Boys Varsity Basketball: Hart tops MCC in final conference game

February 19, 2026

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Photos by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief

SCOTTVILLE — The Hart Pirates defeated the Mason County Central Spartans Thursday 60-49 in both teams’ final season game. It was also their final West Michigan Conference Rivers Division game as well.

“Tonight was a special night for our program as we were able to celebrate our senior players and everything they have contributed,” said MCC Coach Chris VanderHaag. “The guys came into the game with great energy and focus from the start.

“Hart is always a tough matchup for us. They have good size and play a very physical style, but that’s the type of challenge our group embraces. I thought our guys competed extremely hard all night, and our defensive effort and intensity were right where they needed to be.

“Our seniors really stepped up and played well tonight. Grayden Etchison had a great game on both ends of the floor and continues to be an important defensive piece for us. Cole VanderHaag showed his offensive strength by attacking the rim and knocking down some big-time shots, finishing with 18 points and 6 rebounds.”

Hart Coach Nick Bronsema said the game wasn’t an easy win for the Pirates.

“Luke Vanderwilk wasn’t perfect and neither were his Pirate teammates on Mason County Central’s senior night,” Bronsema said. “However, they did do the things they could control perfectly. And with the home team playing inspired ball. It was the constant effort, attitude, and being a great teammate that eventually won the game.

“MCC has gotten better over the course of the season, which is a tribute to their coach and credit to their student athletes for continuing to believe and work hard. It’s not usually a good sign when you’re playing on a senior night. It tends to bring out the best in the kids who they (that given team) are celebrating. It was another awesome environment to play in and I’m super proud of our kids’ response to adverse situations tonight!”

Hart’s Vanderwilk had a coming out party while displaying his whole game seemingly scoring in all different ways. Even more eye opening were his 13 rebounds which shows you what he is capable of with his energy and effort.

“It wasn’t all Vanderwilk,” Bronsema said. “Senior Caleb Ackley stuffed the stat sheet again with an all around game scoring 17 points while grabbing 10 rebounds and

dishing out 6 assists. Sophomore Kolton Rockwell scored 13 points respectfully. Senior Miguel Escamilla ran the show nicely at both ends of the court.”

MCC scorers:

Cole VanderHaag, 18
Grayden Etchison, 9
Michael Chye, 5
Bode Etchison, 2
Pierce Bladzik, 3
Brandon Peters, 2
Trent Hawke, 10

Hart scorers:

Jagger Lenon, 8
Miguel Escamilla, 4
Kolton Rockwell, 13
Luke VanderWilk, 18
Caleb Ackley, 17

Score by the quarters:

MCC: 18, 11, 6, 14 = 49
HHS: 14, 15, 18, 13 = 60

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