FELCH TOWNSHIP, MI – The Forest Park Trojans suffered a narrow defeat to the North Dickinson Nordics on Tuesday night, falling 52-48 in a hard-fought battle at the annual Showcase event held at North Dickinson High School. Despite a valiant effort, the Trojans couldn't quite overcome the Nordics' late-game surge.
The game was a back-and-forth affair from the opening tip, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to establish a significant lead throughout the first three quarters. Physical play and tight defense characterized the contest, reflecting the intensity of a rivalry matchup.
“It was a tough game,” said Forest Park head coach Jeff Johnson. “We knew coming in that North Dickinson would be a challenge, and they certainly lived up to that. We played hard, but we just couldn’t quite execute down the stretch.”
North Dickinson held a slim lead at halftime, but Forest Park responded with a strong third quarter, fueled by aggressive rebounding and improved offensive execution. However, the Nordics rallied in the fourth, capitalizing on Trojan turnovers and hitting crucial free throws to regain the advantage.
The Nordics were led by senior guard, Sarah Johnson, who poured in a game-high 18 points. Johnson's ability to penetrate the defense and score in the paint proved to be a major factor in North Dickinson's victory. Junior forward, Emily Larson, added 12 points and 8 rebounds for the Nordics, providing crucial support on both ends of the floor.
For Forest Park, junior guard, Ella Nocerini, led the scoring with 15 points, showcasing her ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc. Sophomore forward, Gracie Peterson, contributed 10 points and 7 rebounds, providing a strong presence inside. Senior guard, Charlie Larson, added 9 points and played solid defense throughout the contest.
Turnovers proved costly for the Trojans, particularly in the fourth quarter. Several unforced errors disrupted their offensive flow and allowed North Dickinson to capitalize with easy baskets.
“We need to take better care of the ball,” Coach Johnson emphasized. “Too many turnovers in crucial situations really hurt us tonight. That’s something we’ll be working on in practice.”
Despite the loss, the Trojans showed flashes of brilliance and demonstrated their potential to compete with top teams in the region. Their aggressive defense and balanced scoring attack kept them in the game until the final buzzer.
The Showcase event provided a valuable opportunity for both teams to test their mettle against a quality opponent early in the season. The atmosphere was electric, with a large crowd cheering on both sides.
Looking ahead, Forest Park (currently at a record of 2-3) will look to bounce back on Friday when they travel to face the Crystal Falls Forest Park Trojans. North Dickinson (4-1) will look to continue their winning streak when they host the Carney-Nadeau Wolves on Thursday.
Coach Johnson remains optimistic about his team's prospects for the season. "We're a young team, but we're improving every day," he said. "We'll learn from this loss and come back stronger."
The game highlighted the importance of composure and execution in tight contests. While Forest Park displayed grit and determination, North Dickinson ultimately prevailed by making key plays when it mattered most. The loss serves as a valuable learning experience for the Trojans as they continue their journey through the season. The packed gymnasium witnessed a thrilling contest, a testament to the competitive spirit of high school basketball in the Upper Peninsula.
