Dollar Bay-Tamarack City's Liam Tourtillott lines up a free throw during a game against Watersmeet Tuesday in Dollar Bay. (Eddie O’Neill/For the Gazette)

DOLLAR BAY — The Dollar Bay-Tamarack City Blue Bolts boys basketball team wasted no time in sticking to their New Year’s resolution of scoring early and often. Tuesday, they opened 2026 with a 61-point victory, 84-23, over the visiting Watersmeet Nimrods.

The Blue Bolts opened the first quarter by outscoring their opponent, 22-0. The Nimrods posted their first basket at the 2:20 mark of the second quarter.

“I liked our energy,” said Blue Bolts coach Jesse Kentala. “We came out and played our game and set the tempo.”

Coach Kentala added that he was impressed with the way his players shared the ball. This equated to four Blue Bolts in double figures.

Liam Tourtillot led the way with 19 points. His brother Noah sunk 18. Tyler Jaehnig had 14, and Baron Colbert scored 10.

Up by 41 points (50-9) at half, the clock was running for the third and fourth quarters.

The Blue Bolts defense forced a number of turnovers and held Watersmeet to less than nine points a quarter.

With the lopsided score, Kentala was able to put a number of JV players in.

“I was happy with that,” he added. “They did well.”

Up next

The Blue Bolts will welcome the Houghton Gremlins to their gym on Friday.