Jeffers’ Damien Heikkinen lines up a free throw during a game against Hancock Monday at the Jeffers Gym in Painesdale. (Eddie O’Neill/Daily Mining Gazette)

PAINESDALE — The Jeffers Jets boys basketball team found a winning flight pattern again Monday in their 71-36 victory over the visiting Hancock Bulldogs. With the win, the Jets moved to 12-1, while the Bulldogs dropped to 3-8.

“We moved the ball well and rebounded well tonight,” said Jets coach John Schutz.

He noted the strong play of senior sharpshooter Lincoln Just.

The Jets had nine 3-pointers in the game, and five of them came from Just – all in the second quarter.

“He (Lincoln) gets the game ball,” said John. “The three creates momentum, especially when they were all in a row like that.”

Just led the scoring for the Jets with 19 points. Following him was Matthew Schutz with 17. Chase Kinnunen poured in 11.

The Jets led 17-5 after the first eight minutes, and 45-12 at half. Guided by Just, they outscored the Bulldogs 28-7 in the second. Much of their lead came from steals, which translated into easy layups. They also dominated the boards at both ends – leaving the Bulldogs with just one shot, while they were getting quite a few second chances.

“We had a lot of open shots to start this one, but they were not falling,” said Bulldogs coach Zach Ohtonen. “Our rebounding was awful. I saw a lot of watching and not much blocking out.”

The Bulldogs best play was in the second half. They scored 13 points in the third and 11 in the fourth for a total of 24. The Jets beat them by just two with 26.

Hancock’s Alex Pietila led the scoring for the Bulldogs with 19 points.

“He (Alex) is our field general,” Ohtonen said. “Not only does he score points, but he runs the offensive side of the court helping other players to score.”

Ohtonen added that he hopes to have his other leader, Ned Larson, back in the lineup by the end of this week.

UP NEXT

The Bulldogs will travel to Calumet Friday to face the Copper Kings. Tip off set for 6 p.m. On the same day, the Jets will travel to Wakefield-Marenisco for a 7:30 p.m. game.