There’s something special about beating one of your rivals. The Superior Central boys basketball team got to enjoy that feat on Jan. 30, when it took down host Big Bay de Noc, 46-34.

“This is our rival, so to get a season sweep and win again at their place was big for us,” SC head coach Adam Ely said. “It was loud and full in there and a great environment. We were really pleased with our first-half ball movement against their zone, which created some rhythm to our possessions and helped us shoot well. I thought our focus defensively didn’t waver or have any lapses, and we showed well for ourselves.”

Blake Tanner drilled two first-quarter 3-pointers and had eight points in the opening frame, ensuring SC got off to a good start. The Cougars led 18-10 after one.

Two more triples from Tanner in the second and one trey by Ryder Kroupa pumped their lead to 30-14 at the half. They also led 36-25 after a low-scoring third quarter, and they wrapped up the win from there.

Tanner had four 3s in the game and led the Cougars with 22 points. Kroupa netted 10 points, Bigger finished with eight, Drew Begovac added four and Andrew Charlebois scored two.

Superior Central also picked up a road win at Rock Mid-Pen on Jan. 28, 44-33.

“We were able to force 21 turnovers, which was something we tried to do more than normal with our recent offensive struggles,” Ely said.

Bigger had a solid game for the Cougars, posting 13 points, six rebounds, two blocks and two steals. Tanner scored 12 points, grabbed four boards and had four steals. Kroupa added 10 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals.

“
To get a season sweep and win again at their place was big for us.

—Adam
Ely

”