Basketball is a game played with four quarters, which Northport provided for the first time this season Saturday in a 56-41 win over Traverse City Christian.

The two Cherryland Conference foes met in a non-conference matchup in the consolation match of the Port City Classic boys' basketball tournament. Although the decision won't count toward conference standings — they are also scheduled to play Feb. 8 and 25 — it did serve notice that the Wildcats will content for the conference title.

"That was the first time this season that we've played in all four quarters," said Northport coach Jeff Tropf. "It allowed the kids to realize if we play, we can match up with these other teams."

Northport, 4-4 overall and 1-0 in the Cherryland, trailed 14-13 after one period but took a 22-19 halftime advantage.

The Wildcats took over in the second half, climbing to a 6-point lead after three quarters and outscoring the Sabres 19-10 in the final stanza.

One big reason was the play of 6-foot-3 sophomore Jason Tropf, who went 9-13 from the floor to finish with 22 points. He also grabbed 9 rebounds and blocked four shots en route to being named to the all-tournament team. Also credit Basil Stowe with solid ball-handling skills to go with 15 points.

Northport played better than its 57-18 loss Friday to eventual tournament champion Frankfort would indicate, Tropf said. The Wildcats trailed 17-6 after one quarter, but went scoreless for the next eight minutes to fall behind 33-6 at halftime.

Tropf found refuge in his squad's defense. "Holding Frankfort to 57 points was good. I thought they had the ability to do a lot more than that," he said.

Northport is expected to have its hands full tonight when hosting Suttons Bay, where Tropf is a long-time biology teacher. "I happen to be very close to every one of those (Norsemen) kids. We talk basketball up and down those (school) halls."

Northport will also host Cadillac Heritage Christian Monday.