The Hopkins b
oys’ varsity basketball team continues its torrid winning pace after that really awful 0-5 start.
Coach Darrin Smith’s Vikings for the first time this season are sporting a winning overall record, now at 8-7 after a 60-51 triumph over Plainwell. That means they’ve won eight of their last 10 contests.
Hopkins spotted the Trojans by four points, 18-14, at the close of the first eight minutes, but went on a 14-6 burst in the second period to mount a 28-24 advantage at intermission.
They went wild offensively in the third stanza with 23 points and were up 51-42 to start the last quarter.
Senior forward Tyler Schulz, who has been somewhat quiet in the scoring department, regained some his offensive prowess by tallying 17 points to lead the Vikings. Senior guard Ryan Pierce, who has been on a particularly hot streak with his three-point shooting of late, contributed 12 points and Isaac Kukulies and Grant Stevens both had nine.
E.J. Finch had 19 points and Hogan Yaw 14 for the Tigers.
Hopkins has an important battle at Grandville Calvin Christian Friday evening at 6 p.m. The Vikings are fighting for third place in the O-K Silver Conference behind state-ranked Wyoming Godwin Heights and NorthPointe Christian.
PHOTO: Tyler Schulz (24), scoring here against Allegan despite getting slapped in the face, netted 17 points to pace Hopkins past Plainwell. Jake Sytsma is at left.
