Photos by Scott Robar for CatchMark
Hart’s girls basketball team learned Tuesday night that it can hang with one of the state’s top programs in Division 3.
The Pirates, who aim to be a top team themselves, erupted for 26 third-quarter points and had back-to-back Division 3 state runner-up Kent City reeling a bit.
But, showing its championship pedigree, host Kent City answered with a couple 3-pointers early in the fourth quarter to wipe out a five-point deficit and go on to a 58-52 nonleague victory.
If both teams manage to win their districts, then they could potentially meet in the regional.
A slow start by Hart (4-1) and timely shooting by Kent City (4-2) proved the difference. The Pirates fell behind 15-6 through one quarter before playing the Eagles even in the second quarter (10-10).
Hart surged past Kent City with a 26-12 third quarter for a 42-37 lead, but the Eagles outscored the Pirates 19-10 over the final eight minutes.
Addi Hovey paced Hart with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Aspen Boutell scored 13 points for the Pirates, while Abby Hicks had 11 points, 14 rebounds and five assists.
Madelyn Geers led Kent City with 23 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Lexie Bowers finished with 19 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks for the Eagles, while Hailey Kamphuis had 11 points.
