LocalSportsJournal.com

HART–In a makeup non-conference game on Saturday afternoon, the Hart Pirates boys’ basketball team improved to 20-0 overall with a 65-46 win over the Newaygo Lions.

Newaygo was able to control the tempo during the first half as Hart only had a 26-23 lead at the half.

According to Hart coach Nick Bronsema, Jesse Jacobs and Tony Rayo provided great energy and spark especially on the defensive end for the Pirates during the second quarter.

In the second half, it was all Hart as they dug in defensively with seniors Caleb Bitely, Diego Escamilla and Wyatt Dean applying the defensive pressure.

Parker Hovey lays in an easy put-back rebound. Photo/Eric Sturr

Junior Blake Weirich had a game-high 35 points. Senior Parker Hovey had had his 13th triple-double with 14 points, 17 rebounds and 15 assists.   

Newaygo was paced by Bryce Decker with 16 points followed by Caris Nelson with 10 points and Dyllan Bazzett with nine points.
 
Hart will travel to Hesperia on Tuesday evening for a West Michigan Conference Rivers Division matchup.
 
Newaygo (12-8, 7-3) will be back on the court Tuesday evening in the Central State Activities Association Playoff Tournament. Their opponent and game information has yet to be determined.

Blake Weirich puts a shot off the glass for two. Photo/Eric Sturr

Newaygo’s Logan Klomp and Josiah Long attempt to trap Parker Hovey. Photo/Eric Sturr

Newaygo coach Jason Long chats with an official. Photo/Eric Sturr

Josiah Long drives hard to the hoop. Photo/Eric Sturr

Caris Nelson drives to the lane. Photo/Eric Sturr

Josiah Long puts up a 3-pointer. Photo/Eric Sturr

Hart coach Nick Bronsema gives out instructions to his team. Photo/Eric Sturr

Newaygo’s Dyllan Bazzett looks for room to drive the lane. Photo/Eric Sturr

Jesse Jacobs drives baseline and puts up a floating jumper. Photo/Eric Sturr

Diego Esamilla is wide open for a triple. Photo/Eric Sturr