LocalSportsJournal.com

The Hart boys basketball team meant business when they traveled to play its season opener at Western Michigan Christian on Tuesday.

The Pirates used a second half comeback to put away the warriors, 57-47.

The Pirates struggled against WMC in the opening quarter, falling behind 15-9. But Hart started to find a rhythm as Caleb Bitely put up 10 points to cut the deficit to 31-27 by halftime.

The Pirates’ pressure swung momentum their way and chipped away at the Warriors’ all through the second half, eventually building up to a 14 point lead in the fourth.

Hart took advantage of a struggling Warriors team in the third quarter, outscoring WMC 17-5.  

Parker Hovey started his season strong for Hart, posting a double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds while also making four steals. The Junior scored 13 of hist points in the second half.

Bitely ended the night with 17 points and Jake VanderWilk had seven points and six rebounds to also lead Hart.

The Warriors’ Sam Liggett sparked WMC in the first half, scoring 15 of his game-high 20 points in the first and second quarters. Jaron Childers also paced the Warriors with 10 points.

Hart is now 1-0 and will take the court again on Friday against Mason County Central at home.

Western Michigan Christian is 0-1 and will visit Ludington on Friday.

Check out photos from Hart’s win on the road over WMC shot by Jason Goorman.