Hovey scores 29 as Hart gets by Big Rapids

The Pirates were never headed after finishing the first quarter with a 24-8 lead. Hot shooting from behind the arc enabled the visiting Cardinals to cut into the Hart lead in the second period, but the Pirates still enjoyed a 10-point cushion, 43-33 at the half.

Big Rapids continued its hot shooting in the second half, eventually scrapping back to tie the score, 74-74. But the Pirates managed to keep the Cardinals from clearing the hurdle.

Parker Hovey posted a triple double to lead the Pirates, scoring 29 points, hauling down 15 rebounds and dishing out 11 assists in a spectacular performance.

Wyatt Dean also had a big game for the Pirates with 16 points, eight assists and six steals. Diego Escamilla buried three 3-point shots and finished with 13 points and Caleb Bitely added seven points, knocking down four consecutive free throws to ice the victory.