Chassell’s Maelene Warren, center, dribbles through the Dollar Bay-Tamarack City defense Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, in Dollar Bay, Mich. (Paul Peterson/For the Gazette)

DOLLAR BAY — Chassell barely drew a sweat in carving out an easy 59-26 win over Dollar Bay-Tamarack City in girls basketball action Tuesday night.

The Panthers opened up a 20-2 lead after eight minutes behind 11 points from Paige Sleeman.

CHS coach Bill Sleeman said the first quarter was one of the best put up by his team in some time.

“I thought energy-wise, it was probably the best we’ve had in quite awhile,” coach Sleeman said. “If there’s anything we can try to build off from this game is to come out with the same intensity in every game.”

The overmatched Blue Bolts fell behind by a 43-8 margin by the intermission as guards Maelene Warren and Alix Palosaari lent good support.

Both teams used their benches extensively in the second half.

DBHS head coach Steve Krahling said the size of the Panthers wore down his club.

“Our tallest girl is 5-6, we’re going to be looking up all the time to our opponents,” he said. “It’s that way for us every game.”

Sleeman paced the 4-3 Panthers with 20 points. She also grabbed 8 rebounds and made seven steals.

Palosaari added 12 points and Warren recorded nine markers and seven steals.

Madisyn Holombo had a steady defensive game and made eight steals.

The Blue Bolts were led by freshman Ashlea Datto’s 10 points and five steals.

“We’re playing a lot of young players,freshmen and sophomores, so we’re learning as we go,” Krahling said.

The Panthers host Wakefield-Marenisco on Friday. Dollar Bay-TC hosts LL-Hubbell next Tuesday evening.

Chassell 20 23 5 11 — 59

Dollar Bay 2 6 6 12 — 26

CHASSELL (59): Palosaari 12, Warren 9, Sleeman 20, J. Huhta 6, K. Huhta 2, Holombo 6, N. Huhta 4. FT: 7-12; Rebounds: 33 (Sleeman 8); Fouls: 22; Fouled out: None; 3-pont FG: Sleeman 3, Palosaari 1.

DOILLAR BAY (26): Kangas 4, A. Datto 10. Cavis 4, Gaunt 4, Turner 2, Luoma 2. FT: 6-10; Rebunds: NA; Fouls: 15; Fouled out: None; 3-point FG: Datto 1.