NCA Jets Beat Wolverines To Wrap Up 20-0 Season

POWERS---The last time the North Central Jets faced the Mid Peninsula Wolverines, the game was not an easy one for the defending Class D state champions. The Jets found themselves in a 28-28 tie at halftime before pulling away in the second half for the win.

But Thursday night in Powers, the Jets left no doubt who would win the final game of the regular season. The Jets got off to a quick 25-5 lead and rolled to a 75-53 victory.

The Jets finish the regular season with a 20-0 record, with the districts set next week.

"I was really happy for our seniors tonight," North Central Coach Adam Mercier said. "And coming out on Parent's Night, they played great defense that first quarter, holding them to five points."

"And we got every rebound. One thing we've got to improve on is our rebounding. Tonight, I thought we took a step forward there."

The game was played before the usual big crowd inside the NCA High School Gym.

"It's great that everyone comes out on a Thursday night to come support us," said NCA junior Jason Whitens. "It feels great to have their support. We just needed to get out there and play hard. We knew that they tested us a little bit up at their place, so we had to come out, play hard, and just play our game."

The 25-5 first quarter gave the Jets the chance to play everybody and the lead gradually grew to more than 30 points in the second half. The Wolverines chipped into that lead in the third quarter with several three-point baskets, but the game was never in doubt.

"We got off to a terrible start in the first half," Mid Pen Coach Mark Branstrom said. "It's Parents Night, and you're playing the Number One team in the state. We played the second half well, I thought, and that's all I can ask for."

"That's what we expect out of them. We were not playing to our capabilities in the first half. Our effort wasn't there."

The Jets had a little fun in their final home game with three dunks. Jason Whitens had two of them, and Whitens set up senior Morgan Cox for a slam dunk in the second half.

"I saw him all the way, and I knew I was gonna give it to him so he could slam 'er home," Whitens said. "It's nice to see him get that on Senior Night."

NCA Senior Bryce Holle got a lot of playing time in this one. He is best known around the U.P. for his abilities in cross country and in track. But Holle also loves basketball.

"I was a little bit off tonight in shooting three's and stuff like that," Holle said. "It kind of sucks that it's my last regular season basketball game. It was nice to come out and start tonight with my other two seniors in my class."

North Central was led by Whitens' 20 points. Dawson Bilski added 14 and Cox had 13.

Marcus Krachinski and Bobby Kleiman each contributed eight points in the win.

The Wolverines (11-9) were led by Terry Brower's 27 points, which included four three-point baskets. Dooner Engulnd added 14 points in the losing effort, including two three-pointers.

Mid Peninsula faces Rapid River at home in the district tournament opener. North Central opens the districts, and state title defense, against Bark River-Harris.

Click the thumbnails in the ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS box above go see photos and videos from the game, and to listen to post-game interviews.