LocalSportsJournal.com
SHELBY – Hart’s girls basketball team moved 5-0 in the WMC Rivers with a 55-36 win over Shelby on Tuesday night, though the night wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Pirates.
“History has shown us that records do not matter and anything can happen in the Hart vs. Shelby rivalry game,” Hart coach Travis Rosema said. “Teams must show up ready to compete.”
A quick start for Hart allowed them to get off on a 7-2 run in the game’s opening minutes. That kind of early advantage has allowed them to pull away comfortably the remainder of the game. Rival Shelby had other plans however, bouncing back and moving to within three points at the end of the first.
The Tigers added an early bucket to start the second that moved them just a single point from tying. That’s when Hart really kicked it into gear, riding the hot hand of freshman guard Rilynn Porter.
Porter knocked down four 3-point shots between the second and third quarters. Those points, mixed with foul trouble for Shelby’s Molli Schultz and Biloxi Lee, allowed Hart to distance themselves and claim another conference win.
Hart was led by Rilynn Porter, who finished with 17 points and five steals. Abby Hicks and Addi Hovey each chipped in 10 points in the victorious effort.
Shelby had a breakout game from Brylee Friedman, who recorded 12 points and eight rebounds. Schultz and Kendall Zaverl each added seven points while Lee led the team in rebounds with 10.
The Pirates (8-2, 5-0 WMC Rivers) continue to roll with their fifth straight win. Hart will face a tough non-conference test next Tuesday when they face Holland Christian on the road.
Shelby (4-6, 2-4 WMC Rivers) are on a streak of their own, though not one they’re bragging about. The Tigers will look to snap a five- game losing skid on Friday when they travel to Ravenna.
