LocalSportsJournal.com
The Hart Pirates employed a man-to-man defense for the entire game on Thursday night and defeated Mason County Central, 53-50.
That strategy was something the Pirates had not done all season on the defensive end.
“It was far from perfect, but it proved to be perfect as we got the lead to double digits in the third quarter,” Hart coach Nick Bronsema said.
Bronsema lauded the efforts of senior Chase Gale, whose job was to stop Spartan leading scorer Cole Vanderhaag, who had 11 points through three quarters, but then scored 11 more in the fourth quarter for a 22-point performance.
Blake Weirich led Hart with 24 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Sophomore Caleb Ackley had a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Junior Ty Schlukebir had nine points.
Hart (12-10) will begin district play at 5:30 p.m. Monday against Mason County Central. That game will be played at Manistee.
