the Rapid River Rockets on Senior Night here Thursday.

This marked the fourth victory in five games for the Jets, who improved to 8-8 and committed just 10 turnovers.

“That’s a lot better than in some games,” Jets’ coach Brooke Granquist said. “The girls did a good job protecting the ball. I think their confidence is up. We usually have six girls who are scoring. They adjust to things well. They’re having fun and that’s important.”

Junior center Sarah Beauchaine hit a layup to bring the Rockets within 10-9 at the end of the first quarter.

North Central, however, did all the scoring in the second frame.

Freshman Autumn Triest drained a 20-foot set shot from the right wing to give the Jets a 20-9 halftime cushion.

A putback by sophomore Addy Otradovec gave the Jets a 22-9 advantage early in the third.

Freshman guard Julia Poma sank a 21-foot set shot from the left wing to trim Rapid River’s deficit to 22-12.

The Rockets, however, scored just two points through the remainder of the game.

“We started out okay, but had a lot of unforced turnovers,” Rockets’ coach Katie Poma. “We’ve done some real good things at times. I think the girls do a good job with their shot selection, only we were cold from the floor tonight. Every possession is a learning opportunity. You learn through adversity. I’ve got to give credit to the girls. I came into the season as a new coach with a new system. The effort is there.”

Rapid River scored its last points midway through the third and Otradovec then hit a buzzer-beating jumper from top of the key to give the Jets a 31-14 advantage.

Addy Otradovec paced the Jets with 16 points. Senior Dalyn Otradovec added 11 and Maycee Murray finished with eight.

“I think this was the best night for Maycee for shooting and Addy had quite a few steals,” Granquist said. “Winning four of the last five games is nice for sure. I just think that brings more confidence to the girls.”

Beauchaine finished with six points for the Rockets, who committed 21 turnovers.

Both teams play again Monday. The Jets visit Bark River-Harris and the Rockets travel to Felch North Dickinson.

Rapid River 9 0 5 0 — 14

North Central 10 10 11 13 — 44

Rapid River — Beauchaine 6, Poma 5, Olson 3. FT: 1-4; F: 11; Fouled out: None; 3-point field goal: Poma

Powers North Central — Gorzinski 4, A. Otradovec 16, D. Otradovec 11, Murray 8, Triest 5. FT: 5-7; F: 5; Fouled out: None; 3-point field goals: A. Otradovec 2, Murray 2, Triest.