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

DOLLAR BAY — It was Parents’ Night at the Dollar Bay-Tamarack City High School Wednesday, and the Blue Bolts boys basketball team gave their moms and dads something to cheer about. They downed the Bessemer Speedboys, 63-50, and improved to an impressive 17-1 on the fading season.

“This game had a playoff atmosphere to it,” said Blue Bolts coach Jesse Kentala. “We had two good, physical teams going at it. I loved our grit and the team effort.”

The gritty play started in the opening minutes and ended with a 16-16 tie after one. The second continued to be a shootout with the Blue Bolts winning by two. It was 31-29 at the half.

While the Speedboys led 39-35 with just a few minutes to go in the third, the Blue Bolts rallied for six and took a 41-39 lead into the fourth.

Back-to-back triples by Dollar Bay’s new, all-time scoring leader, Liam Tourtillott, put the Blue Bolts up 52-45, and sealed the deal in the later part of the fourth. The Blue Bolts outscored the Speedboys 22-9 for a 63-50 final.

“Liam got hot tonight at the right time, and that was fun to see,” said Jesse. “He just catches fire and is a pure shooter. He gets the game ball, but I am proud of my other two seniors Caleb Kentala and Connor Laitala.”

Tourtillott led the scoring with 24 points (four triples). Baron Colbert followed with 15.

For the Speedboys, Leland Hollenbeck led the charge with 15 points. Jayden Verrett followed with 13.

Up next

The Blue Bolts travel to Baraga Friday and close out the regular season next week.