LocalSportsJournal.com

HESPERIA — With the offense clicking on all cylinders, the Hart boys basketball team snapped a four-game losing streak with a 60-50 non-conference win over Hesperia on the road Monday night.

The Pirate offense performed smartly, as everyone found the open man and knocked down their shots. Hart outscored the Panthers, 17-11 in the first quarter.

But, the Panthers kept a lot closer to the Pirates in the second quarter, with Hart enjoying only a 14-13 edge for a 31-24 halftime lead.

Hesperia charged back into the game with a 19-13 scoring advantage in the third quarter, slicing the Pirates lead down to one, 44-43 entering the fourth period. Hart pulled away from the Panthers with a 16-7 advantage in the final eight minutes.

“I have to say I’m proud of our guys’ performance tonight,” Hesperia head coach Andrew Worcester said. “We were down by seven at the half, and managed a big third quarter to win the quarter.

“But, we had some fourth quarter turnovers that allowed Hart to gain the advantage. In my opinion, it is the basketball we have played all season.

“Definitely a confidence booster going forward. I’m happy our guys had an opportunity to experience their capabilities.”

Diego Escamilla led the charge for the Pirates with 19 points, which included five 3-point shots. Kohen Porter added eight points and six assists.

Kory Charron contributed 10 points and five rebounds, Tony Rayo had eight points and five assists. The Pirates distributed a season-high 14 assists and were 5 of 20 shooting from long distance.

For the Panthers, it was Maddox Mosley leading the way with 24 points, while Maverick McKinnion added 12.

The Pirates improved to 5-7 overall and will next be in action Thursday at Shelby in the West Michigan Conference.

Hesperia fell to 1-11 and will next see action Friday night at home against Kent City in a Central State Activities Association-Silver matchup.