LocalSportsJournal.com
MORLEY – Another tough non-conference game for Hart’s girls basketball saw the Pirates defeat Morley Stanwood 45-40 on Monday night.
Good team defense and unselfish play pushed Hart to an early 14-8 lead in the first quarter. Kelsey Copenhaver was a major contributor in that frame, posting six points and four rebounds.
The Mohawks climbed back into the game in the second, closing the gap to 30-21 at halftime. Fouls plagued Hart in the third quarter as the game slowed down immensely. Morley Stanwood shot 18 free throws compared to Hart’s four, making things even tighter.
With a 35-33 lead at the start of the fourth, Hart ran isolation for Copenhaver, putting the Mohawks’ post player in foul trouble and opening opportunities for other Pirates to get involved.
“Despite the disparity in fouls and free throws, the girls battled and made winning plays,” Hart coach Travis Rosema said. “It’s important that we learn from our failures and get better for the weeks ahead.”
Copenhaver had 14 points and 10 rebounds to finish the night with a double-double. Addi Hovey added 12 points, five rebounds, five assists and five steals while Reese Smith had nine points and Abby Hicks had 10 rebounds.
Hart (14-4, 10-0 WMC Rivers) will look to push its current win streak to three when they host Lake City on Wednesday.
