Houghton's Alex Hebert guards Hancock's Gage Chynoweth during the Wing Ding boys basketball game Thursday at the Houghton High School gym. (Eddie O’Neill/For the Gazette)

HOUGHTON — The Wing Ding trophy for boys basketball will remain in the Houghton Gremlins’ trophy case at least for another year. Thursday, the Gremlins defeated their cross-canal rival, the Hancock Bulldogs, 70-24, at home.

It was a game in which Houghton coach Jared Lawson was able to get everybody in the game and saw a lot of scoring from the bench.

“We can always count on Terrance Nolan and Alex Hebert to lead the scoring,” he said. “But it was good tonight to see other guys step up tonight and spread the wealth. To get other guys into this will be crucial as we head down the stretch.”

Nolan had six triples in his team-leading 25 points. Hebert followed with 15, and Jack Cooke sunk 11.

Lawson added that it was good to get bench players in during the first half.

“Those guys work hard, and they execute,” he said. “It is so good to see the stuff we put in during practice be put into play during game time. Hats off to the whole team for the effort. Our hustle and energy has been great.”

The Gremlins (12-4) pushed out to a 23-11 first quarter lead. It was 48-12 at the midway point.

The running clock went into effect early in the third as Houghton led 54-12. The Gremlins outpaced the Bulldogs (2-15) 22-12 in the second half.

For the Bulldogs, Gage Chynoweth led the scoring with 12. Isaac Wanhala had 11.

Up next

The Bulldogs will travel to Ewen Trout-Creek on Tuesday to face the Panthers. The Gremlins will be at Marquette that same night.