Bark River Harris sophomore Gabe Spear (14) makes a contested layup during the Skyline Central Conference game against North Dickinson on Nov. 26, 2024 at Bark River Harris High School. (Adam Hinch/Daily Press)
HARRIS — The Bark River Harris men’s team tried to control the pace but couldn’t stop the North Dickinson Nordiques from a 52-38 basketball season-opening victory here Tuesday night. .
In this Skyline Central Conference battle, North Dickinson led 24-16 at halftime and outscored the Broncos 20-10 in the third quarter.
The Broncos set up with a half-court game, unlike in the past when they primarily ran an up-tempo offense.
“I was waiting for a good shot, and I got a good look.” BR-H coach Nick Lippens said. “We had about a three-minute stretch in the third quarter where we lost some strength. Other than that, we did a lot of good things.”
The Broncos got within 17-14 late in the second quarter on a putback by sophomore center Gabe Spear.
North Dickinson fought back with seven unanswered points on junior guard Spencer Kramer’s 20-foot set shot from the right side for a 24-14 victory.
Senior forward Orrin Johnson then grabbed an offensive rebound just before intermission to bring BR-H within eight points.
The Nordiques started Game 3 on a 14-2 run, extending their advantage to 38-18 on a jumper from the lane by senior guard Mason Anderson.
BR-H closed the gap to 40-24 at the end of the third set when Spear hit a 6-meter jumper from the left side.
Anderson’s layup gave the Nordics a 48-29 lead midway through the fourth frame.
The Broncos got within 50-38 until Anderson stopped the scoring with two free throws late in the game.
“I thought both teams were worried about the opening game.” Nordiques coach Chris Mattson said. “You always try to get the win right away. Overall, I was happy with the way the players shared the ball. I hope to see more of that. I thought we played tentatively in the last three minutes, but I was really impressed with how the kids hung in there. They attacked. They had a good game plan. Nick got the team ready.”
The Nordiques led 9-7 immediately after the opening frame and extended the lead to 13-7 on Anderson’s floater from Boulevard two minutes into the game.
Junior point guard Brady Jungwirth led the Nordics with 15 points. Spencer Kramer had 13 points and Anderson had nine points.
“Mason probably played his best game on the national team.” Mattson said. “The nine points from Mason was huge. We had a really good third quarter and that probably led to the win.”
Junior guard Brayden Derouen’s 12 points led the Broncos, who committed 12 turnovers. Nordic finished with 14.
“12 turnovers is not bad against a real offensive team.” Lippens said. “We took care of the ball and they ran the floor well. They have good ball handlers. They’re well-coached and fundamentally sound.
“We need to finish better at the rim, get back on defense and rebound better. We should be a good rebounding team, but tonight’s team was more physical.”
The Nordic countries will visit Norway on Monday. The Broncos travel to West Iron County on Tuesday.
box score
North Dickinson 9 15 18 8 — 52
Bark River-Harris 7 9 10 12 — 38
North Dickinson — King 7, T. Kramer 8, Yungwith 15, Anderson 9, S. Kramer 13. FT: 3-3; F: 9; Foulouts: None. 3-point field goal: Jungwirth, Anderson, S. Kramer.
Bark River Harris — Mileski 4, Derouen 12, Johnson 9, Knauf 6, Speer 5, McDonough 2. FT: 4-7; F: 10; Foulouts: None. 3-point field goal: Knauf 2, Derouin, Speer.
