The Sturgeon Bay Clippers struggled to keep pace with the Oconto Blue Devils Thursday night, losing their contest 97-67 in the Packerland Conference boys' basketball season opener.

The Blue Devils erupted for 51 points in the first half, setting the stage for potentially crossing the century mark later in the game. Carter Koch scored 21 points of his game-high 40 points in the opening period to set the pace for the game that left the Clippers chasing a lead for much of the night. Jackson Starr (20 pts) and Calvin Richard (25 pts) did what they could to keep the Clippers in it, but the Blue Devils had three other players, Trenton Hartman, Cooper Campshure and Jackson Martin, crack double-figures. Danny Lodl added 10 points for the Clippers in the loss.