LocalSportsJournal.com

SCOTTVILLE — Hart’s girls basketball team got off to a hot start knocking off host Mason County Central, 54-43 in a West Michigan Conference battle on Tuesday night.

The Pirates jumped on the Spartans for a 16-4 first quarter lead, and although they were outscored in the second and fourth quarters, they never trailed after that.

Mason County Central gained a 12-10 edge in the second period, but that first quarter deficit came back to haunt the Spartans as the Pirates maintained a 10-point lead, 26-16 at the half.

Hart outscored the Spartans, 12-10 in the third quarter and took a 38-26 cushion into the fourth quarter. The Spartans had a 17-16 edge in the final eight minutes.

“We were able to execute offensively and defensively in the first quarter,” Hart head coach Travis Rosema said. “In the second quarter, we were not able to capitalize on MCC’s mistakes early, and (the Spartans) battled to keep it close going into halftime.

“The Spartans continued to play well in the third, and kept it a 12-point game. We were able to get to the free throw line in the fourth quarter, but did not make many shots and the Spartans were able to get within four points.”

But the Pirates got 3-point baskets from Morgan Marvin and Kendal Williamson. The Spartans were forced to foul at the end of the game, and Abby Hicks went 6 for 6 at the stripe down the stretch.

Addi Hovey led the Pirates in scoring with 13 points, and also hauled down seven rebounds and came away with five steals. Hicks finished with 11 points, four rebounds, five steals and three assists.

The Pirates also got 10 points, six rebounds and four assists from Aspen Boutell and nine points and five steals form Mariana VanAgtmael.

Jaden Peterson paced the Spartans with 13 points and seven rebounds, while Wren Nelson contributed 10 points and 16 rebounds.

The Pirates improved their record to 10-1 overall and 8-0 in the conference with
their ninth straight win. Hart is next scheduled to travel to Ravenna on Friday night.

Mason County Central fell to 6-4 overall and 4-3 in the league. Next up for the Spartans is a trip to Montague on Thursday night.