Boys Varsity Basketball: Hart crushes rival Shelby

January 23, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Squires Chiropractic, Smith & Eddy Insurance, and VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals.

HART — The Hart Pirates defeated cross-county rival Shelby Tigers Thursday evening 73-30.

“Hart overpowered rival Shelby in all phases of the game,” said Hart Coach Nick Bronsema.

Able to build a 42-17 point at the half, Hart ramped up the defense in the second half holding the Tigers to only 13 second half points.

Leading the way for the Pirates on both sides of the court was Miguel Escamilla posting an almost triple double with 13 points, 10 assists, 8 rebounds, along with 5 steals. Other top Pirate players included Caleb Ackley who had 19 points, 8 rebounds; Kolton Rockwell with 15 points, 8 rebounds; Jagger Lenon (first game back from injury) with 11 points and Luke Vanderwilk with 10 points.

“This was the closest we have played as a team all year,” Bronsema said. “We are finding our roles and showing a willingness to sacrifice for the good of the team.”

“We tried to hang with them by working hard in the first quarter but their pressure and physicality wore us down quickly thereafter,” said Shelby Coach Rick Zoulek. “No excuses but we played a really physical game last night in montague for a hard earned win.  We just didn’t have the physical or mental stamina to fight a good hart team tonight.  We hope to rest up and regroup for a normal Tuesday and Friday week of basketball next week.”

Score by the quarters:

  • HHS: 20, 22, 23, 8 = 73
  • SHS: 11, 6, 4, 9 = 30

 

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