Hart's six-game win streak to open the season ended in a very close 64-61 loss to Fremont Thursday, a game matching two of the better teams in the respective divisions of the West Michigan Conference.
The Pirates likely went to the locker room afterward regretting their missed chances at the free throw line, where they made only 6-of-18 attempts.
A back-and-forth fourth quarter featured several lead changes, with Jagger Lenon's consecutive three-pointers putting Hart ahead 54-53 late in the game. He had 15 points, all on treys. However, the Packers were able to get back ahead in the final minutes and hang on for the win.
Hart's Lorenzo Furlan (21) and Caleb Ackley exchange a greeting between plays during Friday's game against Fremont. The Pirates lost a close battle, 64-61.
Photo by Lindsey VanDerZanden
Hart led early in the game, 18-11, before Fremont stormed back to turn the contest into the slugfest it became. The Packers scored 11 straight points during the second quarter to take a slim 28-26 lead at halftime, and the teams battled back and forth the rest of the night.
Caleb Ackley scored 14 points and had 16 rebounds for the Pirates, and Kolton Rockwell also scored 14 points. Coach Nick Bronsema credited Miguel Escamilla with "amazing defense" to go with his six points.
"Though the final seconds didn't
fall their way, this team showed tremendous character in a game that
could have easily gone either direction," Bronsema said.
