News Photo by James Andersen Rogers City’s Nick Freel drives toward the basket during the first half of a boys basketball game in Alpena on Thursday.

ALPENA–Motivation and a total team performance provided a path to victory for the Rogers City boys basketball team on Thursday.

Nick Freel scored 35 points and the Hurons edged Alpena 63-62 in a non-conference contest for both teams.

From the opening tip, the Hurons (7-5) stayed in step with Alpena, matching the Wildcats nearly point for point. Rogers City led 19-17 after one quarter, but fell behind 39-24 at halftime.

“It was a total team win. Everyone played great and performed their role very well. I’m very proud of how we came out and played,” Rogers City coach Matt Ponik said. “We executed our offense and played great defense. Alpena put us on our heels in the second half, but we were able to respond and close the game out.”

Freel, who edged closer to 1,000 career points with his Thursday performance, set the tone for the Hurons early. He had 18 points at halftime, driving inside and scoring from outside against Alpena’s pressure.

“Nick played remarkable. He took his game to another level and I am very proud of him,” Ponik said. “I knew he had it in him. He took on the challenge and handled the pressure very well.”

Alpena (3-8) found its footing in the second half, but paid for its first half struggles. The Wildcats hit two three-pointers in the waning seconds of the game, including a triple from Cooper Bright at the buzzer, but ultimately fell short.

Rogers City took the lead back, 49-41 after three quarters and played Alpena almost even offensively in the final eight minutes.

Bright poured in 21 points for Alpena, Andrew Fisher had 11, Keegan Hahn had 10 and Tucker Bright had eight.

“Our first half was just a poor effort. I’m extremely disappointed that that’s how we came out and played,” Alpena coach John Pintar said. “We played with good energy, passion and fight in the second half, but they (Rogers City) played like they wanted the game.”

Matt Newhouse added 10 points for Rogers City, Drew Flewelling had seven and Dylan LaFleche had six.

Admission proceeds from the game, which were donation-based, will go to Friends Together Alpena in the name of Betty Smigelski, a longtime bookkeeper, who passed away earlier this year.

GIRLS

BASKETBALL

Posen 46,

Rogers City 27

POSEN–Ella Szatkowski scored 16 points–including a perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line–Madison Manzel added 12 points and Posen won its 10th straight game on Thursday.

Posen (10-1) led 16-10 after one quarter, 28-15 at halftime and 34-17 after three quarters.

Karissa Rabeau led Rogers City (5-8) with 14 points.

Posen plays at Mio on Tuesday.

Oscoda 75, Tawas 20

OSCODA–Macy Kellstrom scored 27 points and Mia Whipkey added 22 as the Oscoda girls basketball team toppled Tawas 75-20 on Wednesday.

Oscoda (12-1) made 11 three-pointers on the night and four came from Kellstrom, who set the program’s new single-season record with 41.

Izzy Hulverson added 10 points for Oscoda and Olivia Toppi had 8.

Oscoda hosts Midland Calvary Baptist on Saturday.