Big Bay freshman Tanner Peterson (white jersey) drives to the basket against Maplewood Baptist on Dec 10, 2024 at Big Bay de Noc High School. (Adam Hinch/Daily Press)

GARDEN CORNERS — What happens when a black bear collides with a black bear? Tuesday night The answer revealed itself Tuesday night as the Black bears of Big Bay de Noc faced off against the Black Bears of Maplewood Baptist in a boys and girls doubleheader.

The Big Bay girls picked up a 53-24 victory, while the boys fell 56-47.

The Big Bay girls jumped out to an early 15-0 lead, with 11 points from junior Caragan Thill.

“We were prepared coming into the game,” Thill said. “We are kind of rebuilding after losing a lot of seniors but everyone is getting used to their roles and familiar with each other.”

Big Bay extended its lead to 27-7 at the half. Payton Pederson had eight of her 12 points in the first half and Destiny Bleau added six points in the first half.

Big Bay didn’t look back as it came out to start the second half, opening the third quarter on a 8-2 run to extend the lead to 35-9.

“We like to come out with pressure defense and set the tone,” Big Bay coach Bob Pederson said. “We like to get out and run and get them out of their comfort zone.”

The boys game was a tight battle from the opening tip. Parker Pederson drove to the basket for a layup that was followed up by a corner three by Max Pomeroy to give Big Bay an early 5-0 lead.

“We had some guys step up and make some big shots,” Big Bay boys coach Gunnar Mickelson said. “Max Pomeroy hit a couple 3’s. Joey Rochefort had three points and Tanner Peterson and Mason Gembel each played very well tonight as freshman.”

Maplewood Baptist responded with an 11-2 run to take an 11-7 lead. Carver Day and Caden Chromy each had six points in the first quarter.

Pomeroy connected on a 3-pointer from the wing and that was followed up by a 3-pointer by Parker Pederson and Big Bay led 18-15 after one quarter.

Maplewood Baptist opened the second quarter on a 12-4 run to regain the lead at 27-22.

Parker Pederson drove to the basket for a layup and followed it up with a 3-pointer from the wing to tie the game at 27.

“Parker is a great player,” Mickelson said. “He played phenomenally. He had 21 points, and the big thing about Parker is he will do whatever you need him to do on the court.”

Rochefort hit a 3-pointer to put Big Bay back in the lead at 30-28.

Maplewood Baptist closed the second quarter on a 5-0 run to regain the lead at 33-30 going into the half.

Nick DesJarden hit a mid-range jumper to pull Big Bay within one at 35-34. DesJarden finished the night with 13 points 14 rebounds and nine blocks one shy of a triple-double.

Maplewood Baptist answered with a 6-0 run to extend the lead to 41-34.

A pair of 3-pointers by Parker Pederson pulled Big Bay within three at 43-40.

Maplewood Baptist led 47-44 going to the fourth and opened the fourth on a 7-0 run to extend its lead to 54-44

DesJarden hit a late three but Big Bay could not get anything in the last 1:30 of the contest.

Girls box score

Maplewood Baptist 1 6 10 7 — 24

Big Bay de Noc 17 10 14 12 — 53

Maplewood Baptist — Peterson 10, LaFaver 5, E. Jentoft 6, Frank 3. FT: 3-8; F: 7 Fouled Out: None; 3-point field goals: None.

Big Bay de Noc — Bleau 12, Pederson 12, D. Morris 2, Thill 21, Harvey 4, L. Morris 2. FT: 5-9 F: 13; Fouled Out None: 3-point field goals: None.

Boys box score

Maplewood Baptist 15 18 14 9 — 56

Big Bay de Noc 18 12 12 8 — 47

Maplewood Baptist — Hudecek 2, Altoft 2, I. Browne 8, Day 19, Chromy 13, Rader 6, McDowell 6. FT: 4-8; F: 10; 3-point field goals: Day 2.

Big Bay de Noc — DesJarden 13, Max Pomeroy 6, Rochefort 3, Pederson 21, Peterson 2, Gembel 2. FT: 5-11; F: 12; 3-point field goals: Pederson 4, Max Pomeroy 2, DesJarden 1, Rochefort 1.