KINGSFORD — With a potential MHSAA Division 2 district tournament semifinal matchup next week, Kingsford and Negaunee were likely a bit hesitant to showcase anything new and special when they met Tuesday in the penultimate game of the regular season for both squads.

So the contest between the Upper Peninsula’s No. 2-ranked Flivvers and the No. 3-ranked Miners at Kingsford High School wasn’t what it normally would be.

In the end, Kingsford left with a 47-36 victory for its 10th win in its last 11 games.

Morgan Sleik scored eight of his 13 points in the first quarter to lift Kingsford (17-3) to an 11-point lead and neither team made much of a push after that.

“We were able to make a few more shots than they did in the first quarter,” Kingsford coach Dan Olkkonen said. “Then it was even from there on out.

“(It) wasn’t the most exciting game. I don’t think either team felt like they got in any type of rhythm. But (it is the) last week of the season and a chance that we play next week, so I don’t think either team was showing their best.”

Falling behind 16-5 after one quarter, the Miners (15-6) crept to within 27-18 at halftime. Kingsford nudged its lead to 38-25 after three quarters and kept its distance from there.

Nic Nora led all scorers with 14 points for Kingsford. Teammate Cardell Morton scored nine points and Gavin Grondin added seven.

The Flivvers finish their regular season by entertaining North Dickinson (6-14) on Thursday.

Kingsford drew a bye into the semifinal round of District 33, which will be hosted by Negaunee and will begin Monday when the Miners will face Houghton (14-6). The winner squares off against the Flivvers on Wednesday. Escanaba (14-6) and Gladstone (9-11) play in the other Wednesday semifinal in Escanaba.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee. His email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.