By Brendan Samuels
LocalSportsJournal.com
SHELBY – Not often does a team carry a 25-point lead into the fourth quarter, only to watch it disappear over the game’s final frame.
That’s exactly what happened to Hart boys basketball when they survived a late push by league rival Shelby on Friday. The Pirates came out on top 59-49.
Poor offensive execution hurt Shelby early on as the Tigers operated in a way head coach Rick Zoulek described as “mechanical.” Passing the ball wasn’t their strong suit and that worked right into Hart’s wheel house.
“We have our brand and style of basketball that we want to play. We like to get up and down,” Hart head coach Nick Bronsema said. “We don’t like sitting back. I’m kind of impatient as a person. We really worked on our press and that got us some turnovers.”
Those turnovers for Shelby led to transition buckets for Hart who were led by senior Blake Weirich (24 points, 10 rebounds) and Caleb Ackley (nine points). Ty Schlukebir and Kaden Bond each added eight points.
Shelby’s offense chipped away at Hart in the fourth quarter, climbing back from a 51-26 deficit to finish within 10 points. Phillip Hayes had his best game of the year, recording 16 points and six rebounds. Wyatt Dickman also finished in double digits with 11 points while Treyjin Waller had eight. Senior Lalo Garcia led the team in rebounds with nine.
Hart (2-3, 2-0 WMC Rivers) was happy to get back on the winning side of things after dropping three straight contests. The Pirates will host Oakridge on Monday.
Shelby (1-2, 0-1 WMC Rivers) dropped their second straight game as they continue to look for consistency from their lineup. The Tigers will travel to Grant on Tuesday for a non-conference contest.
