News photo by Josh Jambor Junior Connor Tulgestka drives to the basket in the second quarter of the Wildcats home opener Tuesday night. Alpena defeated the Rudyard Bulldogs by a score of 90-55.

ALPENA – The Alpena High School varsity boys basketball team kicked off its 2025-26 season with an impressive 90-55 win over Rudyard at home on Tuesday night.

The Wildcats jumped out to a quick start against the Bulldogs in their home opener. Off the opening tip, Junior Connor Tulgestka delivered a great bounce pass to slashing freshman Bryton Nostrant for an early lead.

The game started out evenly matched, with both teams playing an aggressive style of defense.

Wyatt Srebnik connected for a deep three pointer as time expired in the first quarter, which gave the Wildcats momentum and forced a 15-15 tie as the crowd went wild. Alpena maintained its momentum to start the second quarter and jumped out to a 25-15 lead thanks to a 10-0 run. The Wildcats’ scrappy defensive effort helped spark the offense.

Tulgestka started the run, scoring on a tough drive to the basket and drawing a Bulldog’s foul and completing the and one.he score as both teams went to the locker room at halftime was 40-27, with Alpena seemingly seemed to seize control.

When the second half got underway, Alpena took complete control of the game and never looked back.

Again, it was Tulgestka setting the tempo to begin the second half, as he drove to the basket and hit a tough layup. Nostrant continued pushing the tempo on the following offensive possession, driving down the lane for an easy layup.

The Wildcats’ shooters caught fire in the third quarter, taking a 71-44 lead into the final quarter and cruised from there to the win.

It was an impressive opening night performance for Alpena.

Offensively, three players scored in double digits. Nostrant led the way with 25 points, while Tulgestka added 16 points. Chase Coulon contributed 12 points, all from beyond the 3-point arc.

The Wildcats improved to 1-0 overall to start the season. The Wildcats travel to Tawas on Friday for a game against the Braves. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.

Rudyard falls to 1-3 on the season, with a Thursday matchup with the Sault Area Blue Devils.