Hovey scores 21 points, leads Hart over Oakridge

Visiting Hart built an 11-point lead, 24-13, at the end of the first quarter and the Eagles couldn’t make up enough ground.

The Pirates managed to edge the Eagles, 22-20, in the second period and entered the half with a 46-33 lead. Hart then outscored Oakridge, 19-15, in the third quarter to take a 65-48 lead into the last quarter. Both teams scored 15 points in the fourth period.

Parker Hovey, who was in foul trouble for much of the game, pumped in 21 points to lead Hart. Blake Weirich scored 12 points in the first half and 17 for the game. He also hauled down 10 rebounds. Diego Escamilla added 16 points.

With Hovey out much of the second half, senior point guard Wyatt Dean dished out six assists, went 3-for-3 at the free throw line and finished with 12 points.

Eagles’ sophomore Peyton Ruel led all scorers with 27 points. Evan Jozsa added 10 points, while Michael Wambaugh finished with eight.

Hart (3-0) hosts Big Rapids Thursday night in a nonconference game.

Oakridge (2-1) hosts Ludington Thursday in a West Michigan Conference Lakes Division contest.