Hopkins boys made a solid second half run at Grand Rapids Northpointe Christian Tuesday night, but eventually fell four points short in a 59-55 O-K Silver Conference loss.
Northpointe is the only team this year that has beaten Silver leader Wyoming Godwin Heights, ranked No. 3 in the latest statewide Class B poll. Godwin and Northpointe currently are tied for the league lead with 8-1 records.
The Vikings fell behind 16-8 at the close of the first quarter and 28-17 at intermission before making the ballgame tighter. They outscored the Mustangs 19-15 in the third period to cut their deficit to single digits.
Sharp-shooting senior guard Ryan Pierce led Hopkins with 17 points. Tyler Baker had 18 points and Preston Huckaby 10 for Northpointe.
The Vikings now are 8-11 overall and 4-5 in league play. They will close out the regular season at home Friday evening against Kelloggsville at 6 p.m.
PHOTO: Ryan Pierce
