×

U.P. power

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) – Powers North Central isn’t used to having to hold on for victories.

The Jets were going for their second straight undefeated season in Saturday’s Class D state championship at East Lansing’s Breslin Center, two nights after beating Fulton 64-23 in the semifinals.

When they took an 18-point lead midway through the third quarter, it looked like they were on their way to another rout.

Waterford Our Lady had other ideas, rallying to within 49-45 in the last four minutes before North Central pulled away for a 59-48 win.

“That’s the biggest run anyone has put on us in a long time,” said Jets coach Adam Mercier. “We knew we were the favorites, but those kids went to the football and basketball championship games this year, so we knew it wouldn’t be easy.”

The Lakers (22-5) could have got themselves even closer. However, they missed two free throws, then allowed a five-point possession by North Central to make it 54-45 with 3:40 to go.

“A five-point possession at any point in the game is going to hurt, but that was a point where we had them nervous and those five points let them relax again,” Lakers coach Paul Robak said. “We were counting on the fact that they normally beat team by 50, so if we could keep it close, they might get uncomfortable.”

Jason Whitens led North Central with 16 points, including a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to give the Jets a 27-19 lead at the half. Dawson Bilski added 15 points for North Central, while Troy Ekberg scored 11.

“They were really playing tough defense against me, but my teammates kept hitting shots,” Whitens said. “That opened things up for me in the second half and we were able to get rolling.”

Andrew Kline scored 22 for Our Lady, but Devin Senerius (17) was the only other player to reach double figures.

“That’s just a great team,” Kline said. “We had a good plan, and we gave it everything we had, but they are great. There’s a reason they are beating teams by 40 points.”

The Jets (28-0) have now won 55 straight games, 10 short of Chassell’s state record.

“I’m not even thinking about next year,” Mercier said. “Our kids are getting ready for baseball and track, but we’re going to enjoy this right now.”

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today