The Superior Central Cougars and the Big Bay de Noc Black Bears boys and girls both played each other in varsity contests in Garden Corners on Tuesday, Jan. 10. Both teams came from behind at half for the victory, but the Cougar girls were victorious 37-33 while the Black Bear boys won 41-39.

The home team started off strong in the girls contest, leading 20-17 at half. Superior Central did not, according to SC Head Coach Skip Rutter, as the squad shot just 25 percent from the field in the first half.

“We came out very flat, I don’t know if we even got off the bus,” Rutter said. “Big Bay was ready though and their defense was strong.”

Things turned around in the second half, keeping Big Bay to just four points and one basket from the floor in the third quarter. SC had an inconsistent night at the free throw line, but hit enough down the stretch for the four-point victory.

Alix Bleau of Big Bay led all scorers with 17 points, including all nine fourth-quarter points for the Black Bears. She also snagged seven of the teams 31 rebounds.

“(Bleau) carried us offensively again tonight. She has no quit in her,” BBdN Head Coach Bob Pederson said. “We need more people to step up and contribute.”

Superior Central improves to 5-3 while the Black Bears fall to 4-3. Big Bay played Rapid River Thursday night before playing the Upper Peninsula’s two tribal schools of Hannahville and Ojibwe next week. SC travels to North Central tonight.

No stats were submitted for the boys contest. According to Rutter, SC’s Trent Rutter ran into foul trouble late and the Black Bears were able to edge out the two-point victory.

The Cougars are now 1-6 on the season, but played North Dickinson at home on Thursday night. The Black Bears are 4-3 and played Rapid River on Thursday. Both games were finished after deadline for this week’s Munising Beacon.