LocalSportsJournal.com

HART — After a fast start, there was no doubt what the outcome was going to be as the Hart girls basketball team posted a convincing 72-31 non-conference victory over visiting Manistee on Monday night.  

It was Hart’s depth that flustered the Chippewas, as 10 players scored, including three in double figures.  

Consistently finding holes in the Manistee defense, the Pirates kept up a solid scoring pace throughout the game. The Pirates had the Chippewas back on their heels with an 18-2 first quarter.  

“Manistee focused on slowing down Addi Hovey and Abby Hicks,” said Hart coach Travis Rosema. “However, we showed great depth with Mariana VanAgtmael, Aspen Boutell, Makayla Rockwell, Savanna Owens and Chloe Coker were able to take advantage of the openings in Manistee’s defense.  

“Additionally, we were successful forcing turnovers, which led to transition baskets.”

Hart head coach Travis Rosema (Photo/Leo Valdez)

The Pirates outscored the Chippewas, 22-13 in the second quarter and went to the locker room with a comfortable 40-16 advantage.  

Hart outscored the Chippewas, 15-6 in the third quarter and took a 55-25 lead and finished Manistee off with a 17-6 fourth period run. 

Boutell and Hicks each scored 17 points to lead the Pirates. Hovey found enough holes in the Manistee defense to score 14 points and VanAgtmael added seven points.  

Hicks and Hovey pulled down eight rebounds apiece. Hicks also had six steals and five assists, while Hovey dished out three assists and had three blocks.  

VanAgtmael added four assists and four steals.  

The Pirates improved to 8-2 on the season and are scheduled to travel to Montague on Thursday night for another non-conference game.  

Manistee is now 6-6 on the season and is off until next Tuesday when the Chippewas travel to Oakridge for a West Michigan Conference Lakes Division contest. 

Manistee head coach Kenn Kott (Photo/Leo Valdez)