Bark River-Harris sophomore Gabe Spear (14) puts up a contested layup during a 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 boys tried to control the pace, but couldn’t prevent the North Dickinson Nordics from earning a 52-38 season-opening basketball victory here Tuesday night.

North Dickinson led 24-16 at halftime, then outscored the Broncos 20-10 in the third quarter of this Skyline Central Conference contest.

The Broncos set up in a half-court game, different from the past when they primarily ran an up-tempo offense.

“We waited for good shots and were getting good looks,” BR-H coach Nick Lippens said. “We had about a three-minute stretch in the third quarter where we lost our intensity. Otherwise, we did a lot of good things.”

The Broncos were within 17-14 following a putback by sophomore center Gabe Spear late in the second quarter.

North Dickinson responded with seven unanswered points, gaining a 24-14 cushion on a 20-foot set shot from the right wing by junior guard Spencer Kramer.

Senior forward Olin Johnson then brought BR-H within eight points on an offensive rebound shortly before the intermission.

The Nordics started the third stanza with a 14-2 run, rolling to a 38-18 advantage on a jumper from the lane by senior guard Mason Anderson.

BR-H shaved its deficit to 40-24 on Spear’s 20-foot jumper from the left wing late in the third.

A layup by Anderson gave the Nordics a 48-29 cushion midway through the fourth frame.

The Broncos got within 50-38 late in the contest before Anderson ended the scoring on a pair of free throws.

“I thought both teams had opening game jitters,” Nordics’ coach Chris Mattson said. “You’re always looking to get a win right away. Overall, I’m happy with the way the guys shared the ball. I hope to see more of that. We got out in transition which I think helped us. I thought we played tentative in the last three minutes, although I’m really impressed with the way their kids hung in there. They had a very deliberate set on offense. They had a good game plan. Nick had his team ready.”

The Nordics led 9-7 after the opening frame, then extended their lead to 13-7 on Anderson’s floater from the boulevard two minutes into the second.

Junior point guard Brady Jungwirth led the Nordics with 15 points. Spencer Kramer scored 13 and Anderson had nine.

“Mason probably had his best game on varsity,” Mattson said. “Nine points from Mason, that was huge. We had a real good third quarter which probably led to our win.”

Junior guard Brayden Derouin’s 12 points led the Broncos, who committed a dozen turnovers. The Nordics finished with 14.

“Twelve turnovers is not bad against a real aggressive team,” Lippens said. “We took care of the ball and they ran the floor well. They have good ballhandlers. 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 they were more physical tonight.”

The Nordics visit Norway Monday. The Broncos travel to West Iron County 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, Jungwith 15, Anderson 9, S. Kramer 13. FT: 3-3; F: 9; Fouled out: None; 3-point field goals: Jungwirth, Anderson, S. Kramer.

Bark River-Harris — Mileski 4, Derouin 12, Johnson 9, Knauf 6, Spear 5, McDonough 2. FT: 4-7; F: 10; Fouled out: None; 3-point field goals: Knauf 2, Derouin, Spear.